Tag Archives: denominationalism

Vine, Branches and Denominations

Church Bulletin, Doctrine, John, ,

Grape_vinesDuring his final days on earth, Jesus declared, “I am the vine, you are the branches” (John 15:5). What does he mean? Some take this verse as an endorsement of denominationalism. They say that Jesus was describing himself as the vine and the various religious denominations as branches from him. If that is true then there must be nothing wrong with dozens of such denominations in every city in the world. But the wise Bible student will inquire deeper and try better to understand what Jesus is saying.

The Immediate Context

We have said often that Scripture must be understood in the context in which it is spoken. One must never pluck a verse from its surroundings and make it say something the Holy Spirit never intended. I fear such has happened with John 15:1-11.

The immediate context shows Jesus was talking about individuals, not churches. The language he uses is specific. In verse 5, the word translated “you” is originally in the second person, plural. Such words refer to people, individuals, to whom the speaker was addressing at the moment. He is addressing a group of people and telling that group that they are the branches. “You” is a pronoun which refers back to the apostles gathered with him for the Last Meal in the Upper Room (John 13:1 ff). Branches are individuals. Branches are people who must remain in Christ for their strength and sustenance. There is no survival outside of Christ for it is his body that is saved (Ephesians 5:23).

We should also note what is missing from the immediate context. There is no mention of a church, no mention of a denomination and no mention at all of any assembly or grouping. To find support for the idea of denominations here one must craft the idea out of a fertile imagination. The immediate context does not support denominationalism.

The Remote Context

Every Bible verse must harmonize with every other verse in Scripture. God is not the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:43). But the Bible argues against division and, thus, against denominationalism. If that is true we have even more evidence against the interpretation of John 15:1 ff as supporting denominations.

Two chapters later Jesus prays for unity among his believers. Jesus prayed, “that they may all be one, just as you father are in me, and I in you…” (John 15:21). His apostle, Paul urged Christians to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). He reminded them that there was only “one body” (Ephesians 4:4). He rebuked the Corinthians for incipient denominationalism that was forming in their congregation (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). He reminded them that the many members of the church are in a single body, Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12). This passages harmonizes perfectly with Jesus’ own vine and branches analogy of a single vine (Christ) with many branches (members).  To the Colossians Paul called for “perfect harmony” in “one body” (Colossians 3:13-15).

Given that we Christians are all part of “one body” (Ephesians 5:30), and given that the body is composed of many individuals members, and further given that “perfect harmony” is to exist within that body, can we truly claim that denominationalism is a good thing? Or is it truer to say that denominationalism is wrong, even sinful? Isn’t it true that denominationalism shatters unity and is a horrid expression of the will of Satan and not of God?

Denominational teachings are all over the map. There is no unity within broader Christendom.  Individual denominations teach doctrines that are so opposed to one another that both cannot be correct. Denominationalism is a scourge to be fought and destroyed.

The only answer is a return to God’s Word alone. Let us throw away creeds, statements of faith, confessions, books of discipline, church councils, synods and any device which separates us. We all claim to love and trust the Bible. Let us prove it.

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter @jbevans.

Christian Unity: Trouble in Corinth

1 Corinthians, Doctrine, Jesus, ,

Christian unity was slipping away in Corinth. The church there was fractured and was in danger of falling into sectarian division. Paul gently rebuked the brethren and called for their unity. We can learn from their troubles.

Ultimately, Christian unity is founded in Jesus Christ. When I enjoy the proper relationship with my Lord, I will then have a similar relationship with all others who enjoy that same relationship. Addressing the Corinthians Paul asked, “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). The obvious answer is no! He continues, “Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?” Again, the answer is no. The Corinthians had allowed Jesus to slip from his place of preeminence and instead were dividing into clicks (1 Corinthians 1:12).

What was  the result of this cliquishness? They were no longer united and were speaking different things. Their allegiance was to mortal men (most of them) and only a few were clinging to Jesus. Look at Paul’s encouragement:

” I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.  For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers.  What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.”  Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?  I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. (I did baptize also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.)” (1 Corinthians 1:10-16)

Jesus Desired Christian Unity

Paul’s encouragement is rooted in the authority of Jesus. That’s what he means when he says “by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Jesus wants his people to speak with a single voice. Jesus desires unity. 

His authority arises from his own sacrifice and from his place as our High Priest (Hebrews 8:1) and Chief Shepard (1 Peter 5:4). By gathering themselves into groups, their were rejecting Jesus’ own desires.

Christian Unity in All Things

Some suggest a so-called unity-in-diversity as an acceptable concept. It is not. Paul’s call, by the authority of Jesus, was to speak the same thing, have no divisions and to share in the same judgement (vs. 10). Such is impossible with unity-in-diversity.

The religious landscape is not united. We do not all speak the same thing. There is little unity among Christ believing people today. We have surrounded our favorite preachers and accept anything and everything they say. We are no longer interested in the authority of Jesus but instead place our faith in men and in their councils, conventions and synods. How embarrassing to quote a creed or confession when discussing some doctrine.

