PASTOR’S CORNER
Division And Denominationalism
We must ask ourselves two questions. First, is denominationalism something new, and
secondly, what is the body of Christ? If there is only one body, how can there be many
denominations? This means that there are several bodies. The Scriptures are very clear that there
is one body. If we are truly believers and followers of Jesus, then we have been baptized or
clothed with Christ and, therefore, we belong to the one body. Jesus says in 1 Corinthians 12:13,
“For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” So let’s take a look back in history and
see if denominationalism is something new. According to Julius Scott, some ancient sources,
including the New Testament, use the word, “hairesis,” to describe such groups as the Pharisees,
Sadducees, and Essenes. These groups are non-conforming sects whose views are wrong. In our
western world, the words heresy and sect suggest an unacceptable belief or doctrine. In reality,
the Greek word “hairesis,” literally means a division, or opinion. This word can also mean a
heretical group. When we use the Greek word, “hairesis,” pertaining to the Pharisees, Sadducees,
and the Essenses, the word would more accurately be translated as party, group, or denomination.
We have now answered the first question: “Is denominationalism something new?” The
answer is no. As far back as the time of Christ, there has been divisions in belief systems. The
sad thing is that people focus more on the system, instead of on the Savior. We have allowed
customs, traditions, and teachings of man to stand in the way of God’s truth. So what is the
truth? This truth will be answered in the next question of “What is the body of Christ?” Simply
answered, the body of Christ is the church, the one true church. We have heard the word,
“Catholic,” and in reality, the word simply means united, so, in fact, we should be a Catholic
church, but not the Roman Catholic church that this word brings to our mind. It is the church
that Christ bought with His own blood (Acts 20:28-35). The church is not a building, but the
group of people worldwide that have received Jesus Christ as their Savior.
Denominationalism separates us and tears us apart, rather than unifying and building us
up. We are told to be of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit and intent on
one purpose. This is what the church, the body of Christ should look like. We are to be one, not
many. We are to have the same mind, that Jesus Christ is Lord. We are to love like Christ has
commanded us to love, “We are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, and mind.” (Matt.
22:37). We are also to love our neighbor as we love ourselves (Matt. 22:39). Denominationalism
has come into our world, because we live in a fallen world, and Satan is the god of this
generation (2 Corinthians 4:4). He has placed seeds of doubt in the mind of man, just like he did
with Adam and Eve. We are to remain in the truth of God and test the Scriptures daily to see if
things are so, ( Acts 17:11). We are also to hold to the teaching of Christ. In 2 Thessalonians
2:15, it says, “So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught,
whether by word of the mouth or by letter from us.” The Scriptures have not changed. God’s
Word is preserved in heaven, and it never changes; therefore, we should never try to change it.
The Bible gives a strong warning against this. It says in Galatians 1:8, “But even if we, or an
angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he
is to be accursed.” We are also told in Revelation 22:18-19, that we are not to add to or take away
from the Word of God. This is why there are so many denominations. They have changed God’s
word to fit a denominational need; they have created their own god and placed God in a box.
They have created a God that is all love, accepts sin, and causes division in the world. I truly feel
sorry for those who teach a false teaching as they will be accursed. What we need to do is get
back to the word of God and its simple message. The Bible tells us in 2 Corinthians 11:3, “But I
am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from
the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ.” We have made the gospel too difficult by adding
rights, and rituals and false teachings to our churches today. Unfortunately, when we speak of
churches in the world today, they truly are just buildings, and not the body of Christ. It is only
the true church that is the body of Christ and not made up of buildings, but of people. We must
study the Scriptures to make ourselves approved unto God, so that we may rightly divide God’s
word (2 Tim. 2:15). It is by hearing and hearing the word of God that man will be saved
(Romans 10:17). Nee says, “God’s children should learn to rid the church of problems, not to add
problems to the church.” We all have a part to play in the body of Christ. We are not all the
same; some may be an arm, some a leg, some an eye, but we each serve a purpose, so serve as
God has blessed you to do so. Serve in your local church. Anyabwile says, “Whether your
Christian life began yesterday, or thirty years ago, the Lord’s intent is that you play an active and
vital part in His body, the local church.”
So, in closing, no, denominationalism is nothing new, we can trace it further than the time
of Christ and see it vividly during the reformation, but we need to hold tight to Jesus and
Scripture and nothing more. Secondly, we know that the body of Christ is made up of all
believers worldwide who truly have trusted in Jesus to be their Savior. The true church is the
people, not the building.
Pastor Jeff