Jesus said to Peter in Matthew 16:18, “On this rock I will build my church.” However “church” in the Bible does not translate Baptist, Catholic, Protestant, Methodist, Seventh Day Adventist, or Lutheran. In 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 God. So which denomination is this “church” Jesus refers to?
After all, denominations abound and new ones are forming every day. Christians can’t see eye to eye on everything so schisms occur. Then people break away from their parent congregation to form a new fellowship. Many who break away take pride in saying they are “non-denominational.” This could be called the “Non-Denominational Denomination” which makes them just as much a part of a denomination as anyone else.
Church schisms are nothing new. They have always been a part of the Christian heritage because believe it or not all Christians don’t see eye to eye on everything. In fact, there has never and probably will never be a time when all Christians worship the same way or believe the same things. In Biblical times, even Paul and Barnabus went their separate ways. And people have always had a tendency to look to men rather than God. “I am of Apollo. I am of Paul. I am of Cephas.” (I Corinthians 1:11-13)
The early church dealt with Judaizers, who believed men should be circumcised and adhere to rituals to gain salvation, and Gnostics who felt they had secret knowledge.
A few centuries later the Great Schism divided the Eastern and Western churches over certain issues, one of them being whether or not to use leavened or unleavened bread during Communion. Also the East was a little more traditional and the West a little more contemporary. Some things never change.
Then there was the Protestant Reformation where those who protested broke away from the major denomination of the day, Catholicism, objecting to certain practices, such as being able to buy your way out of sin through indulgences.
Doctrinal differences can divide churches over issues such as full immersion baptism versus sprinkling or meeting on Saturday versus Sunday. Many times people disagree over scripture interpretation such as what it means to speak in tongues. Social issues can play a prominent part in church schisms like slavery did around the time of the Civil War. As society changes, views change. Today hot topics causing schisms are views on gay couples and what role should women play at church. Everyone has an opinion.
What does God think about all these denominations? Is this what He had in mind?
I’m not sure. The Bible does say, “There must be heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (1 Corinthians 10:19) And when the disciples were upset about someone not a part of their group casting out demons in Jesus’ name Jesus said, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us.” (Luke 9: 49, 50)
Perhaps the greatest danger with denominations is when they fell they are superior to others. To be honest, there isn’t a denomination around that hasn’t muddled the message of Jesus in one way or another. Not intentionally, of course, but denominations are run by humans – dedicated, God fearing humans, but humans just the same. And humans are flawed.
Not much is said about denominations in the Bible but much is said about Jesus, His life, His example, His teachings, His death, and His resurrection. Much is said about love, respect, joy, peace, patience, goodness, faith, meekness, and self control. These are the qualities and unifying factors in the Christian community. If you are looking for the church, look for these common denominators and the “ecclesia” can be found.
Remember this – it is not a denomination that is saved, but a person.
