Denominationalism

1
Denominationalism

• Why are there so many denominations and is there
  a right one? (The Southern Illinoisan,
  June 26, 2004)

2
Clergy Comment(Philip Nordstrom, Christ
Community Church)

• I am sure to the average seeker it is confusing
  to look in the yellow pages for a church and find
  so many denominations to choose from. Each
  church has its own distinctives that make it
  unique. Some churches believe that baptism
  should occur when a child is very young. Other
  churches feel that a person should make that
  decision on their own when they are capable of
  choosing.

3

• Some denominations emphasize the present usage
  of al of the gifts of the spirit, while other
  denominations relegate some of these gifts to
  church history. These differences have to do
  with the origins of the denomination and how
  these denominations interpret scripture. On
  these and other issues, Christians must agree to
  disagree.
• The good news for the seeker is that there is
  much more agreement among churches than there are
  differences. Most of us who call ourselves
  Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus,
  His sinless life, death on the cross for our
  sins, and resurrection

4

• from the dead. We believe that Jesus is coming
  again.
• No denomination has a corner on truth.
  Believing that one denomination is the only way
  is sometimes called denominationalism. I think
  a Baptist pastor I heard once put it best.
  Denominationalism is dead, he said, But
  denominations will remain because people need a
  bucket to put their theology in.
• I believe there are genuine Christians in every
  denomination. There are many denominations
  because there are many kinds of people and we all
  see things from a little different angle

5

• The Apostle Paul put it this way, Now we see
  but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we
  shall see face to face. (1 Cor. 1312).
• None of us have all the answers, but the
  Christian church can point you to Jesus who is
  the truth, the life, and the way. (John 146).
  Be suspicious of anyone who claims to have
  perfect theology. Christianity is not adhering
  to a perfect set of beliefs, it is a relationship
  with our risen Lord. We may have different
  understandings of some of the finer points of
  scripture, but we can be brothers and sisters
  without being twins.

6
Each church has its own distinctives that make
it unique.

• First, only one church (cf. Ephesians 44 123
  Matt. 1618, My church
• Second, in the same place we are told that there
  is one body, we are told there is one faith
  (Ephesians 45)
• Instead of distinctives, Paul begged the
  Corinthians to all speak the same thing (1
  Corinthians 110)

7
1 Corinthians 110

• Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of
  our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the
  same thing, and that there be no divisions among
  you, but that you be perfectly joined together in
  the same mind and in the same judgment.

8
These differences have to do with the origins of
the denomination and how these denominations
interpret scripture.

• This statement is true. However, the very fact
  that denominations originated after the first
  century indicates that they have no standing as
  the New Testament church.
• Interpretation of Scripture Paul wrote, when
  you read, you may understand my knowledge in the
  mystery of Christ (Eph. 34)

9
On these and other issues, Christians must agree
to disagree.

• Concept, Unity in Diversity. Who says so? Note
  that he has no scripture to back his contention.
• Bible does not teach unity in Diversity. Rather,
  unity based upon all speaking the same thing!
• John 1720-21 1 Cor. 110 2 John 9-11

10
John 1720-21

• I do not pray for these alone, but also for
  those who will believe in Me through their word
  21 "that they all may be one, as You, Father,
  are in Me, and I in You that they also may be
  one in Us, that the world may believe that You
  sent Me.

11
1 Corinthians 110

• Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of
  our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the
  same thing, and that there be no divisions among
  you, but that you be perfectly joined together in
  the same mind and in the same judgment.

12
2 John 9-11

• Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the
  doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who
  abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the
  Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you
  and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive
  him into your house nor greet him 11 for he
  who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

13
No denomination has a corner on truth.

• A true statement, but reveals a fundamental
  misunderstanding of the nature of truth.
• The church is not the origin of truth, only the
  defender of it. Contend earnestly for the faith
  once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3)
  (Delivered by Holy Spirit)
• If a church is not defending the truth, its
  reason for existing can not be successfully
  established.

14
Believing that one denomination is the only way
is sometimes called denominationalism.

• Revisionist history. Change the definition.
• Denominations come about because men depart from
  truth. And now an appeal to truth is termed
  denominationalism
• There is only one way, and that is the way of
  truth. And you shall know the truth, and the
  truth shall make you free (John 832)

15
I believe there are genuine Christians in every
denomination.

• Again, no scripture to back up his contention.
• If denominationalism is sinful, to embrace the
  concept endangers your standing with God
• (Galatians 16-9 2 John 9-11)

16
Galatians 16-9

• I marvel that you are turning away so soon from
  Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a
  different gospel, 7 which is not another but
  there are some who trouble you and want to
  pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we,
  or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel
  to you than what we have preached to you, let him
  be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I
  say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to
  you than what you have received, let him be
  accursed.

17
2 John 9-11

• Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the
  doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who
  abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the
  Father and the Son. 10 If anyone comes to you
  and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive
  him into your house nor greet him 11 for he
  who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

18
We can be brothers and sisters without being
twins.

• Rather, doctrinally, that is what God expects of
  us. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined
  to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He
  might be the firstborn among many brethren
  (Romans 829).
• (Philippians 21-2)

19
Philippians 21-2

• Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ,
  if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the
  Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill
  my joy by being like-minded, having the same
  love, being of one accord, of one mind.

20
Conclusion

• The existence of the modern denominations, though
  almost universally accepted as from God, in
  reality is indefensible from scripture!