Is “Denominationalism” Scriptural? Seeking A Simple, Scriptural Relationship With God And His People

CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH Ephesians 5:25 - Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, (NKJV)

CHRIST LOVED THE CHURCH Did He give Himself for: - A “Thing?” - An “Institution?” - An “Organization?” - A “Denomination?” He gave Himself for PEOPLE

“Church” - From God’s Perspective “CHURCH” is one of numerous concepts God uses to discuss His relationship with His people and among His people. “CHURCH” is one of numerous concepts God uses to discuss His relationship with His people and among His people.

Other such concepts: Other such concepts: – Kingdom – Nation – Family – Body…

“CHURCH” is one of numerous concepts God uses to discuss His relationship with His people and among His people. “CHURCH” is one of numerous concepts God uses to discuss His relationship with His people and among His people. Each of the terms carries with it a distinct meaning and emphasis: Each of the terms carries with it a distinct meaning and emphasis: – For example: Kingdom = Rule…

“Church” - From God’s Perspective CHURCH – expresses the idea of people gathered, assembled… CHURCH – expresses the idea of people gathered, assembled… This may refer to people being gathered to God spiritually, or it may refer to an actual physical assembly. This may refer to people being gathered to God spiritually, or it may refer to an actual physical assembly.

Is “Denominationalism” Scriptural? Seeking A Simple, Scriptural Relationship With God And His People Reminder: Our Topic

“Church” - From God’s Perspective CHURCH – expresses the idea of people gathered, assembled… CHURCH – expresses the idea of people gathered, assembled… This may refer to people being gathered to God spiritually, or it may refer to an actual physical assembly. This may refer to people being gathered to God spiritually, or it may refer to an actual physical assembly.

“Church” = Christ’s Assembly Two main uses in the New Testament: “Universal” or “General” “Universal” or “General” “Local” “Local”

“Church”- Two main uses “Universal” or “General” “Universal” or “General” – All the saved everywhere – Only one Matt 16:18 – “I will build My church…” Matt 16:18 – “I will build My church…” Eph 4:4 – “There is one body (church – Eph 1:22, 23) …” Eph 4:4 – “There is one body (church – Eph 1:22, 23) …”

“Church”- Two main uses “Universal” or “General” (One) “Universal” or “General” (One) – All the saved everywhere “Local” (Many - not many “types”) “Local” (Many - not many “types”) – Saints banded together in a specific location Rom 16:16 – churches of Christ greet you Rom 16:16 – churches of Christ greet you Rev 1-3 – seven churches of Asia Rev 1-3 – seven churches of Asia

“Church”- Two main uses “Universal” - one All the saved everywhere All the saved everywhere Spiritually assembled to God Spiritually assembled to God “Local” Saints banded together in a specific location Saints banded together in a specific location Literally assemble Literally assemble Where does a “denomination” fit into this picture?

“Church”- Two main uses in the New Testament “Universal” - All the saved everywhere “Universal” - All the saved everywhere “Local” - Saints in a specific location “Local” - Saints in a specific location A “Denomination” is a collection of local churches of a specific “type” A “Denomination” is a collection of local churches of a specific “type” – Larger than a “local” church – Smaller than the “one body” (“universal”)

A “Denomination” is: A “Denomination” is: – Larger than a “local” church – Smaller than the “one body” (“universal”) – No scriptural references can be given for this use of “church” because it is nowhere found in scripture. – “Denominations” also require organization and oversight (government) which are not found in the Bible.

Seeking A Simple, Scriptural Relationship With God And His People

Isn’t “Denominationalism” Just About “Names?” The answer is “NO”: See previous slides The answer is “NO”: See previous slides But does it matter what “names” we use? Does God care what His people call themselves? But does it matter what “names” we use? Does God care what His people call themselves? Isn’t it true that “there is nothing in a name?” Isn’t it true that “there is nothing in a name?”

Biblical “NAMES” for the church No single exclusive name/title is given for the church(es) in scripture. No single exclusive name/title is given for the church(es) in scripture. The terms that are used to identify the “church” or “churches” are descriptive designations. The terms that are used to identify the “church” or “churches” are descriptive designations. Some examples: church(es) of God; churches of Christ; churches of the saints; church of the Thessalonians… Some examples: church(es) of God; churches of Christ; churches of the saints; church of the Thessalonians…

“Denominationalism” versus Unity John 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone (the apostles), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (NKJV) John 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone (the apostles), but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. (NKJV)

“Denominationalism” versus Unity Ephesians 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. NKJV Ephesians 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. NKJV

“Denominationalism” versus Unity I Cor 1:10 - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. I Cor 1:10 - Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 13a Is Christ divided? NKJV 12 Now I say this, that each of you says, "I am of Paul," or "I am of Apollos," or "I am of Cephas," or "I am of Christ." 13a Is Christ divided? NKJV

“Denominationalism” versus Unity Denominational “NAMES” based on: Denominational “NAMES” based on: – Some person of influence – Type of organization – Doctrinal points of emphasis, etc. Biblical designations indicate that we belong to the Lord, and that we are simply His people. Biblical designations indicate that we belong to the Lord, and that we are simply His people.

“Denominationalism” versus Unity What about denominations that use a scriptural designation? What about denominations that use a scriptural designation? – The denomination and its organization, etc. still exists without Biblical authorization.

“Proof texts” for “Denominationalism”? Some claim to find authorization for different denominations in: I Corinthians 12:12 ¶ For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (NKJV) I Corinthians 12:12 ¶ For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. (NKJV) The context shows that the “many members” are individual saints. The context shows that the “many members” are individual saints.

“Proof texts” for “Denominationalism” Some claim to find authorization for different denominations in: John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (NKJV) John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. (NKJV) Again, “the branches” are individuals, not “churches” or “denominations.” Again, “the branches” are individuals, not “churches” or “denominations.”

What “NAMES” should we use? 1 Peter 4:11a - If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God. Since God has not given a single exclusive title for His people, we can use any of the scriptural terms and ideas that say who we are to describe ourselves (both individually and collectively). Since God has not given a single exclusive title for His people, we can use any of the scriptural terms and ideas that say who we are to describe ourselves (both individually and collectively).

What “NAMES” should we use? 1 Peter 4:11a - If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles (utterances) of God. There is no scriptural basis for using terms that honor humans instead of God, or contribute to division instead of the unity of the Spirit. There is no scriptural basis for using terms that honor humans instead of God, or contribute to division instead of the unity of the Spirit. Denominational structure and organization are not found in scripture. Denominational structure and organization are not found in scripture.

Can We Be Simply Disciples Of Jesus? Remember, “church” in scripture refers to the gathering of PEOPLE. Remember, “church” in scripture refers to the gathering of PEOPLE. “Church” may refer to people gathered to God in the “one body.” “Church” may refer to people gathered to God in the “one body.” “Church” may refer to people gathered with one another in a local assembly. “Church” may refer to people gathered with one another in a local assembly. The structure know as a “denomination” is not in scripture. The structure know as a “denomination” is not in scripture.

Is “Denominationalism” Scriptural? Seeking A Simple, Scriptural Relationship With God And His People

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