Denominationalism: From God or man?
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
One of the major problems that existed in the city of Corinth in the first century was division!
Paul wrote by inspiration, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that
you all speak the same thing, and that there be no division among you; but that you be perfectly
joined together in the same? mind and in the same judgment” (I Corinthians 1:10).
Some in Corinth called themselves followers of Paul; others of Cephas (Peter) and still others Apollos (1:12). In verse 13, Paul asked, “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”
Perhaps, these same questions need to be asked today! Was Martin Luther or John Calvin crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of John Smythe or John Wesley? I am reminded of Jesus’ words, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
Denominationalism (the teaching of men) brings about division, not unity; therefore it could not be from God.
One of the purposes of unity is to make believers. Denominations do not bring about unity!
Shortly before his death on the cross, Jesus prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also
which shall believe on me through their word, That they may all be one; as thou, Father, art in me,
and I in thee, that they may also be one in us: That the world may believe that Thou hast sent me” (John 17:20,21).
Unity makes believers! Just as unity results in belief, division results in unbelief. When people see hundreds of conflicting religious groups (churches), all claiming to be right, all claiming to follow the Bible, many throw up their hands in confusion!
One group teaches “faith only” while another group teaches that “faith alone” in not sufficient. One teaches “that baptism is necessary to be saved” while another teaches “baptism is not necessary to to be saved.” Yet, all of these claim to get their teaching from the Bible. The Bible does NOT teach conflicting doctrines nor contain any contradictions. Denominationalism is from man – NOT God!
The Bible commands unity and condemns division. “Behold, how good and how pleasant
it is for brethren to dwell together in unity” (Psalms 133:1).
Paul said, “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Philippians 3:16).
The apostles and other gospel preachers in the first century preached Jesus Christ (I Corinthians
1:23; 2:2) and their plea was for unity among believers. Division was condemned, and there were
NO denominations!
Join with us as we seek to go back to the Bible and do Bible things in Bible ways and call
Bible things by Bible names. Our desire is to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where
the Bible is silent. Let’s leave our human names, creeds, traditions, confessionals, catechisms, and
manuals and accept the Bible as our complete guide (2 Timothy 3:16,17). Let’s wear the name
Christian (Acts 11:26) and not denominational names. Let’s follow God and not man and all work
together for unity!
Visit with us Sunday at the Rockford Church of Christ on Highway 231 near Dollar General,
9:00 for Bible study and 10:00 for worship. Send questions or comments to: Dabass1962@bellsouth.net.
