Does the Bible Justify Denominationalism?

While it cannot be denied that people who claim faith in Jesus Christ are associated with many different denominations, the ever looming question is, "Does the Bible justify denominationalism?" Do denominations, by teaching different doctrines and practicing unauthorized traditions, cause confusion? Indeed they do, and because so many counterfeit churches exist (and the number continually grows), it becomes increasingly more difficult to find the one true church.

No, my statement "one true church" is not an assumption - it is clearly taught in the New Testament. First, Jesus said, "I will build my church" (Matt. 16:18). He said "church" – not churches. Also, Paul, in writing to Timothy, said, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Tim. 3:15). "The" in the passage indicates ONE - as opposed to a plurality.

Jesus said, "I am the vine, ye are the branches." Some read that and, in their attempt promote the idea that the Bible justifies denominationalism, contend that the "branches" are churches. However, the passage clearly indicates that the "branch" is an individual - not a church. Note who is addressed in the text below: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. 6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned" (John 15:5-7). Clearly, individuals, rather than various religious bodies, are the branches of the vine (Christ).

In view of the Bible's teachings (noted above) it should be clear that there is only one true church, yet many denominations are present in the world today. Such division is contrary to Jesus' prayer for unity (John 21:17) and it is the cause of much confusion. Paul wrote, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Cor. 14:33a), so the problem must be due to man's desires, misunderstandings, and unauthorized actions.

In view of the fact that the church is the saved (Acts 2:47), shouldn’t the question "What must one do to be saved?” be answered to help determine whether a particular church is the one we read about in the Bible?" (Anyone can establish a church.) The most profound issue to consider relative to whether a particular church is composed of the saved is whether or not the people in it have put their trust in God and obeyed him by repenting and being baptized (Acts 2:36-47; Rom. 6:3,4, 17,18), which results in their being added to the body or church (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:24; Eph. 4:4). This is something virtually no group (church, denomination, or non-denomination) does except one – the group generally known as "Church of Christ."

The true church is pre-denomination and it exists today in basically the same form (organization, doctrine, and practice) as it did 2,000 years ago. It may not bear a particular known name and the people in it are not perfect. It may even get a few things wrong. This does not necessarily condemn a church, as is evident from reading what God said about the seven churches of Asia in the book of Revelation. Thus, when we consider God’s grace, mercy, and patience, the circles of fellowship many draw are likely significantly smaller than they should be.

However, circles must be drawn when a group refuses to abide by the basic tenets of biblical teaching regarding salvation and the work and worship of the body of Christ. Denominations do not follow biblical teaching in this regard and therefore denominationalism is unjustified and unauthorized by the Bible.