Why are there so many divisions in the Churches of Christ? Notes available at

Why So Many Divisions? The Churches of Christ are divided — and the division is getting worse, fastThe Churches of Christ are divided — and the division is getting worse, fast The division isn’t really over instruments or liberalism or suchThe division isn’t really over instruments or liberalism or such It’s about the scope of graceIt’s about the scope of grace

Why So Many Divisions? When does grace cover doctrinal error?When does grace cover doctrinal error? Surely some error damnsSurely some error damns But just as surely, not all error damnsBut just as surely, not all error damns Which error is covered by grace?Which error is covered by grace?

Why So Many Divisions? While there are many reasons we divide, the most important one is that we’ve never developed a complete theology of graceWhile there are many reasons we divide, the most important one is that we’ve never developed a complete theology of grace We’ve never figured out how to tell what is a salvation issue and what is notWe’ve never figured out how to tell what is a salvation issue and what is not

Why So Many Divisions? To answer this question, we need to investigate just one question:To answer this question, we need to investigate just one question: When does a Christian fall from grace?

Why So Many Divisions? If God accepts someone, then so must IIf God accepts someone, then so must I I can’t be a sterner judge than the Perfect JudgeI can’t be a sterner judge than the Perfect Judge Therefore, I must fellowship all who are in fellowship with GodTherefore, I must fellowship all who are in fellowship with God

Why So Many Divisions? Everyone who has been saved is still saved unless he has fallen from graceEveryone who has been saved is still saved unless he has fallen from grace

Why So Many Divisions? Therefore, I must be in fellowship with all who’ve been saved and who (to the best of my knowledge) haven’t fallen awayTherefore, I must be in fellowship with all who’ve been saved and who (to the best of my knowledge) haven’t fallen away

Why So Many Divisions? Who have been saved?Who have been saved? All who’ve—All who’ve— –Heard –Believed –Repented –Confessed –Been baptized

Why So Many Divisions? What must I have heard?What must I have heard? –The gospel What must I believe?What must I believe? –The gospel What must I confess?What must I confess? –The gospel

Why So Many Divisions? What’s the gospel?What’s the gospel? It’s what we confess and believe:It’s what we confess and believe: –That Jesus is Lord and the Christ, the Son of the Living God –That we are saved through faith in Jesus (Rom. 1:1-5, 10:9; 1 Cor. 15:1-8; Gal. 3:8-1; Col. 1:21-23; 2 Tim. 2:8-9)

Why So Many Divisions? We’ve never required a confession of the convert’s position on—We’ve never required a confession of the convert’s position on— –Instrumental music –Baptism –Divorce and remarriage Because none of this is the gospel (as the New Testament speaks)Because none of this is the gospel (as the New Testament speaks)

Why So Many Divisions? Therefore, the plan of salvation can be expressed as —Therefore, the plan of salvation can be expressed as — –Have faith (believe the gospel) –Repent –Be baptized

Why So Many Divisions? In other words—In other words— –Accept Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God –Accept Jesus as Lord –Be baptized

Why So Many Divisions? When does a Christian fall away?

Why So Many Divisions? When he no longer accepts Jesus as Son of GodWhen he no longer accepts Jesus as Son of God Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. (1 John 4:2b-3a)

Why So Many Divisions? When he no longer accepts Jesus as LordWhen he no longer accepts Jesus as Lord If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God. (Heb. 10:26-27)

Why So Many Divisions? Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Rom. 15:7)

Why So Many Divisions? In the Greek, the first “accept” is in the present tense, indicating continuous action— “continually accept”In the Greek, the first “accept” is in the present tense, indicating continuous action— “continually accept” The second “accept” is past tense aorist indicating a single point in time in the past—“at that point in time when you were accepted”The second “accept” is past tense aorist indicating a single point in time in the past—“at that point in time when you were accepted”

Why So Many Divisions? “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” thus becomes “Continually accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you at a particular point in time in the past”“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you” thus becomes “Continually accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you at a particular point in time in the past”

Why So Many Divisions? Plainly, we are to accept others by the same standard as when were accepted, that is, when we were baptized!Plainly, we are to accept others by the same standard as when were accepted, that is, when we were baptized!

