The Truth
About Denominationalism
by: Ivie Powell
Indeed truth is a precious commodity. As a matter of fact, we Americans insist on knowing the truth. Whether it be information regarding an automobile, land, cattle, purchasing a house to the number of fat grams a product has, we want to know the truth. However, when it comes to religious truth, for some reason that seems to be a different matter all together. Why? Either we don't believe truth is attainable, or we have accepted the philosophy that man is left to his own discretion as to what constitutes truth. So, each person chooses the religion of his choice.
Those who accept the Scriptures as being inspired of God (2 Timothy 3:16) believe that truth is attainable for Jesus clearly said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). As to what constitutes truth, once again the Scriptures informs us, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). The word of God does not teach two or more opposing views with the idea of choosing the one that best suits your likes and dislikes. For example, Jesus announced to Peter, "And I say also unto thee, That thou are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18). Note carefully Jesus did not say he would build a church or churches, but "my church," singular. Luke says, "...And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). Paul reinforces the singularity of the church in Ephesians 1:22-23, "And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all." Again, he says, "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-5). Therefore, the only choice man has is that of accepting or rejecting the Lord's church, the church of Christ (Romans 16:16).
In an effort to justify and explain denominationalism many will make the following arguments:
Romans 16:16 mentions the "churches of Christ" and Revelation 1:4 John refers to "church" all of which indicates that there were different churches or denominations in existence.
Four men are in route to Memphis, TN from Springfield, MO. One goes by plane, another by automobile, third by bus and the fourth by motorcycle. Each is traveling by different means, but all will end up a the same destination only they are traveling by different means.
Some will try to make Mark 9:38 teach that Christ encouraged and tolerated different religious groups.
There are many other arguments put forth to try and justify the existence of denominationalism. However, all of these arguments clearly demonstrates the philosophy of whatever pleases man surely ought to please God. They ignore the New Testament Scriptures as the sole authority in religious matters (Colossians 3:17)! As for Romans 16:16 and Revelation 1:4, "churches" has reference to different congregations of the Lord's church and not to different groups started by men with conflicting doctrines. Concerning taking different routes to heaven, Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6). There is just one way to heaven which is set forth in God's word. A careful examination of Mark 9:38 will reveal that the expression, "he followeth us not" means he did not accompany Jesus and the twelve. He was performing genuine miracles and no man could do so unless Jesus had given him such power! Therefore, he was a disciple of Christ, but was not in their immediate company. There is absolutely no parallel between this account and the existence of denominationalism!!!
Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits..." (Matthew 7:15-16). A brief consideration of denominationalism reveals the following fruits:
Denominationalism violates the prayer of Jesus for unity (John 17:20-21).
Denominationalism violates the plea of the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Denominationalism creates infidelity. Instead of building faith, denominationalism destroys faith! Untold numbers have turned in disgust over the divided state of the religious world, and without question, denominationalism is the contributing factor. Atheists have long recognized the inconsistency of denominationalism and if effect have asked, "If all of your claim to follow the Bible and the one God of heaven, then why are all of you divided?"
Denominationalism exalts human opinion over God's truth. It binds where God has not and looses where God has not allowed. Instead of accepting the Scriptures as the infallible guide (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 3:17), the likes and dislikes of men becomes the criteria for accepting or rejecting certain doctrines. A classic example of this is, "I don't care what the Bible says, I don't believe it is necessary to be baptized." Denominationalism actually encourages and promotes divisions!
Denominationalism instills a false sense of security. Literally millions honestly believe all is well with their soul because they have joined a denomination and are zealous in their devotion and duty.
Beloved, I say this kindly, but every diligent student of the Bible knows that Paul was not a Baptist, nor Peter a Roman Catholic or John a Methodist. They were all members of the one church you read about in the Bible - the church of Christ. It is the sincere plea of churches of Christ for all men to lay aside their creeds, manuals, disciplines, confessionals and catechisms and follow only the Bible. To be a Christian and not a member of anything other than the church of the New Testament.