Why So Many Denominations?

Many people, especially non-Christians, often ask why there are so many Christian denominations. This is a very valid question, although it must be pointed out up front that every major religion has sects/denominations/ within its system of beliefs, so Christians should not be singled out on this issue.

The number one reason is because Christianity is made up of human beings and we all think our opinions, beliefs, ideas, values etc. are superior to everyone else’s. I think there are basically four questions to ask ourselves when searching for a true Christian church.

What is the standard by which to judge which denomination is for me?
What are the basic differences in denominations?
How does one determine what “Christian” denomination to belong to?
Are all denominations truly Christian because they say they are?


1. What is the standard by which to judge which denomination is for me?

Christianity, by its very name, is based upon Jesus, the Christ (Savior). The overwhelming majority of information we have about Jesus is found in one book. That book is the Bible. There have been thousands of books written about Jesus and Christianity, but they almost all point back to what we learn of Him through Scripture. Therefore, the Bible should be our standard by which to judge which denomination is right for us. You wouldn’t determine that by reading the Quran or the Hindu Vedas. You wouldn’t (or shouldn’t) even determine that by reading books written ABOUT the Bible. That would be like listening to the television news anchors tell you what each candidate said in the debate after you just watched the debate for yourself. The Bible should be your ultimate reference for how you will live your Christian faith.



2. What are the basic differences in denominations?

There are really only two basic differences among denominations. That may be surprising, but these two differences are the basis for everything else that is taught in Christendom.

The two differences are these:
What does the church teach about the Bible?
What does the church teach about salvation?

A.What does the church teach about the Bible?

There are several trains of thought about the Bible, but they fall into basically two categories.

a. There are those that believe that every word of the Bible is directly inspired by God and written by men under His spiritual guidance. In other words, God wrote the Bible through men he chose specifically for that task, and you can trust every word of it.

b. There are others that believe parts of the Bible are strictly men’s opinions and only inspired in the way that Shakespeare was inspired. So they believe it’s not certain what you can and cannot trust about what it says. And there are those that believe that the Bible is just a book of myths, legends and fairy tales. Both of these systems are contrary to category #1.

B. What does the church teach about salvation?

There are several trains of thought about salvation, but they fall into basically two categories.

a. One belief says that salvation is by grace given to us by God through faith in Jesus Christ, and has nothing to do with our “goodness” or our “good works”

b. The other belief says that salvation is dependent on our “goodness” and “good works”.

Grace or works. That’s it. Every church fits into one of these two categories. Some try to mix the two and say that our salvation is based on grace AND works, but in order to believe that you have to throw out part of the Bible*. (Which means you would fall under category b of number A above). And if you mix works into the equation anywhere, then you are dependent on works at least to some degree.

Grace or works. That’s it.

After that, the rest of what a church teaches is based on its interpretation of those passages of Scripture that the particular church chooses to focus on. These things can include but are not limited to baptism, communion, church authority and discipline, speaking or not speaking in tongues, appropriate music, preaching styles, money handling, moral codes, dress codes, social responsibilities, politics, women’s roles in the church, pastoral requirements, etc. etc. etc.


3. How does one determine what “Christian” denomination to belong to?

There are two basic questions to ask.

A. What do they teach about the Bible?

This depends on what category you fall into under question #2. If you believe that the Bible is the literal word of God, then you must choose a church that is based on that belief. Otherwise you will be constantly torn between what the Bible says and what your church is teaching, and you will not find peace within that church body. If you believe the Bible is only partially from God, or if you believe it’s just a book of myths, legends and fairy tales, then choosing your denomination will be much easier, as long as you stay away from churches that fall under category a of question #2.

Most churches have what they call a “doctrinal statement”. If you are considering the possibility of joining a church, you should ask them for their doctrinal statement so you can determine where they stand on the Bible. If they don’t have a statement that you can read, then talk to the pastor and ask questions about his belief in the Bible. The pastor determines pretty much what is going to be taught in the church.

B. Do they teach salvation by grace or by works?


4. Are all denominations truly Christian because they say they are?

That’s an interesting question.

If you fall under category #1 of question #1, then the answer is no. If one doesn’t play by the rules, is one really playing the game? Or has he altered the handbook to fit his particular preferences? Is T-ball the same thing as major league baseball? Is flag football the same as NFL football? Of course not. They are similar, but not the same. The handbooks are different

If you fall under category #B of question #2, then all denominations are Christian.

Again – if you define Christianity as a belief system based on the Bible being the true Word of God, then you have to go with a church that falls under category #A of question #2. If you don’t fall under that category, then you are by definition similar to Christianity, but only a facsimile. When dealing with the salvation of one’s soul, I would say that is an extremely important point to ponder.

There is a fifth question that begs to be asked.


Is there one true denomination?

Although some churches believe theirs is the only true church (and there are some in mine that think we’re the only true church), they’re going to find out someday that they were wrong on some things and right on others. As long as there are human beings in the world, there will be imperfection. There is no perfect church because there are no perfect human beings. It’s a perfect God that we serve – and that should be our focus.

This has been by no means an exhaustive study, but I pray that it will help some at least to gather a set of priorities and guidelines for themselves if they are looking for a good church. Of course, if one doesn't know the God that is to be worshipped and served through one's membership in a church, it ultimately will not matter where or even if one attends. Church membership doesn't equal salvation.


*“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Romans 11:6

"I just figured out "why so many folk are hatin' on Obama. He doesnt' fit the mold...He ain't white. He ain't rich. He ain't privileged." Jeremiah Wright


Wrong on all three counts. That makes you a liar.
Obama is half white.
His income in 2005 was 1.6 million dollars.
He's a US Senator.

