Friday, August 1, 2008

HAS MISINTREPRETATION CREATED DENOMINATIONS?

There are hundreds of denominations that differ in name, organization, doctrine, worship, and plan of salvation but their base is “Christianity.” Is this division or unity? Is this based on God’s word? Ephesians 3:10,11 says that the church is part of God's eternal wisdom, so do you think denominationalism fits somewhere into His concept?

"Church" is used two ways; "universal and local”. The "universal church” refers to all who have been redeemed by Jesus' blood, have been forgiven of their sins, and have been born into His spiritual family. Matthew 16:18 - Jesus promised to build His church. Ephesians 5:23,25 - Jesus is Head of the church, and He is Savior of His body. Acts 2:47 - The Lord added to the church those who were saved.

The "local church(s) refers to a congregation of Christians who have united themselves to work and worship together. Acts 8:1 – Jerusalem Church, 1 Corinthians 1:2 - Corinth Church, 1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Judea Church, etc.

There were different congregations (Romans 16:16) however, they had the same pattern of organization; doctrine, worship, and salvation plan. In Romans 16:17-18, Paul alerts the Christians that differences over doctrinal is dangerous, matter of factual too dangerous to overlook and tells them to guard against those who bring divisions into the Church to the point of avoiding them. Paul wanted them to be wise in spiritual things but unlearned in evil things. Can this be “The evils of division when we say we’re representing the same God?”

Galatians 1:6-9 (KJV)
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.

Is denominationalism authorized in the gospel? Is denominationalism a man-made instrument used to set himself apart? Apart from what though? Traditionally, we are what our parents or grandmomma ‘em are/were but since I am “out the box on a lot of traditional man-made thoughts” my experiences and convictions steer me a different direction, so is this division and denominationalism? No, I think it makes me a universal believer (non denominational) who can find unity with any other believer of similar mindset and one without similarity, we can agree to disagree in love and move on. You see, I have found the love of God’s Word, the sincerity of its practice, the devotion to it, the love for God and others and… man-made tradition/laws in every denomination that I have encountered. Does this make us all going to heaven but traveling on different morning trains; one for each denomination and one for universal? I don’t say this to be cruel… I say this because of its TRUTH. Please enlighten me?