Why So Many Divisions? But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:8)

Why So Many Divisions? Paul exults in God’s willingness to give Jesus up for us while we were still “sinners” and his “enemies” (v. 10)Paul exults in God’s willingness to give Jesus up for us while we were still “sinners” and his “enemies” (v. 10) This is when we were baptized, when we were utterly and completely cleansed of our sinsThis is when we were baptized, when we were utterly and completely cleansed of our sins

Why So Many Divisions? Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! (Rom. 5:9)

Why So Many Divisions? Paul makes the point (which should be obvious but isn’t) that now that we are God’s children (and no longer enemies!) we will now be “much more” saved than when we were first savedPaul makes the point (which should be obvious but isn’t) that now that we are God’s children (and no longer enemies!) we will now be “much more” saved than when we were first saved This is so true that he says it twice!This is so true that he says it twice!

Why So Many Divisions? For if, when we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! (Rom. 5:10)

Why So Many Divisions? Our salvation after having been baptized is more certain—much more— than we first stepped out of the baptismal waters!Our salvation after having been baptized is more certain—much more— than we first stepped out of the baptismal waters!

Why So Many Divisions? So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law;

Why So Many Divisions? but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members.

Why So Many Divisions? What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? (Rom. 7:21-24)

Why So Many Divisions? Paul declares the desperation of all Christians who haven’t succumbed to arrogance— I’ve repented and I’m trying to stay true to it, but I keep sinning anywayPaul declares the desperation of all Christians who haven’t succumbed to arrogance— I’ve repented and I’m trying to stay true to it, but I keep sinning anyway What’s the solution?What’s the solution?

Why So Many Divisions? Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death.

Why So Many Divisions? For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. (Rom. 8:1-3)

Why So Many Divisions? “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” There are no lost Christians!There are no lost Christians!

Why So Many Divisions? Q. Whom must I consider a brother? A.Everyone whom God considers a son or a daughter— which is everyone who’s been saved and who hasn’t fallen away—

Why So Many Divisions? which is everyone who haswhich is everyone who has –faith –penitence and –a baptism God accepts OTHER THAN everyone who has abandonedOTHER THAN everyone who has abandoned –his faith or –his repentance

Why So Many Divisions? Then why do good works if our salvation doesn’t depend on them?Then why do good works if our salvation doesn’t depend on them? This question only makes sense if you start with a legal mindsetThis question only makes sense if you start with a legal mindset

Why So Many Divisions? Why do I honor my parents even though I’m too old to spank?Why do I honor my parents even though I’m too old to spank? Why do I honor my wife even though I’m not afraid of being divorced?Why do I honor my wife even though I’m not afraid of being divorced?

Why So Many Divisions? (Why love your wife if no one is making you?)(Why love your wife if no one is making you?) We have to see love, not as a response to a command, but as our new natureWe have to see love, not as a response to a command, but as our new nature

Why So Many Divisions? If we aren’t lost for believing false doctrine, then why study the Bible?If we aren’t lost for believing false doctrine, then why study the Bible? Again, you can’t start with a law-based mindsetAgain, you can’t start with a law-based mindset

Why So Many Divisions? If you love Jesus and have truly repented, you will want to follow his teachingsIf you love Jesus and have truly repented, you will want to follow his teachings And you’ll study because you love JesusAnd you’ll study because you love Jesus

Why So Many Divisions? Teachings don’t have to end with “or you’ll go to Hell!” to be obeyedTeachings don’t have to end with “or you’ll go to Hell!” to be obeyed How can you love God and have to be threatened to obey?How can you love God and have to be threatened to obey?

Why So Many Divisions? What about a penitent believer with a baptism accepted by God who disagrees with me on—What about a penitent believer with a baptism accepted by God who disagrees with me on— –Divorce and remarriage? –The age of the earth? –Children’s worship? –Instrumental music? –Missionary societies?

Why So Many Divisions? Romans 14, which is the background for Romans 15:7, explains how this works in practiceRomans 14, which is the background for Romans 15:7, explains how this works in practice

Why So Many Divisions? Accept him whose faith is weak, without passing judgment on disputable matters. (Rom 14:1) This applies only to those in the church, of courseThis applies only to those in the church, of course

Why So Many Divisions? But if we in the church are disputing about a matter, how can it not be disputable?But if we in the church are disputing about a matter, how can it not be disputable? Surely the test isn’t subjective—what the preacher thinks is unclear!Surely the test isn’t subjective—what the preacher thinks is unclear!

Why So Many Divisions? One man’s faith allows him to eat everything, but another man, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.

