1. Denominationalism Why are there so many denominations and is there a right one? (The Southern Illinoisan, June 26, 2004)

2. Clergy Comment (Philip Nordstrom, Christ Community Church) “ I am sure to the average seeker it is confusing to look in the yellow pages for a church and find so many denominations to choose from. Each church has its own distinctives that make it unique. Some churches believe that baptism should occur when a child is very young. Other churches feel that a person should make that decision on their own when they are capable of choosing. ”…

3. …“ Some denominations emphasize the present usage of al of the ‘ gifts ’ of the spirit, while other denominations relegate some of these gifts to church history. These differences have to do with the origins of the denomination and how these denominations interpret scripture. On these and other issues, Christians must agree to disagree. “ The good news for the seeker is that there is much more agreement among churches than there are differences. Most of us who call ourselves Christians believe in the virgin birth of Jesus, His sinless life, death on the cross for our sins, and resurrection …”

4. …“ from the dead. We believe that Jesus is coming again. “ No denomination has a corner on truth. Believing that one denomination is the only way is sometimes called ‘ denominationalism. ” I think a Baptist pastor I heard once put it best. ‘ Denominationalism is dead, ’ he said, ‘ But denominations will remain because people need a bucket to put their theology in. ’ “ I believe there are genuine Christians in every denomination. There are many denominations because there are many kinds of people and we all see things from a little different angle …”

5. …“ The Apostle Paul put it this way, ‘ Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror, then we shall see face to face. ” (1 Cor. 13:12). “ None of us have all the answers, but the Christian church can point you to Jesus who is “ the truth, the life, and the way. ” (John 14:6). Be suspicious of anyone who claims to have perfect theology. Christianity is not adhering to a perfect set of beliefs, it is a relationship with our risen Lord. We may have different understandings of some of the finer points of scripture, but we can be brothers and sisters without being twins. ”

6. “Each church has its own distinctives that make it unique.” First, only one church (cf. Ephesians 4:4; 1:23; Matt. 16:18, “ My church ” Second, in the same place we are told that there is one body, we are told there is one faith (Ephesians 4:5) Instead of “ distinctives ”, Paul begged the Corinthians to all “ speak the same thing (1 Corinthians 1:10)

7. 1 Corinthians 1:10 “ Now I plead with 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. ”

8. “These differences have to do with the origins of the denomination and how these denominations interpret scripture.” This statement is true. However, the very fact that denominations originated after the first century indicates that they have no standing as the New Testament church. Interpretation of Scripture: Paul wrote, “… when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ ” (Eph. 3:4)

9. “On these and other issues, Christians must agree to disagree.” Concept, Unity in Diversity. Who says so? Note that he has no scripture to back his contention. Bible does not teach unity in Diversity. Rather, unity based upon all speaking the same thing! John 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 John 9-11

10. John 17:20-21 “ I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; {21} "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. ”

11. 1 Corinthians 1:10 “ Now I plead with 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. ”

12. 2 John 9-11 “ Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. {10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; {11} for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. ”

13. “No denomination has a corner on truth.” A true statement, but reveals a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of truth. The church is not the origin of truth, only the defender of it. “ Contend earnestly for the faith once for all delivered to the saints ” (Jude 3) (Delivered by Holy Spirit) If a church is not defending the truth, its reason for existing can not be successfully established.

14. “Believing that one denomination is the only way is sometimes called ‘denominationalism.’” Revisionist history. Change the definition. Denominations come about because men depart from truth. And now an appeal to truth is termed “ denominationalism ” There is only one “ way ”, and that is the way of truth. “ And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free ” (John 8:32)

15. “I believe there are genuine Christians in every denomination.” Again, no scripture to back up his contention. If denominationalism is sinful, to embrace the concept endangers your standing with God (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 John 9-11)

16. Galatians 1:6-9 “ I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, {7} which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. {8} But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. {9} As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed. ”

17. 2 John 9-11 “ Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. {10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; {11} for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. ”

18. “We can be brothers and sisters without being twins.” Rather, doctrinally, that is what God expects of us. “ For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren ” (Romans 8:29). (Philippians 2:1-2)

19. Philippians 2:1-2 “ Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, {2} fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ”

20. Conclusion The existence of the modern denominations, though almost universally accepted as from God, in reality is indefensible from scripture!