On the same youtube video, Obama stated that if he could talk to Jesus he would ask him if he was going "up" or "down".

A true Christian doesn't have to ask that question. We know the answer, because it's a promise from God.

But then the UCC doesn't teach true Biblical Christianity.

Out of the Mouth of Babes

I've counseled quite a few young people in my life, and I'm always humbled by the experience, as well as overjoyed.

I had the great pleasure of witnessing to a young lady this week who ended up praying to accept Jesus as her Saviour. I shared my testimony with her first, telling her about my life of agnosticism and the eventual realization of my sinful nature and my asking Jesus to forgive me for my sins and save me. She and I prayed together, and she told me afterwards she'd never felt so happy in her whole life.

This girl was not only ecstatic about her new found salvation, but she brought a friend to me today who was interested in knowing more about the plan of salvation, but who still had questions. I'm not sure who was doing more witnessing - she or I. Finally, the friend admitted that she didn't think she was quite ready, and didn't fully understand. I told her that was ok, that once she did fully understand, she didn't have to depend on me or anyone else for that matter - she could simply pray to God, ask forgiveness for her sins, and ask Jesus to save her.

To which her friend (my new little convert) replied. "It's ok. You need to really understand what you are doing before you get saved. It takes some people longer than others to fully understand it. It took Ms Green 41 years to understand it."

I had a hard time not grinning from ear to ear. Indeed, Skyler, it did take me 41 years to understand it. Some of us are a little slow I guess.

Thankfully, God is longsuffering.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." II Peter 3:9

"And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3

Passover and Redemption

Passover.

From Exodus Chapter 12:

“Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying, In the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb… Your lamb shall be without blemish…

And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses…

For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast; and against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgment: I am the LORD. And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt.”

At Passover, salvation was given in the following way:

A lamb without blemish was sacrificed. But that was not enough for salvation.
The blood of the lamb had to be applied in order to receive salvation.

The blood was applied in a picture of a cross : on each side of the door, and over the door.

Redemption.

Jesus was the Lamb of God. He was without blemish and died as a sacrifice for us.
That in itself is not enough for salvation.
The blood of the Lamb must be applied.
The blood of the Lamb is our only salvation.


From Psalm 22:

I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels. My strength is dried up like a potsherd; and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and thou hast brought me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. I may tell all my bones: they look and stare upon me. They part my garments among them, and cast lots upon my vesture.

John 19:30: When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost.

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your gift of mercy, your gift of love. Thank you for becoming the perfect sacrifice – the Lamb of God slain for the sake of the whole world, which is at enmity with you. How great a love you’ve shown. I praise You. I worship You. I submit to You as Lord.

Salvation - Has Always been by Faith

Interestingly, I spoke at length with a pastor who believes as I do, that the Bible teaches salvation by grace alone. Then he said something that seemed odd to me. He believes that salvation was not always by faith. He believes that during the time of Moses, salvation was by faith AND works.

So I pondered this for a while, and did some study, and though I know what I believe, sometimes I believe God allows me to be challenged to be a Berean and make sure that what I believe really is what God teaches.

This brought me to Hebrews Chapter 11 – that great chapter that speaks of faith. I found what I knew in my heart to be true – salvation has ALWAYS been by faith, not of works, and never a mixture of faith and works.

Surley most Christians know Hebrews 11:1 by heart.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Probably most are at least familiar with the passage in Romans that says “…Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

But what about those before Abraham?

“By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.”

And midway through the chapter it says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.”

God doesn’t change. The way of salvation doesn’t change. It’s always been by faith. Never by works.

A Backslidden Muslim is better than a Backslidden Christian

A backslidden Muslim is better than a backslidden Christian.

Ms. Green, you are a Christian. How can you say that? Don’t you believe (in fact, you have said, in so many words) that Christianity is the only true religion and all others are false? Don’t you believe that only Christians who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior will go to heaven? How, then, can you make the statement…

A backslidden Muslim is better than a backslidden Christian.

What is a backslidden Christian? It is a Christian who is not following the will of God as revealed to us through Scripture.

The Bible tells us, among other things
Not to commit murder ( Exodus 20:13)
To forgive others (John 8:7, Matthew 6:14-15, 18:21-22)
To love our enemies and in fact, pray for them (Matthew 5:44)
To be truthful to all (Exodus 20:16)
That men should love their wives as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25)

So technically, a Christian not honoring these passages would be backslidden.

Now let’s look at the Muslim religion.
It teaches, among other things,
Murder gets you rewards
Females in your family that commit sexual sin should be killed to protect the family’s honor
Infidels should be killed and not associated with
It is ok to lie to non-believers
Wives are possessions and should be treated as such

A Muslim who does not honor the above passages is backslidden, and is not really following what their religion teaches.

In worldly terms, then the backslidden Muslim is a better person than the backslidden Christian – because of the religion that they follow.

However, in God’s eyes, neither of them is any better than the other.

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11


Thankfully, for both Christians and non-Christians, God is not a respector of persons. In other words, He sees two types of people – those who have been saved and those who have not. He does not prefer one over the other. He loves us all equally – saved and lost alike. He died for us all – saved and unsaved.

For therefore we both labour and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. I Timothy 4:10

So everyone has an equal chance to go to heaven.

Christians are no different than the lost as far as being sinners.

They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Romans 3:12

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Romans 3:23


The difference is that we’ve admitted who we are, and admitted there is nothing we could possibly ever do to earn heaven, so we accepted the free gift Christ gave us through the cross.

And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house. Acts 16:31

No one is saved through their good deeds.

Trust in Jesus is the reason – the ONLY reason we Christians are going to heaven, whether we are backslidden or not. And that is the reason that no Muslim can go to heaven - backslidden or not.