Denominations
...Why are there so many?
If we lived 1500 years ago, we would not know what a Baptist, or Catholic or Methodist was. There were no denominations until more recent centuries. So we must conclude that Denominationism is no "Divine Institution". It is something created by man. Nowhere in the Bible do we see an example of organized "religion". Nowhere in the Bible is there an example of God saying "These certain people are the only ones going to heaven"
Denominationism (Christian separation) is man-made. It's something Jesus prayed would not happen, but the Bible predicted would happen and warned against it. In the first century, there was only One church. Over the years, Man has divided the Church into the numerous sects we have today. In fact, Satan is the founder of "Religion". Most people don't realize, but there are over 25,000 denominations of Christianity alone! Mostly because we have allowed doctrines of men to infiltrate the churches of Christ and are so judgmental and Dogmatic as Christians, that we are quick to separate ourselves from a church and start a new one.
The purpose of this site is NOT to promote organized religion. Organized religion has nothing to do with a "relationship" with God.
Webster's Dictionary offers the following as a definition for "religion" - "belief in God or gods to be worshipped, usually expressed in conduct and ritual; any specific system of belief, worship, etc., often involving a code of ethics."
In light of the above definition the Bible does talk of organized religion and in most cases "organized religion" is not something that God is pleased with. I have listed a few examples of where religion is described in the paragraphs below. I have also given some suggestions as to how to understand God's desire for His believers to be organized. I hope that the following will be of help.
Here are some statements made by Paul and Jesus Himself on the matter...
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John 17:11 |
[Jesus prayed] Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are.
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John 17:20,21 |
[Jesus prayed] I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us , that the world may believe that You sent Me.
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1 Corinthians 1:10 |
Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
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Acts 20:29-31 |
For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock. Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. Therefore watch , and remember, that for three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears.
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2 Timothy 4:3,4 |
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
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1 Timothy 4:1,2 |
Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron,
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Matthew 15:9 |
And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.
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Ephesians 4:4-6 |
There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
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Romans 16:17 |
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. |
Other Mentions of Organized Religion in the Bible
Genesis 11:1-9: The descendents of Noah organized themselves to build the tower either to worship the "hosts of heaven' or the 'queen of heaven (see Jeremiah 7:18, 19:13) or maybe even under the belief system that if they could build it tall enough they would be saved. They believed that their unity was more important than their relationship with God. God stepped in and confused their languages, thus breaking up this religion.
Exodus 6 and following: God had given promises to Abram (Abraham) concerning a special relationship between his descendents and God. However, we see this "organized" for the nation beginning at the exodus and working through the history of the Israelites. The Ten Commandments, Tabernacle, sacrifice system, etc. was all organized by God and to be followed by the Israelites. Further study of the New Testament clarifies that the end product of this religion was to lead the follower to Christ (Galatians 3; Romans 7). However, many have misunderstood this and have worshipped the elements rather than the True God.
Judges and following: Much of the conflicts experienced by the Israelites involved the conflict of religion. Examples include: Baal (Judges 6; 1 Kings 18); Dagon (1 Samuel 5); Molech (2 Kings 23:10). God used these religions to display His power by defeating them. MAN I wish I had time to discuss this one here...
The Gospels: The Pharisees and Sadducees represented organized religion at the time of Christ. Jesus constantly confronted them about their false teachings and hypocritical lifestyles. Many of them changed from this organized religion – Paul is one example. There are many scriptures to quote here, so I will have to get back to it.
The Epistles (letters): There were organized groups that mixed the gospel with certain lists of required works. They also sought to put pressure on believers to change accept this new religion. Galatians and Colossians give warnings about such.
Revelation: Even in the end times organized religion will have an impact on the world as the Antichrist sets up the world religion. Exactly what is "Babylon?" Again, I don't have time to talk about it yet...but if you email me, I will address it immediately.
In most cases the end results of "organized religion" distracts from the intent of God. However, the Bible does speak of organized Christians (believers) that are part of His plan. He calls them churches. The descriptions from the Book of Acts and the Epistles provide direction that the church is to be organized and interdependent. The organization leads to protection, productivity and outreach Acts 2:41-47).
In this case it could better be called an "organized relationship." There is no plan to reach God (He has reached out to them). There is no pride (all is received by grace). There should be no squabbles over leadership (Christ is the Head – Colossians 1:18). There should be no prejudice (We are all one in Christ – Galatians 3:28)
The Bible uses the historical symbol of Babylon to signify the confusing array of religion and Denominations. God would like unity, but only lasting unity can be found in Him. To be in Him is to know Him, and to know Him is to follow (obey) Him.
Denominations describe groups who consent to follow a certain set of His instructions. Different denominations vary the content of the accepted truths in their set. Revelation 14:6-12 describes a group that will continue to accept the truths of Jesus Christ that have been dropped through the historical periods of Revelations 6:1-8. Study to know Christ and He will show you the way to complete truth.
Click Here for an extensive list of denominations
Click Here for an extensive list of Churches in the USA