Articles
Why is Denominationalism Division?
Denominationalism is division and the Scriptures teach that division is sinful (Galatians 5:20; Romans 16:17). Here are some reasons why denominationalism is division.
Denominationalism is sinful because it mocks the prayer of Jesus Christ. Jesus prayed, "Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are...Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" (John 17:11, 20-21). Someone may say, "I don't believe that all churches can be one!" Friends, Jesus did not pray a prayer that was vain or that would not or could not be true. Unity is possible! Only through Jesus Christ can we all be one in God.
Denominationalism is sinful because it defies "the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Ephesians 4:3). Paul teaches, "that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (I Corinthians 1:10). Paul told the church at Philippi, "that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27). God does not demand of His people that which they cannot do. WE CAN BE ONE! WE CAN BE UNITED! The trouble is, denominations DO NOT "speak the same thing". Denominations ARE NOT "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment".
Denominationalism is sinful because it exalts human names. The apostle Peter said, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12). Who is Lowell Sallee or ANY OTHER MAN to have a church called by his name? "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" (I Corinthians 1:12-13). Friends let us stop calling ourselves after men. Jesus Christ is not divided. Jesus Christ was crucified for our sins not any man. We are to be baptized in the name of Christ, not in the name or by the authority of men (Colossians 3:17; Matthew 28:18-20). Since Christ died for our sins, and since we are baptized in the name of Christ, we should be Christ's, that is, Christians! The apostle Peter said, "but if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not feel ashamed, but IN THAT NAME (emp mine, LS) let him glorify God" (I Peter 4:16 NAS). What name? CHRISTIAN!
My friend, if you are a part of denominationalism, please consider our lesson today very carefully. "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye seperate, saith the Lord" (2 Corinthians 6:17). We can all be one in Jesus Christ. Jesus pleads, "Come unto me" (Matthew 11:28).
