The Sin of Denominationalism

There are several thousand denominations in the world today.  A denomination is a religious group with a distinct name and doctrine.  They usually do not claim to be the church as a whole but a small part of the whole church.  Most denominations have manmade names, doctrines and some have creed books. The New Testament church was to begin in Jerusalem (Isaiah 2:1-4; Joel 2:28-32). The true church was purchased by the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). Jesus built this church (Matthew 16:13-18). Paul argued in I Corinthians 1:10-13 that we should wear the name in religion of the one who died on the cross for our sins. The New Testament church follows this rule (see Romans 16:16). The church we read about in the Bible started about 33 A.D. The Bible foretold of departures.  Jesus warned of them in Matthew 7: 15.  Paul also warned of departures in Acts 20:28-32, II Thessalonians 2:1-10 and named some specific departures in I Timothy 4:1-3.

Jesus declared in John 8:32 that we not only can know the truth but that we must know the truth in order to be set free. Denominationalism is manmade religion and thus it is vain (Mark 7:7). Jesus taught that not all religious people will be saved (Matthew 7:21-23; Hebrews 5:8-9; II Thessalonians 1:7-9).

Denominationalism is sinful because it promotes religious division.  Jesus prayed for unity in John 17:20.  He wants all to be united.  This can only be done if we are willing to unite upon God's word and not the teachings of men. Denominationalism says there are many ways to heaven. Jesus said He alone was the way (John 14:6). In Matthew 15:13 Jesus said, "every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up."

Denominationalism also teaches that there is nothing in a name.  Acts 4:12 teaches that there is something in a name.  Philippians 2:10 says the name of Jesus is so precious that all should bow at His name.

Denominationalism also teaches that there are different plans of salvation. Romans 1:16 tells us the gospel is God's power to save men. When we read the book of Acts and see the examples of conversion we see God only has one plan of salvation.  Ephesians 1:22-23 tells us that the church and the body are the same. Then notice in Ephesians 4:4 Paul said, "there is one body."  That body is the one true church that Christ purchased with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

Denominationalism will cause men to be lost. It gives men a false hope.  It is a manmade way.  It is the blind leading the blind and both will fall into the ditch (Matthew 15:14).  Paul warned in Galatians 1:6-9 that some would pervert the gospel.  Denominationalism is a perverted gospel and has no salvation in it. When one wears a manmade name in religion and teaches manmade plans of salvation and follows the creeds and doctrines of men he is not doing what the New Testament teaches.

The Bible teaches that when we obey the gospel of Christ, the Lord will add us to His church (Acts 2:47). We must be members of Christ's church which He purchased with His blood. We can identify the true church today. The true church wears Christ's name (Romans 16:16, I Corinthians 1:10-13).  It was established in Jerusalem in 33 A.D.  The book of Acts shows that in order to be saved one must: hear the gospel, believe it, repent of sins, confess that Jesus is the Christ and be baptized for the remission of sins. Is that what you did to become a Christian? If not perhaps you have been deceived by a manmade religious group. Read your New Testament. You can just be a Christian and not a member of a manmade religious group. Take heed to God's word.

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