• Is The Church Of Christ A Denomination?

• Introduction
• There are two answers to our question.
• Most people in the world would answer yes.
• Many church goers would answer yes.
• Some in the church of Christ answer yes.
• Some of our own members do not know.
• True members of the church realize the answer to be NO!
• We are not a denomination.
• So we will attempt to teach us the difference.
• Most religious people are quite familiar with the concept of denominationalism.
• They understand a denomination to be a part of Christendom at large, and for the most part, they see no essential difference from one denomination to the next.
• All are equally related, they assume, both in their relationships to each other, as well as in their relationship to Deity.
• That is why lessons such as this are so important.
• Many people simply do not understand.
• When someone, whose only idea of religion is denominational in scope, encounters a member of the churches of Christ (someone who is just a Christian), the question usually arises:
• What denomination are you?
• Where and what is your church's governing body?
• What are your creeds or statements of faith?"
• The problem with answering such questions is the understanding of the meanings will be different for both the true Christian and the ignorant person.
• So an answer given is perceived differently by both.
• How do you convey to someone only familiar with a denominational approach to religion that the body (or church) of Christ is not a denomination?
• To simply claim that the church of Christ is not a denomination might alarm our questioner:
• "Is the church of Christ a cult?
• Is it a world religion (e.g. Hindu, Islam, et. al.)?
• What is it?"
• While there are different approaches you might take, consider these three simple truths:

• Sect or Heresy is the true aim of denominationalism
• Though the actual term "denomination" is not used in the new testament, the same idea is seen in the terms "sect" (or sectarian) and "heresy," which do appear (from the Greek term "hairesis").
• The term "sect," in addition to being used with reference to the Sadducees (Acts 5:17) and the Pharisees (Acts 15:5; 26:5), is used three times with reference to the church.
• First, it was used in this manner by a certain orator, Tertullus, who had come from Jerusalem with Ananias, the high priest, to Caesarea to appear before Felix and present a case against Paul.
• In doing so he referred to Paul as a "ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes" (Acts 24:5).
• Second, in the context of Paul's refutation of the charges brought against him by Tertullus, he referred to the church as "heresy" (Acts 24:14 - KJV, "sect" - NKJV).
• He did so, however, only in reference to what "they" (Tertullus, Ananias and the elders) called the church.
• In the same context Paul refers to the church simply as "the way."
• Third, when Paul landed in Rome and had opportunity to live in his own rented house (Acts 28:16, 30), he called the Jewish leaders in Rome to teach them about Christ.
• Though they never received letters from Judea concerning Paul, nor heard anything negative from Jews who traveled from there, they said concerning the church: "for concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere." (Act 28:22)
• These are the only three times that the church, as a whole, is ever directly referred to as sectarian (or denominational) in character
• (Note: refs to "heresies" in 1 Corinthians 11:19; Galatians 5:20; 2 Peter 2:1 can refer to errors/divisions within local congregations rather than to the church as a whole being heretical, or sectarian).
• One was used by an enemy of the church and truth (Tertullus, Ananias and the elders from Jerusalem).
• The second was used by Paul, but only in referring to what enemies of the truth said about the church.
• And the last was used by Jewish leaders ignorant of Paul (and, obviously, the church), but already informed about the controversial nature of the church.
• None of these usages is reflective of Divine thought concerning the church.

• Warnings Against Denominationalism
• When Paul wrote to the church in Corinth he denounced them for numerous errors.
• In the context of dealing with their problems relative to the Lord's supper, for example, Paul spoke of the "divisions" among them (1 Corinthians 11:18), and said that such "heresies" (vs 19 - KJV, "factions" - NKJV) "must" be in order to allow for the recognition of those who are approved.
• The term "heresies" in verse 19 is the same term translated as "sect" in the passages cited above in Acts.
• Heresies, or sectarian doctrines and practices (the denominational concept if you will), are thus condemned by Paul.
• Furthermore, note the use of the word "divisions" in verse 18.
• This term comes from the Greek term "schisma" (i.e., schism), which Paul seems to use as parallel and/or synonymous with the term "heresies" or "factions" (Gr.- hairesis) in 11:19.
• It is the same term found in 1 Corinthians 1:10 where Paul condemns "divisions" (Gr.-schisma) and encourages unanimity in mind, judgment and speech (cf. Galatians 5:20).
• Paul uses the same term in 1 Corinthians 12:25 where he discusses the controversy over spiritual gifts and where he said "that there should be no schism in the body."
• Paul, in Galatians 5:20, and Peter, in 2 Peter 2:1, also condemn "heresies" (Gr.-hairesis):
• first, as one of the works of the flesh (cf. Galatians 5:19),
• and second, in warning the churches about false teachers.
• It is obvious from these passages, that the New Testament denounces anything and everything that is remotely related to the ideas inherent in denominational, or sectarian, practice and teaching.

• Denominationalism Divides
• People who participate in denominationalism are violating some important passages of scripture.
• Recognizing that Jesus prayed for unity, we see that it was unity in purpose and thought.
• It was not unity in diversity (everyone doing things their own way).
• There are many passages that speak of this unity.
• Philippians 2:2 “make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose”.
• 1 Corinthians 1:10 “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgement”.
• Now, how can these denominations teach different doctrines, practice things differently, wear different names, and still be called part of Christianity?
• Those involved have no problem doing so, but the scripture (and God) has a problem with the division among the groups.

• Conclusion (Part One)
• Most people in the world do not understand that denominationalism is wrong and against God’s plan for the church.
• We must come to a common understanding of the words used before communication can take place.
• Divisions, schisms, heresies, sects are described in the Bible.
• Though often condemned, a few passages use these in a positive correct meaning.
• New Testament writers warned against division.

By Carey Scott from an article by Jody Apple

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