Arguments Used to Justify Denominationalism Aaron Erhardt Below are four common arguments used to justify denominationalism. Please consider the argument and the answer that follows. Can denominationalism be sustained? 1. The “other sheep” in John 10:16 refer to various denominations. The “other sheep” refer to the Gentiles, not to denominational churches. Jesus was stating that Gentiles would be saved and be given a place in the fold as well as Jews. He still said there would be but “one fold.” 2. The “branches” in John 15:1-8 refer to various denominations. The “branches” refer to individuals, not to denominational churches. The context clearly reveals that Jesus was speaking of an individual’s productivity or lack thereof. He said, “If a man abide not in me” not “if a denomination abide not in me” (v. 6). 3. The “seven churches” in Revelation 2-3 were different denominations. If the “seven churches” were different denominations, which ones were they? Was the church at Ephesus the Ephesian Episcopalian Church? Was the church at Pergamos the Pergamos Presbyterian Church? Was the church at Laodicea the Laodicean Lutheran Church? The very thought is absurd. These churches were not different denominations. They were simply local congregations of the same body. These churches all believed the same doctrines and practiced the same things. 4. The incident in Mark 9:38-39 shows that people can belong to different denominations and still be acceptable to Jesus. The man who was casting out devils had been given authority from Jesus to do so. We know that to be true because of the miracles he was able to perform. The difference between this man and denominations is twofold. (1) He was an individual and (2) He had authority from Jesus. None of the arguments listed above sustain denominationalism. There is no authority whatsoever for denominational churches to exist.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 09:43:07 +0000
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