What is Wrong With Denominationalism?
Title of the lesson.
Reason:
a. Members of the church are too comfortable with denominations; some don’t see what is the "big deal". Others think we should be more like them to attract more people.
b. Many think in this age of political correctness" and "attend the church of your choice" world, we are being odd and judgmental.
c. Young people, new Christians need to be taught and long time Christians need to be reminded.
By denominationalism we mean the term used to describe modern Christianity divided as it is into parties or faiths (Over 300 in America) with their distinctive names, creeds and practices.
Our purpose is not to be abusive, but plain and to the point.
Denominationalism is wrong and until we realize this we will have no concern for the lost in them.
Denominationalism is wrong because:
It is without scriptural authority.
A. Begin with the first word of the New Testament, read it through. You will find the Bible to be as silent as a tomb regarding authority for modern denominations.
1. Not one scripture even vaguely sanctions them.
2. Many leaders in these bodies admit there is no authority for their names and practices but contend that these are no-essentials and left up to man to decide.
B. II Pet. 1:3-4
1. Therefore, if one accepts anything in religion that is not "granted through His divine power," it does not pertain unto life or godliness" and he forfeits his right to the "precious and exceeding great promises."
2. To please god one must be content with the provisions of God’s word.
3. II Jn. 9
4. Rev. 22:18-19
C. Denominationalism has neither place nor support in The Scriptures.
It violates Bible teaching on unity.
D. Listen to the word of God.
1. Jn. 17:20-21
2. I Cor. 1:10-13
3. Eph. 4:1-6
E. Leaders in denominations claim that this unity cannot be done.
1. They say we cannot understand the Bible alike therefore every man should have the church of his choice.
2. Many seem to think that agreeing to disagree is unity, but this is not Bible unity.
3. There can be no Biblical unity where there is not striving for complete compliance with The New Testament.
4. Where the Bible is strictly followed unity will result, since the Bible is true and without contradiction.
F. Rom. 16:17
G. We should reject man’s ideas and accept what the Bible teaches on unity.
It belittles the Lord’s church.
H. It is not right to belittle the Lord’s church by saying it is non-essential because the church has nothing to do with salvation.
1. In apostolic days every saved person was a member of the church; when a man becomes "such as should be saved" the Lord adds him to the church (Acts 2:47).
2. Matt. 16:18 – Christ built the church. He did not build a non-essential institution.
3. Acts 20:28 – He bought it with His blood. It must have great value.
4. Eph. 5:22-30 – The church is Christ’s bride. What an insult to call the bride of Christ a non-essential.
5. Eph. 1:22-23; 5:30 – His church is His body. To be in Him one must be in His body the church.
6. No wonder the Bible calls the church a glorious institution. Christ built it, bought it, and directs it and we should not belittle it.
I. Much of what is said in the Bible regarding the church is completely ignored by the denominational world.
1. The commonly accepted idea today is that one church is just as good as another.
2. I agree one denomination is just as good as another, but God is not responsible for the existence of any of them.
3. They are man-made, man-named and man-maintained. (Mt. 15:13).
It teaches salvation different from what the Bible teaches.
J. Mark 16:15-16
1. This verse clearly teaches that belief and baptism are conditions of salvation.
2. This instruction was faithfully followed by the Apostles in their work as the book of Acts records.
K. Most denominations say one is saved by faith only.
1. Jas. 2:24
2. Denominations say, "He that believeth is saved and should be baptized", but Christ said, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
L. Faith is needed but it is a faith that obeys.
1. Jas 2:20
2. Denominations teach that one must rejoice and feel that God for Christ’s sake has pardoned his sins before baptism. In fact, it is the cardinal teaching of denominationalism.
3. But in every place in the New Testament where baptism and rejoicing are mentioned, baptism comes first.
4. Never, in Bible cases of conversions, did rejoicing and good feeling precede baptism.
a. Acts 2:38(vs. 46)
b. Acts 8:38-39
c. Acts 16:31-34
d. Acts 22:16
e. To reverse the order is to pervert God’s way!
1. The Bible could not be plainer in what a person must do to be saved. He must have faith, repent, confess and be baptized.
2. He then does not become a member of a denomination but a member of the Lord’s church.
3. Paul was a member of what church? Peter? The eunuch? The jailor? Lydia?
4. What is wrong with denominationalism?
d. It has no scriptural authority or right to exist.
e. It violates Jesus’ wish for unity.
f. It cheapens or degrades the Lord’s church.
g. It has the world believing a lie when it comes to salvation.
James Pharr
Lenoir, NC