Christian Unity Ends Quarrels

Evidently, Paul was responding to a letter from someone in Chloe’s house. They were concerned because arguments were arising between members. It would seem that the only quarrel that would arise would pertain to the teachings, doctrines and direction of the church. Almost the entire book of 1 Corinthians deals with sin in the church family and chaotic worship.

Where would such quarrels lead? They would lead to our world. They would lead to sectarianism and denominationalism. I don’t think it is a stretch to look at 1 Corinthians chapter one as a form of incipient denominationalism. Remember, there were no denominations in the earliest days of the church. There was one church. In fact, the oneness of the church was so strong that there was not even a single name for the church. There was no need to denominate the brethren into groups. They were striving to be the body of Christ. Only when we begin to divide do we face quarrels.

It’s time to end our acceptance and tolerance of a divided Christendom. Jesus was not divided and he prayed that his people would not be divided. Can we reject everything but his Word? Can we all stand together there?

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

 

Christian Unity

Doctrine, Evangelism, General, ,

Christian unity is an oft sought but rarely found product in our diverse world.  Jesus himself desired the unity of his disciples and specifically prayed for it in the High Priestly prayer of John chapter 17. It is essential for all believers to consider Jesus’ thinking and prayers.

Jesus Prayed for Christian Unity

Jesus prayed for christian unity. Praying for his disciples Jesus asked, “keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one..’ (John 17:11). In verse 21, “that they may all be one…” In verse 22, “that they may be one even as we are one.”  In verse 23, and note the addition of the adjective, “that they may become perfectly one…” Four times in this chapter Jesus specifically prays for unity among his believers.

It’s important to note Jesus’ standard of unity that he seeks. He desires perfect unity. This suggests a complete unity in all matters. The context drives home this point when we see that the oneness or unity between Jesus and his Father is the standard of unity (see verses 21 and 22). We have come to accept the goal of “unity in diversity” but there is no diversity here. There is not the tiniest space between the Father and the Son and this is the kind of unity Jesus desires for his followers.

Paul was a great follower of Jesus. When he wrote to the fractured church in Corinth he echoed the same thoughts as the Lord.

 “I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.”

The Corinthians had begun to coalesce around personalities in the church. The result was a disunity that Jesus abhors. Within his body, the church, believers are to stand together in sweet unity with one another and speak the same things. Our goals and our efforts are the same, our doctrine is the same for we are one. The prayer for unity in John is demonstrated in practice among the Corinthians.

The same plea is given by Paul to the Ephesians. These beloved brethren were taught of the depth of God’s grace in salvation. In Ephesians 3:20 Paul calls for glory to Jesus in the church. In the next verse, Ephesians 4:1, he calls upon the believers to “walk worthy” of the their calling and in verse 3 to maintain the “unity of the spirit.” 

What follows next, in Ephesians 4:4-6, is the basis for that unity.

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

I would suggest that Christendom is about half way there. We believe in one God and we believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, as the son of God. But beyond that the unity crumbles. We cannot honestly say that we believe in and hold forth, one faith. Nor can Christendom claim a single baptism. There are at least a half dozen baptisms taught within Christendom today.

Given that unity is so precious to Jesus we conclude that the global community of Christ-believers is failing. We are not united. We stand under different names, teaching different doctrines and predicating our faith upon different teachings.

Divided.

Fractured.

Such division displeases Jesus.

Hope for Christian Unity

Let’s go back to [esvignore] John 17 [/esvignore] and find the way to unity.

The starting point for Christian Unity is the glory of God. Jesus came to bring glory to the Father (John 17:1-5). Our goal must also be to glorify God. Let us destroy the altars to our own successes and victories and give all the glory to God. Only by shattering our own arrogance can we adequately humble ourselves before the Lord (James 4:10).

Second, Christian Unity comes from and through the Word of God. Consider verse 8:

“For I have given them the words that you gave me, and they have received them and have come to know in truth that I came from you; and they have believed that you sent me.”

Zero in on the phrase, “I have given them the words that you gave me.” Most immediately, Jesus is speaking of the truth of his Sonship. But note that they came to that knowledge through the words given Jesus from God. Jesus prays that that his disciples by made holy, sanctified, by God. But how? “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth” ([esvignore]John 17:17[/esvignore]). And again, in verse 19, he asks the Father to sanctify his people “in truth.”

This idea of sanctification in truth is empowered all the more when we consider inspiration. Paul says Scripture is inspired (2 Timothy 3:16). The word used here is a compound Greek verb which literally means that Scripture is “breathed out by God.” The ESV so translates it that way. The beauty of this thought is that God has exuded his word into the minds of holy men who have recorded the word and given it to us. Through every phase of inspiration the word remains God’s, the writers were tools of God to bring truth to men (2 Peter 1:21).

So if we have the Scriptures, and we do, and if the Scriptures are true, and they are, and if it is through truth that unity comes, and it is, we then have a real hope of unity.

We can begin the long road back to unity today if men will come together in the one place where we can all stand – the Bible. We must begin today to eliminate sectarianism and denominationalism from our lives.

