Denominationalism

I was recently given a link to a page entitled, What Denominationalism Does to Christ. The writer lists the following points:

• Denominationalism mocks Jesus' prayer for unity.
• Denominationalism produces unbelief.
• Makes Christ a contradictory Lord.
• Denominationalism makes Christ a hypocritical Lord.
• Denominationalism presents Christ as unfair and unjust.
• Makes Christ the author of confusion.
• Denominationalism makes Jesus an incompetent Lord.

This post is not directed to the individual, which gave me the link, but just my thoughts in reference to the writer of the original page.

First, may we simply define a denomination as a religious group, made of local churches, set apart by doctrinal and theological differences, concerning the Scriptures, from another?

The writer, under Denominationalism makes Jesus an incompetent Lord, notes “the problem is not the Lord's inability, but the problem is man's unwillingness to accept what is taught in the Bible.” To this, I agree 100%, and this is why we have denominationalism.

Denominations set themselves apart, by what they teach and how they act, toward God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Scriptures.

Yes, Scripture declares [Ephesians 4]:
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

The problem is not with the Scriptures, and the Spirit revealing the truth to us, but with men refusing to obey that which is true in Scripture as taught by the Spirit. We trade tradition, experience, and emotion over comparing Scripture with Scripture.

Interestingly, the writer gives no “corrective action”, per say, to rid the world of denominations, but to hold on to only the true teachings of Christianity, according to Scripture. I assume we are all to follow him or his pastor and teachings.

I would not say that Denominationalism mocks Jesus' prayer for unity, but shows indeed there was a reason that Christ prayed. In these times “evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers” should have been preaching to man the Scripture without error, but they have not all done so – nor have the people with “itching ears” wanted it as such – therefore we have divisions within the faith, which Christ Himself will correct.

I would not say that Denominationalism produces unbelief, for we are born in unbelief, and that is why we are called on to believe. One is not called on to believe in a denomination, but in Christ, the Savior, for the forgiveness of sin.

I would not say that Denominationalism Makes Christ a contradictory Lord, for it is man who contradicts Scripture in error, and not Christ, whom is true and righteous in all accounts.

I would not say that Denominationalism makes Christ a hypocritical Lord, for it is man who is hypocritical, when he refuses to acknowledge and preach the true Word of God, when it goes against his own ideas, desires, emotions, and experiences.

I would not say that Denominationalism presents Christ as unfair and unjust, for it is man who changes the pure words of God into a lie, by incorporating their own thoughts over that which is expressed by the Holy Spirit.

I would not say that Denominationalism Makes Christ the author of confusion, for it is man who is the author of confusion. Both the man that preaches a lie (whether knowing or unknowingly) and the man (who claims to be saved) that is too lazy to have a personal relationship with Christ, and love the Scriptures.

I would not say that Denominationalism makes Jesus an incompetent Lord, for it is man who is incompetent concerning the Scriptures.

Denominationalism is a reflection on the corrupt nature of man, not the perfection of Christ. How can one say that denominationalism has led to confusion and unbelief, when it was actually the unbelief and confusion, concerning Scripture, of professing Christians which has led to denominationalism?

How then can one suppose that we rid this world of denominationalism, and be immediately joined in the unity of the faith? Ah, by adhering to Scripture and being obedient to the voice of the Holy Spirit, over emotion, experience, and tradition. Surely this is something Christ Himself will set in order when He returns.

Truly it is written, “let God be true, but everyman a liar.”