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What Do You Believe About Denominationalism?
Many applaud it, but is it consistent with the teaching of the Bible? One definition is, “a disposition to divide into or form denominations.” With so many religious denominations today, it deserves careful examination. Paul stated regarding our spiritual fidelity, that we “Examine yourself, whether you be in the faith.” 2 Cor. 13:5. John says, “Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” 1Jo. 4:1. Do we believe that every doctrine or practice comes from one of two sources, either man or God? The Bible teaches us that “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17. Therefore, what we believe must have its foundation in God’s word. If what we believe and practice is not found in the Bible, then it does not produce the “one faith” of Eph, 4:4 and after examination of our self, we are not “in the faith.”
So then, we must ask ourselves, is religious denominationalism from man or God? It is from MAN! Division of those who believe in Christ is exactly the opposite of what our Lord prayed for! Jo.17:20-21. The Lord’s body (His church) cannot be denominated, if so, Jesus would have built denominations when He built His church, Matt. 16:18. The entire concept is absurd because the body is one, Rom. 12:4-5, and "there is one body," Eph. 4:4! Who then will suggest that we slice the body into smaller segments, if it were possible? Religious division of the denominational kind (or any other type) is condemned by Paul in 1Cor. 1:10. The concept of “same or one mind” is used 8 times in the New Testament. Denominationalism does not reflect this spirit. It rather reflects a disposition of union which is nothing more than agreeing that disagreeing is acceptable. Does this sound like, “one mind, or same judgment?”
The fact is, denominationalism is much-admired because it is designed and sustained to satisfy the wishes of men, not God. Statements or contrasts like “my faith,” “your faith,” “my church,” “your church,” “our denomination,” etc. show the possessive nature of this doctrine. Imitating Biblical vocabulary demands that we speak of “His church,” or “His body,” and never use possessive pronouns to define what belongs to Christ. Jesus died to purchase the Church, Acts 20:28. It belongs to Jesus and the whole divine economy is sustained by a King who lives and reigns forever. On the other hand, denominationalism was built, and is controlled and sustained by man. He who applauds denominationalism, applauds religious division which is anarchy against the King who has “all power in Heaven and Earth,” Matt. 28:18. Who would want to stand face to face with King Jesus in the judgment and be found guilty of overriding His rule? To create another religion, faith, or church as men have been doing for centuries, not only overrides His rule but says the Lord died for a church that could been improved upon!
Friends, authority in religion must be left to God. God did not confer with man when establishing His divine plan before the foundation of the world. He is not interested in what you or I think in regard to this, much less whether or not we might prefer another arrangement. God knows that man does not possess the capacity to "walk and direct his own steps," Jer.10:23. Submit therefore to God, and He will exalt you in due time. Think about it. Mark Pape
