Arguments from Denominationalists

1 Cor. 1:10 – all speak same thing Today we have 100’s of different religious denominations. “Invisible church” “Christendom” – denominations A denomination is not the church of the Bible. Denominationalism arguments...

I. Sheep of another Fold John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:16 Claim that the other fold is all the denominations.

He is speaking to the Jews Often called a flock Ezek. 34:17 & Zech. 9:16 Other sheep refers to Gentiles Heb. 2:9 Rom. 1:16 Jew – Greek [Gentile] Answer

II. Vine and the Branches “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” John 15:5 Claim that the vine represents the church and branches denominations.

“Denominational Concept” Jesus = Vine Churches = Branches CHRIST Catholic Presbyterian Lutheran Baptist Methodist

Answer Jesus is the Vine Christians are the branches “I am the vine, ye are the branches:” The individual christians are the branches.

Answer A vine produces the same fruit. Foolish to think one vine could produce over 300 different kinds. Contrary to nature. Absurd to claim that all different denominations teaching different doctrines are from the same vine.

III. All Recognize Christ as Head Claim: Denominationalism represents a multiplicity of religious bodies; but they all recognize just one head, Jesus Christ. Therefore they exist with divine approval.

Answer Acts 4:12 “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 No other name worn by denominations can save !

Answer “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling;” Eph. 4:4 NKJV Only one body recognized by God Col. 1:18 – Jesus is the head Eph. 5:23 – Jesus is the savior His church not man made churches

IV. Just Different Brands The Argument: On ranches cattle are given different brands, but still they are just cattle. Members of various denominations have different names, but still they are just Christians.

Answer Cattle branded differently indicates they have different owners. Denominations branded differently indicate they have different owners. Christ purchased us He has his brand on us. Acts 11:26 “Christians”

Answer No responsible rancher would place different brands on his cattle. Jesus does not brand his true followers with different religious names. Those who wear different names are owned by someone other than Christ!

V. Traveling by Different Roads Argument: Argument: The sincere, upright members of all the denominations are going to the same heaven, but they are just traveling by different roads.

Answer In the Bible we find that there is only one way to get to heaven ! “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 NKJV

Answer Jesus is the way to heaven Only by doing His will can we hope to get to heaven. Matt. 7:14 - His way is difficult Few will follow His way.

VI. Sincerity is all that Matters Argument: It does not matter what one believes and practices in religion, just as long as he is sincere. The loyal members of the denominations sincerely believe that they are doing good, and that is all that really counts.

Answer Saul was sincere Acts 26:9 “I thought…” Acts 23:1 “…I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” His Sincerity did not make him right!

Answer Saul was sincere He was lost and had to obey the gospel Acts 22:16 - he was told what to do in order to be saved

Answer You can be sincere and be wrong Believe electricity is off Think that food is safe but if it has poison in it you will be hurt. Sincerely accepting a false doctrine cannot lead to a right relationship with God.

VII. Can’t all see the Bible Alike Argument: Denominations exist, with their differences in doctrine and practice, because it is impossible for all people to see the Bible alike.

Answer If it is impossible to see the Bible alike then why was the Bible given as a revelation of God’s will? Eph. 5:17 “Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”

Answer We can understand the Bible. When we understand the Bible correctly we will understand it alike. The truth can not be understood in more than one way.

VIII. Agree in Essential Matters Argument: It is true that the denominations disagree regarding certain doctrines and practices, but these are unessential matters. Concerning the essentials, such as belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, acceptance of the moral precepts of the Bible, etc., the denominations are united.

Answer There is nothing revealed in the N.T. that is not essential. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 “All Scripture” Matt. 28:20 “teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you;”

Answer Denominations admit they are not following God’s word. But they claim some of it is non- essential or un-important. We cannot agree with that !!!

IX. Denominationalism is against The Scriptures Many people like the idea of denominationalism. Like having hundreds of groups. This enables every person to have a religion that is pleasing to him.

Answer Denominationalism is Anti-Scriptural  Contrary to prayer of Jesus John 17  Condemned by Paul – 1 Cor. 1:10-13  Sign of carnality – 1 Cor. 3:3-4  Opposes efforts of Christ – Eph. 2:14-16

Arguments from Denominationalists Answer

Denominations exist because of division Denominationalism is harmful to the cause of Christ. - John 17:21 There is no justification for denominationalism to exist.

Christ Built His Church – It is His Body Eph. 4:4 “There is one body” Eph. 1:22-23 “The church, which is his body” This is the church he promised to build Matt. 16:18 You can be a member of his church and not a member of a denomination.

To be saved we must be in Christ. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Gal. 3:27 Are you ready to be baptized?

Sermon by Arthur Pigman Evans Church of Christ 515 Gibbs Road Evans, Ga Sunday Evening July 8, 2007