Answering the Justification of Denominations

Vines and Branches John 15:1-8 Some advocate that Jesus is the vine, and various branches are different denominations (They may use the same reasoning with 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 stating body parts represent different denominations or congregations)

Vines and Branches John 15:1-8 Answer: Consider the context – Jesus speaking to His apostles. It is a reference to individuals, not congregations. When a tree bears fruit, does each branch bear the same type of fruit? Were the apostles united in their message? My words abide in you (vs. 7) – denominations product of men

Different routes to heaven Answer: If anything is clearly taught in scripture it is that there is only ONE way! John 14:6, I am THE way Matthew 7:13-14, the way to heaven is NARROW (confined, restricted) Proverbs 14:12, way that seems right to men Galatians 2:21, did Jesus need to die?

Different routes to heaven Answer: Where in the New Testament are different doctrines taught as acceptable? Galatians 1:6-9, “another gospel” Revelation 2:14-16, 18-21, both condemned for tolerating error

Different routes to heaven Answer: Jesus died on a cross to bring us together, not splinter us into different groups 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:1-4 - no divisions, carnal attitudes Ephesians 2:14-16, Jesus wants agreement, peace and reconciliation

Different routes to heaven Answer: Furthermore, this makes belief about what we want. We can pick and choose (or even create) which one we want Jeremiah 6:16 - ask for the old paths… NOTE: Virtually all who seek to defend denominationalism admit it was NOT so during NT days.

We agree on key concepts A list may be produced of the things we need to agree on: 1) God 2) Jesus died and arose 3) Bible is the inspired word of God 4) You need to believe in Him… ALL other matters are left to our own discretion.

We agree on key concepts Answer: Question: WHO gets to choose which concepts are key? Matthew 7:21-23 – Not enough to acknowledge Him Ephesians 4:4-6, 7 “ones” – how about this list? Hebrews 6:1-2, what about this list?

We agree on key concepts Answer: Paul taught the same in every church , 1 Corinthians 4:17 Galatians 1:8-9, note the warning. One teaching a “different gospel” is to be accursed. Paul in Galatians addresses that different gospel – binding the Old Law

All denominations teach some truth Answer: Maybe so, but HOW much truth is enough? Atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, may teach or hold to “some truth” Acts 20:27, Romans 15:19, Paul taught the “whole counsel of God” Luke 18:22, you lack “one thing” James 2:10, stumble in one point

All denominations teach some truth Thought: By saying this are you acknowledging that some of what you are teaching may not be true? Matthew 15:9, doctrines of men, vain worship 1 Corinthians 2:1-5, Paul determined to only preach, “Christ and Him crucified.”

Good people in all churches Answer: I am not questioning the integrity or sincerity of anyone But WHO gets to determine good? Mere goodness does not save Romans 3:9-10, 23, there is none good before God Let’s assume a definition of society (which is HIGHLY subjective) – what about the atheist, Muslim, etc.?

Good people in all churches Answer: Acts 10:1-2, 6; 11:14, Cornelius was a good man, but not saved Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 3:23-26, we need the blood of Jesus and God’s grace to be saved. Furthermore, this argument DOESN’T even address denominationalism

Saved people in all churches Answer: Who gets to define salvation? There are many different plans of salvation, do they matter? The Bible teaches there is only ONE plan – Ephesians 4:5 ONE faith, ONE baptism

Saved people in all churches Answer: Most denominations teach “faith only” which will not save one – James 2:24 How many ignore the necessity of baptism? Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16, Acts 22:16, Galatians 3:27, etc. Again, this argument really doesn’t make the case for denominationalism. Doesn’t address what the church is!

One church is as good as another Typically this is what is actually meant. “Join the church of your choice” Answer: Question: IS the church important? Matthew 16:18, Acts 20:28, Ephesians 5:25, 1:22-23, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Ephesians 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 14:33, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 4:17, Ephesians 4:1-3

One church is as good as another Answer: THEN, I would ask. IF this is true, for the sake of unity, would you be willing to abandon your church? Most actually believe their church is better than others (especially for them) What about doctrinal contradictions? Where do you draw that line? WHY?

One church is as good as another Answer: This is ecumenicalism – the advocacy of accepting all – dismisses the importance of the church and unity therein! This makes the church about what YOU want, whether God approves of it or not!

Let us seek to find and be the church of Christ’s choice!