Why So Many Divisions? The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. The man who eats everything must not look down on him who does not, and the man who does not eat everything must not condemn the man who does, for God has accepted him. (Rom. 14:2-3)

Why So Many Divisions? One man considers one day more sacred than another; another man considers every day alike. (Rom 14:5a)

Why So Many Divisions? In Romans, Paul doesn’t bother to say who is right on the sacred-day issueIn Romans, Paul doesn’t bother to say who is right on the sacred-day issue Why not?Why not? In other epistles, he answers this question, but not here!In other epistles, he answers this question, but not here!

Why So Many Divisions? Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand.... Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. (Rom. 14:4-5b)

Why So Many Divisions? He who regards one day as special, does so to the Lord. He who eats meat, eats to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains, does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God (Rom. 14:6)

Why So Many Divisions? You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Rom. 14:10) Even the ones who are wrong will stand!Even the ones who are wrong will stand!

Why So Many Divisions? Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. (Rom. 14:13a)

Why So Many Divisions? Notice this:Notice this: Some of our authors and preachers claim Romans 14 is about matters of indifferenceSome of our authors and preachers claim Romans 14 is about matters of indifference

Why So Many Divisions? But what about:But what about: [H]ow is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable principles? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! (Gal. 4:9-10)

Why So Many Divisions? Paul certainly didn’t consider holy days a matter of indifference when he wrote Galatians!Paul certainly didn’t consider holy days a matter of indifference when he wrote Galatians!

Why So Many Divisions? The Romans were disputing about matters of doctrine! And Paul commanded them to stop passing judgmentThe Romans were disputing about matters of doctrine! And Paul commanded them to stop passing judgment This is so even though Paul gave the right position on eating meatThis is so even though Paul gave the right position on eating meat (and even though he didn't bother to state the right position on sacred days)!(and even though he didn't bother to state the right position on sacred days)!

Why So Many Divisions? If Paul knew the right answer, why was it still wrong to pass judgment on those who were wrong?If Paul knew the right answer, why was it still wrong to pass judgment on those who were wrong? Why were they commanded to “accept” those teaching falsely?Why were they commanded to “accept” those teaching falsely?

Why So Many Divisions? Grace applies to doctrine as well as conduct!Grace applies to doctrine as well as conduct! Grace applies to disputable matters—which is anything we can dispute over and still be Christians!Grace applies to disputable matters—which is anything we can dispute over and still be Christians! Anything other than baptism, faith, or repentanceAnything other than baptism, faith, or repentance

Why So Many Divisions? Why does Paul treat holy days as “think and let think” in Romans 14 but as damnable in Gal 3:21?Why does Paul treat holy days as “think and let think” in Romans 14 but as damnable in Gal 3:21? (Gal 4:10-11) You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.

Why So Many Divisions? In Rome, the Christians were willing to treat those who disagreed as savedIn Rome, the Christians were willing to treat those who disagreed as saved In Galatia, they treated those with the wrong marks as lostIn Galatia, they treated those with the wrong marks as lost The Galatians were in jeopardy of their soulsThe Galatians were in jeopardy of their souls

Why So Many Divisions? (Gal 5:4-6) You who are trying to be justified by law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. …

Why So Many Divisions? 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.

Why So Many Divisions? Paul tells the Galatians how to tell the issues that matter from those that don’tPaul tells the Galatians how to tell the issues that matter from those that don’t “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”“The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

Why So Many Divisions? (Gal 5:14) The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Why So Many Divisions? Faith, expresses itself throughFaith, expresses itself through Repentance = loveRepentance = love OnlyOnly Jesus is the Son of God (believe)Jesus is the Son of God (believe) Jesus is our Lord (repent, love)Jesus is our Lord (repent, love) Jesus is our Savior (only)Jesus is our Savior (only)

Why So Many Divisions? Hear, Believe, Confess Son of God FaithFaith RepentLordLoveLove SaviorOnlyHope

Why So Many Divisions? Why so many divisions?Why so many divisions? –Because we confuse any doctrinal issue we feel strongly about with “faith” –Because we refuse to consider our own opinions disputable

Why So Many Divisions? –Because we have an ad hoc theology of falling from grace — it depends on what’s hot in the Church periodicals!

Why So Many Divisions? –Because we struggle to understand why anyone would obey unless threatened with damnation

Why So Many Divisions? –Because we enjoy taking pride in being the ones who cared enough to get it right –Because we define ourselves by our differences from others rather than our relationship with Jesus

Why So Many Divisions? –Because we’re guilty of the Galatian heresy

Why So Many Divisions? This outline and other materials are available for free download at