Denominationalism Thwarts Prayer of Jesus the Christ Picture the scene the night of Jesus betrayal - His heart is heavy, knowing the sorrow, suffering and death awaiting him. He has come down to establish his kingdom or church upon the earth (Mathew 16:16-18). He understands it will cost him his life to bring it into existence (Acts 20:28). As he prepares for his ordeal, he lifts a fervent prayer for the unity of his disciples. Father, keep them in thy name which thou hast given me, that they may be one, even as we are (John 17:11). Imagine now another scene - See the victorious Christ enthroned in heaven. He looks down with great sadness on the divided ranks of those who wear his name; the opposite of his wish. Look carefully and you may see tears in his eyes. Christ established but one church (Mathew 16:18). Heavens plan was that there be but one body, Spirit, hope, Lord Jesus, faith, baptism and God (Ephesians 4:4-5). That one body is his church (Ephesians 1:22). Christ is pictured as the head of his spiritual body, or church (Ephesians 1:22). They are many members, but one body (I Corinthians 12:20). This imagery is destroyed if he has many bodies. The church is also depicted as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:23-25). How many brides does He have? The denominationalism prevailing in contemporary Christendom is in sharp contrast with the church that Christ established. Consider the following: · Christ founded his church, but mortal men and women founded denominations. · Christs church was founded in Jerusalem in 33 A.D. but all denominations were founded long since in other places. · Christs church wears his holy name. Paul wrote, All the churches of Christ salute you (Romans 16:16). Denominations wear their own distinguishing names that honor men, doctrines or practices. · Christ is the only head of his church, but men or women are chosen to head denominations. Each congregation of Christs church is overseen by its own elders (Acts 14:23). Denominations are ruled by governing bodies. · Christs church follows only the Bible (Mathew 28:20). Denominations are guided by creedal books written by uninspired men. · The church that Christ built worships as he ordered in his word (John 4:24). Denominations change worship to suit the wishes of the members and leaders. · Christs church teaches people to be saved as Christ ordained. They must hear the gospel preached, believe it and be baptized to be saved (Mark 16:15-16). Denominations teach other ways of salvation. Some offer salvation by faith alone which Scripture clearly denies (Jas. 2:24). Others demand a Holy Spirit baptism, but the Bible knows only one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). Some posit salvation on works of human merit. Paul plainly declares, that it is not by works of righteous which we have done (Ephesians 2:8-9). · Christ loves, blesses and saves his church (Ephesians 5:22-25). But denominationalism is contrary to his will (I Corinthians 1:10-13). Those who promote denominationalism stand condemned by Him. We are told to mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ...(Romans 16:17-18). There are many negative fruits of denominations: · It provides a convenient ground for criticism by infidels. Jesus understood that the unity of his followers would encourage the world to believe that God had sent him (John 17:21). Division does the opposite. · It is confusing to those sincerely seeking the Lords way. Imagine a truth-seeker having to examine hundreds of differing claims before he can arrive at truth. · It provides those in heathen darkness an excuse for rejecting Christianity. · It is the occasion of vast sums of wasted money and energy that has been given to God by sincere people. Think of the duplication of buildings, utilities, etc. Think about the competition between rival bodies of believers. · It causes disruption in families. In many families husbands and wives hold different denominational memberships. Their children are torn between the two competing ways and often turn away from Christ completely. · It leaves vast multitudes of people unsaved: some, by being taught an incomplete or defective gospel; others because churches consumed in promoting and protecting their own denominational interests, have no energy for or interest in evangelism. The promotion of denominational division thwarts the dying prayer of Jesus for the unity of his people. May we always be content to be Christians, nothing more or less; just the church of Christ revealed in Scripture. firstcenturychristian/lessons/images/johnwaddeysignature.gif
Posted on: Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:32:11 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015