“EFFECTS OF DENOMINATIONALISM”
The religious world sees denominationalism as a good thing. Bro. Wayne Jackson in an article in the Christian Courier defined denominationalism as follows, ““The system and ideology founded on the division of the religious population into numerous ecclesiastical bodies, each stressing particular values or traditions and each competing with the other in the same community under substantial conditions of freedom” (Jerald C. Brau-er, Ed., The Westminster Dictionary of Church History, Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1971, pp. 262-263). So we have a religious population that is divided into groups based on their philosophy and beliefs. What are the effects of this?
The effect of this philosophy is division. The very thing that Paul wrote about when he penned, “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 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” (1 Cor. 1:10). Denominationalism is the opposite of the following passage, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Phil. 1:27). How can a religious philosophy that emphasizes division, be acceptable to God, when it is clear from scripture that we are all to be of the same mind? Notice the terminology, “one spirit,” “one mind and “striving together.” The denominational church can’t submit to that verse.
The effect of this philosophy is confusion. Paul wrote, “For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 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” (1 Cor. 1:11). Isn’t it confusing when one person says, “Oh, I’m a Baptist: or “Oh, I’m a Methodist” or “Oh, I’m a Presbyterian” or any other reli-gious name you want to use? Paul very clearly ask this question, “Is Christ divided” (1 Cor. 1:13)? When Paul gave instructions to the Corinthians regarding spiritual gifts, and the problems in that church over them, he wrote to them the following, “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints” (1 Cor. 14:33).
The effect of this philosophy is damnation. Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Mt. 7:21). Jesus said that many would come to him in that day declaring their goodness but he will profess unto them, “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Mt. 7:23). Jesus said, “…Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up” (Mt. 15:13). Only those in Christ church will be saved (Eph. 5:23). Paul declared, “Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father…” (1 Cor. 15:24).
The religious world says, “Oh, this is great!” God says, “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son” (2 John 9).
Larry
