In our exploration of the Church of Christ, we’ve come to understand that the concept of denominations as we know them today did not exist during the first century. In its earliest form, the Christian church was unified, bound together by a shared belief in Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings. This unity is what we strive to recapture in the Church of Christ.
The divisive nature of denominationalism, which became prominent during the Reformation in the 16th century, is contrary to the unity for which Christ prayed. When we declare ourselves as members of the Church of Christ, we do not align with a denomination but rather identify with the original church established in the New Testament. Our goal is to be Christians only, without the addition of man-made doctrines or titles.
To understand the Church of Christ’s stance on denominations, let’s consider the concept of a “sect.” A sect is a group with somewhat different religious beliefs, typically a group that has branched off from a larger religion. The rise of various sects or denominations reflects divergences from the core teachings of Christianity as outlined in the New Testament.
The undenominational nature of the Church of Christ is significant. We emphasize that we don’t “go to” a church; we are the church. This statement underlines our commitment to being a part of the body of Christ, as described in the New Testament, without the additional labels and divisions that denominations bring.
Let’s delve into some well-known denominations and their beliefs, contrasting them with the Church of Christ’s adherence to New Testament teachings:
- Presbyterian: Following the Calvinist doctrine, particularly the concept of predestination.
- Methodism: Characterized by the “four alls” doctrine, which includes scripture, tradition, reason, and experience.
- Baptist: Known for their emphasis on believer’s baptism but differing in their understanding of its purpose and significance.
- Lutheranism: Stemming from Martin Luther’s teachings, focusing on salvation by faith and the authority of Scripture.
The Church of Christ, in contrast, seeks to restore New Testament Christianity. This restoration involves returning to the practices and beliefs of the early church, as closely as possible, based on scriptural guidance.
In the Church of Christ, we recognize Jesus as the head, acknowledging His authority as conveyed through the New Testament. Our practices, such as the observance of the Lord’s Supper and baptism, are rooted in New Testament examples and teachings. We reject doctrines and practices not found in the New Testament, aiming to unite all believers under the banner of simple New Testament Christianity.
This lesson highlights the importance of understanding the origins and beliefs of various religious groups. As members of the Church of Christ, we are called to be unified in Christ, adhering to the teachings of the New Testament and rejecting the divisions brought about by denominationalism. Let us continue to strive for this unity and purity of faith, as we seek to live out our commitment to Christ and His teachings.
Discussion Questions and Answers
1. In what era did denominationalism take hold? Was it before or after the advent of the Roman Catholic church? Should church members of Christ be considered part of a denomination?
• Denominationalism took hold during the Protestant Reformation when Luther and others failed to reform the Catholic Church. Members of the church of Christ are not part of any denomination.
2. Who does Jesus identify as the vine in John 15:1-8? Whom does he identify as the branches?
• Jesus is the vine, and the apostles are the branches who bear fruit.
3. Give four reasons why this passage does not authorize or predict the division of Christ’s church.
a. Since Christ was speaking to the apostles, you have to believe that the twelve would leave Jesus and begin teaching different doctrines as modern denominations do (Gal. 2:6-10)
b. Christ was kidding when he said that abiding in him was a condition of faithfulness, for one denomination today will contend that the doctrines of all others contain at least some unscriptural
element (John 15:9-11)
c. The bitter divisions that exist between many denominations actually glorify God
d. Finally, you must accept that Christ’s prayer for unity (John 17:17-21) was wishing the impossible
4. The seeds of denominationalism were present in first-century Corinth and the apostle Paul did what he could to dig them up (1 Cor. 1:10-13). On what basis were they dividing? What does Paul advise instead of sectarianism?
• The Corinthians were dividing behind their preferred preachers and perceived differences in doctrinal emphases. Paul told them to speak the same things instead and just be Christians.
5. Is it possible to be saved from your sins without the benefit of a denomination or eventual membership in one? If not, how could the early saints have been saved then? If so, why do we need denominations at all?
• It is eminently possible to be saved without even the existence of a denomination. Therefore, we have no real need for them at all.
6. Martin Luther begged his followers not to call their discipline after him, and yet they are known to even today as Lutherans. Charles Spurgeon openly wished for a day when there was not a Baptist on the face of the Earth, but only Christians. What is the effect of wearing denominational brands like these?
• Unassailable division results from these denominational brands because they foster and maintain division. They also subjugate Christ’s name to others.
7. What would be thought of a woman who opted not to be called after her husband but his best man instead? Is this not the case with the Baptist church, since the church is to be the bride of Christ (John 3:25-30)?
• Such a woman would be thought bizarre since John, their unwilling namesake, is only the groomsman, not the bridegroom.
8. How does the Holy Spirit refers to the church in these Scriptures?
a. 1 Corinthians 1:2: church of God c. Ephesians 1:22-23: the body of Christ
b. Romans 16:16: church of Christ d. 1 Timothy 3:15-16: house of God
9. Give the designation and its meaning by which Christ’s followers were called in these scriptures.
a. Acts 11:26: Christians (Christ-like) d. Acts 16:1: disciples (followers)
b. Acts 26:28: Christians (Christ-like) e. Colossians 1:2: brethren (family)
c. Philippians 4:21: saints (set apart) f. 1 Peter 4:16: Christians (Christ-like)