Let us revel in the sanctifying power of the word alone. Let us eschew additions and subtractions. Let us renounce convenient teachings and demand truth from the pulpits of our land. Let us call Bible things by Bible names and allow God to be the absolute Lord of all our lives. It is possible!

 

Bryant Evans may be reached at bryant at bryantevans.com. You can follow Bryant on Twitter  @jbevans.

The Failed Episcopal Experiment

Culture, Doctrine, ,

EpiscopalOne should not take joy in the demise of a church. It comes only after devilish ideas are embraced and sound Bible teaching has been rejected. Nevertheless, the continued meltdown of the Episcopal church does teach an important lesson to those who rush to liberal theology as the true hope of mankind.

Not only is the Episcopal church bankrupt spiritually having endorsed homosexual unions and now even cross-dressing clergy, they are now even struggling to pay the debt on their multi-million dollar headquarters. Their is a stunning analysis of their failures which you should read.

There are many lessons which can be gleaned from the impending failure.

Man Made Denominations Fail

The Episcopal church is the American version of the Church of England which began as a split from the Roman Catholic church. It has always been “romanish” in its trappings and has been part of an ever swelling organization. The financial overhead of such centralized churching has taken money from the local churches in order to support a bureaucratic machine.

Local church members have  lost any control over their destiny within the Episcopal faith. Decisions of the denomination to endorse same sex priests and to approve cross-dressing within their clergy are generally not doctrines supported by most within the Episcopal church. But when extreme power to make such decisions is handed over to high ranking officials, little can be done but to leave.

There is no Biblical evidence of such a bureaucracy in the first days of the church. Local congregations were to have elders (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5) who were to guide the church and shepherd its members (Acts 20:28).

Doctrine Matters

Some of our brethren in the churches of Christ are embarrassed when we speak, teach and preach about doctrinal matters. But the collapse of the Episcopals is evidence that doctrine does matter. Some years ago another so-called mainline denomination found that their numbers were declining. An internal study found that people were leaving because they were not being taught anything of substance.

Some of our brethren believe the answer is to decrease our doctrinal teaching and decrease the discussion of the things that divide us from others. While their motives are pure, they method is flawed. It is only by discovering that original, ancient, first century doctrine that we can today restore and maintain the church for which Jesus died.

Paul warned of those who teach doctrines different from what had been delivered.

“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.” (Romans 16:17-18)

He encouraged Timothy to preach only “sound doctrine” and to oppose any change in that doctrine (1 Timothy 1:3, 10). An identical message was given to Titus (Titus 1:9, 2:1).

There is One Church

Jesus said he was going to build “His church” in Matthew 16:18. The keys to the church would be given to Peter to bind and loose the things which were already bound and loosed in heaven. That one church was established a short time later on the day of Pentecost. People were added to that church by God himself (Acts 2:41, 47).

There is, and always has been a pattern for worship. Cain was held to that standard (Genesis 4:5-7); Noah was held to that standard (Genesis 6:22); the Israelites were held to that standard (Exodus 25:9 et al) and there is no reason for us to think otherwise. When doctrinal issues arose in Corinth, Paul addressed them powerfully. As he rhetorically asked, “Is Christ Divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13).

It is not popular to suggest there is but one church. Those in the churches of Christ seek to restore that first century church. Do we err sometimes? Yes we do. But we constantly strive to present Christ to the world apart from the trappings of denominationalism  that are hurtful, divisive and split believers into opposing camps.

I know many good and honest people have invested much in the Episcopal church only to see it stray far away from simple Bible teaching. I know  they are hurting and confused. Our allegiance is to Jesus, not to some church board, synod or House of Deputies. Come and help us seek the truth in the Bible alone. You will be welcomed!

Religious Unity

Church, ,

The unity of all believers is a very desirable goal. Indeed, Jesus prayed for unity in the hours before his arrest, beatings and crucifixion (John 17:22-24). Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their disunity (1 Corinthians 1:10-17). Today, disunity marks the so-called protestant world which has fractured and denominated itself into almost innumerable sects. While these groups all cluster around a belief that Jesus is the Son of God and while they often draw near to one another through credal statements and affirmations, the world sees nothing but separatist groups.

As a practical matter,  untold billions of dollars are wasted every year as denominations compete with one another and duplicate efforts in evangelism and benevolence. One can only imagine the work that could be done if all were united.

More importantly, millions are lost because they drive the sectarianism and worship as they desire rather than worshiping God the way he desires. The “doctrines of men” (Matthew 15:9; Mark 7:7) are commonplace among the denominations and have replaced the Gospel of Jesus Christ which saves men (1 Corinthians 15:1-2).

To be sure, many caught up in denominational thinking do not intend to worship falsely. Instead they have been led astray by teachers who ought know better than to teach new innovations. Nevertheless, God’s word is understandable and ignorance is no excuse. Truth is knowable (John 8:32) and it is in truth we must worship (John 4:24)

Some years ago, misguided brethren sought to unify with the denominations. Beginning with our supposed near-kin in the Independent Christian Church Continue reading Religious Unity →