The idea of Christian denominations is an interesting one. If God is so intent on unity of the faith (Ephesians 4:13), why are there so many denominations? I must admit I used to find that puzzling. How can all these denominations be right? How can all these denominations be wrong? It is an enigma.
Here is something to consider. There are certain Biblical beliefs we might call core values. Some of these would be believing there is one God, Jesus is His Son, Jesus came to earth, Jesus died for our sins, and Jesus rose again. However, there is much in other areas left up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. If the Holy Spirit is guiding people who are seeking to serve God and worship Him in spirit and truth, then we must assume there are a variety of ways to do so since there are so many denominations. This shouldn’t be hard to accept since God loves variety and diversity.
There is a difference between Christian unity and diversity. Christian unity involves core values and beliefs, the trunk of the tree so to speak. Diversity on the other hand is how we choose to worship, trust, obey, believe, and have faith. These are what one might call the limbs and twigs of the tree.
Some call the Bible the instruction book for the saints. Well in that book God has made certain instructions plain and simple, but in other areas He has left much room for spirit led interpretation. To be on safe ground one must be praying, studying the Bible, doing the best he can to follow it and not condemning others who may not see eye to eye with him on everything.
Ah, therein lies the danger! Condemnation! (Romans 2:1; 14:9-11) In the past some denominations have been presumptuous enough to claim they are the “one” true church and judge others who do not agree with them in these diverse areas. However, God seems to give quite a bit of latitude in many areas even if man does not. Jesus, himself, defied traditions and looked not to pomp and circumstance but to a person’s heart.
Believe it or not, when “church” is mentioned in the Bible it is not referring to a denomination. In the Greek it is “ecclesia” meaning “those who have been called out.” They have been “called out” of a world that rejects God and “into” a fellowship with God and others who believe in Him. These “ecclesia” could very well be found in every denomination. You might recognize them because they won’t be condemning others who believe in Jesus but have a slightly different way of serving Him. They will be focused on the trunk of the tree, not the twigs.
Christian comedienne Chonda Pierce spoke at an interdenominational Women’s Conference I attended a few years ago. I was amazed because she actually had women laughing at the diversity in their denominations. These women weren’t laughing at each other; they were laughing with one another. In fact, we all laughed together at diversities that tend to separate us, but we all cried together over the death of the one who unites us…Jesus Christ.
When all is said and done I guess Jesus Christ is the real unity of the faith!
