Non-Denominational Christianity
by Tim Haile
There are several things wrong with denominationalism. The most obvious problem is suggested in the very word - denomination. The word literally means division, or a part of the whole. Let the reader understand that there is nothing wrong with different churches existing in different localities, however there is something very wrong when these different churches preach and practice conflicting faiths. Since the Bible says there is only "one faith" (Ephesians 4:5), we must conclude that either some or all of these conflicting groups are not following God's New Testament pattern.
The Bible forthrightly condemns division. "Divisions" and "heresies" are works of the flesh they will keep people out of Heaven (Galatians 5:20-21). God condemned this behavior in 1st century Corinth. From 1 Corinthians 1:11-13 we learn that the church had splintered into factions, each respective group professing loyalty to some party leader. Some would say, "I am of Paul," others would say "I am of Peter," or "I am of Apollos." In much the same way, many today will profess to be "Baptists," "Methodists," or "Presbyterians." Paul described this divisive, party spirit mentality as being "carnal" (1 Corinthians 3:1-3). What can be done to solve the confusion and correct the division? The Bible answers this question. It tells us that brethren can only "walk together" when they "agree" with each other. There must be a common standard of faith and conduct, and the Bible is just that standard!
Just one verse earlier in 1 Corinthians 1, Paul gave the solution to the sin of division. He wrote, "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 divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Corinthians 1:10). How can this be accomplished? What object can so attract the attention and devotion of believers that it can draw them together into scriptural unity? Philippians 3:16 says, "Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing." Believers must "walk by the same rule" in order to achieve and maintain unity.
Jesus' unity prayer sheds a great deal of light on this subject, emphasizing the sinfulness of Protestant denominationalism. Jesus said, [20] "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on me through their word. [21] 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 17:20-21). Please notice the thing that Jesus said was the basis of scriptural unity - the Apostles' "word" was to serve as the foundation of unity. It should certainly be no surprise that the very first thing that believers were said to "continue steadfastly in" was the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42).
Thus the very existence of denominationalism is a testimony to its sinfulness. It flies in the face of all the Bible says about true unity. It reflects the fact that many people of today have behaved as first century Jews, forsaking the right ways of the Lord and "going about to establish their own righteousness" (Rom. 10:3). What can be done? "Return ye unto God" (Hosea 7:10). "Look for the old paths, and walk therein" (Jeremiah 6:16).
Denominationalism = Compromise
There is another problem with denominationalism. It breeds a spirit of compromise. Most religious people pride themselves in their willingness to overlook the doctrinal, moral and ethical differences they have with their religious neighbors. But is there anything noble about compromising God's word? Should people really feel good about overlooking sinful practices and rebellion against God?
This misconception is not a new problem. The Bible tells us that members of the Corinthian church took pride in their willingness to tolerate the sinful practice of fornication by a fellow member (1 Corinthians 5:1-2). Was God pleased with their tolerant disposition? Absolutely not! Paul told them that their glorying was not good and that a "little yeast works through the whole batch of dough" (1 Corinthians 5:6). The entire congregation would be condemned for tolerating that which God refused to tolerate! Are we stronger, or more forgiving than God? Do we have the right to overlook things that God refuses to overlook? It is the very height of arrogance for one to think reason that he possesses such ability.
The Bible says sinful doctrines and practices are to be exposed, not fellowshipped (Ephesians 5:11). We do not have God's permission to forgive, accept and fellowship those who refuse to repent of their sinful practices (Luke 17:2-3). This passage tells us to forgive those who repent. God will not forgive the impenitent (Romans 2:5), and we must not think that our ability to do so is stronger than God's (1 Corinthians 10:22).
Denominationalism should not be perceived as a credit to religious ingenuity. It only exists because too many people have taken too many liberties with God's word. The defenders of denominationalism may see themselves as just following different paths to the same eternal reward. They may see themselves as all being a part of the one true Church that was built by Jesus (Matthew 16:17-19), when actually, their practice contradicts everything Jesus intended His Church to stand for!
The universal church is not made up of denominational churches, neither is it is made up of divisive rebels who refuse to accept the whole truth of the gospel. The universal church is composed of individual saints who are committed to denying themselves, taking up their cross and following Jesus (Luke 9:23). They were "delivered from the power of darkness and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son" as a result of having "obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered to them" (Col. 1:13; Rom. 6:17, 3-4). They "continued steadfastly" in this doctrine, realizing that their fellowship with God is contingent upon their "abiding in the doctrine of Christ" (Acts 2:42; 2 John 9). Denominationalism breaks the yoke of God's word and compromises doctrinal purity. It makes divided believers feel good about their division. It stifles open discussion of genuine differences and eliminates the need for repentance. Denominationalism is wrong.
Tim Haile
7693 Russellville Rd.
Bowling Green, KY. 42101