Why does denomination exist?
Is there example from the bible that talk about this and support this to happen?
Are the matters we are differing really unnecessary matters that is not specifically mentioned in the bible, or some uncertainties from translation?
How do we keep the unity in Christ without compromising the truth of the bible?
1 comment:
Unity among Christians is a difficult topic. We often mistake organisational unity with true unity in Christ, or see spiritual significance in human structures which are really just pragmatic.
In my opinion, the Bible teaches that the church is the gathering of God's people around Christ - those who live with him as Lord, and who express their unity by gathering together (the word 'church' simply means gathering in the New Testament). These various gatherings of Christians in different times and locations seek to fellowship with one-another. When some of these gatherings have some form of organisational bond, we normally call this a denomination. Some groups of churches try to say they are non-denominational, but this doesn't make sense because by grouping they are necessarily excluding other churches from their organisational grouping. Denominations aren't necessarily bad, but if they are used as a means of stopping fellowship between genuine Christians then there is a problem. Denominations are meant to facilitate fellowship by providing resources, lines of communication, etc.
I would say that a lot of the theological differences between denominations are less-than central to maintaining true Chrisitan fellowship. For example, at the moment I don't believe in infant baptism - but I'm simultaneously on the pay-roll of an Anglican church! Other issues such as church government and ways of doing communion are less-than central. Many Christians would find greater fellowship among true believers in other denominations, than some believers in their same church.
The unity of believers is achieved by the work of Jesus on the cross, and Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 has been answered. We are to maintain that unity by speaking the truth in love to one another, and placing the Lord Jesus and his gospel at the center of our gatherings, and the center of our fellowship with Christians in other gatherings. We must be careful to unite around Christ, rather than unity as an ideal, or some other external cause. Christ is building his church around all those who confess him as Lord.
I hope these thoughts help. I was helped quite a bit by reading this article by D.B Knox called, the church and the demoninations.
Praying for things at OCF!
Post a Comment