Denominationalism is a destructive force that has wounded the Body of Christ for many centuries. This practice has divided the Church into countless factions, each asserting its own interpretation of Christianity. Such division has caused unnecessary barriers between Believers and led to spiritual stagnation, fostering a culture of exclusivity rather than unity around the core truths of the Faith.
At its heart, denominationalism goes against Christ's intention for His Church: unity in truth. Jesus prayed for His followers to be one, just as He and the Father are one. In John 17:22, He says, “And the glory which Thou gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one.” This unity was meant to reflect God’s love and power to the world. Unfortunately, the fragmentation we see today undermines this powerful witness, weakening the Church’s testimony of God’s truth.
The apostle Paul warned early Christians against creating factions based on influential leaders or their teachings. He rebuked the Corinthians for dividing themselves over who baptized them or who their favorite teacher was:
“Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? ...For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?” (1 Cor. 1:12-13; 3:4).
Paul's words directly condemn denominationalism, describing it as a sign of spiritual immaturity and carnality. The tendency to identify with one leader or denomination over another reflects a mindset that focuses on human labels rather than the unity found in Christ. But as Paul points out, Christ is not divided, and neither should His Church be.
In Ephesians 4:15, Paul urges Believers to “speak the truth in love” and “grow up into Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.” The unity of the Church should always be centered on Christ and His truth, not the denominational labels we wear. We are called to mature in our knowledge of God, not to remain entrenched in names and frames that hinder spiritual growth and the fulfillment of God’s will for His Church.
Now while we uphold the importance of Christian unity, we also recognize that true unity in the Body of Christ cannot be achieved by compromising sound doctrine or aligning with heretical teachings. This call for unity is not a call for ecumenism, which seeks to downplay doctrinal differences for the sake of false peace. Ecumenism, by blending biblical truth with heresy, is itself a destructive force that undermines the integrity of the Gospel and leads people away from the true faith. We must never seek unity at the expense of truth. True unity is built on the solid foundation of sound doctrine, and we must stand firm in that truth, regardless of the pressures to compromise. It is through a commitment to God’s Word and a focus on building one another up in love, pursuing holiness and spiritual growth (Gal. 6:2; Eph. 4:16), that the unity Christ desires for His Church is realized. Again, this unity is grounded in truth, not in the blending of conflicting ideologies or false teachings.
Conclusion
In 2 Peter 3:18, we are commanded to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” This growth is only possible when Believers come together in humility, setting aside the labels that cause division.There is no need to identify as Baptist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, or any other denomination. Instead, we should all identify simply as followers of Christ, Believers in Christ, or Christians. The Church is not a collection of isolated, divided parts, but one Body united under Christ. Let us reject the divisions fostered by denominationalism and instead strive for the oneness that Jesus prayed for, standing firm in doctrinal truth, and seeking to glorify God through a unified Body that reflects His holiness to the world.
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