What is a denomination? If we take the current worldview, we would have to say that a denomination is a group of “Christian” people that do not wish to be associated with another group. Therefore, they claim to just be the church and not a man-made religion.
The problem that plagues this movement is one that is married to the terms “denomination” and “non-denomination”.
The first denomination, or break from the Lord’s church, can be traced back to A.D. 325 with the first council of Nicea. This occurred some two hundred and ninety-two years after the establishment of the True Church in A.D. 33, which was inaugurated at the preaching of the Apostle Peter.
It is apparent in the current climate that when a group claims to be a non-denomination, they are actually becoming a denomination that breaks from a denomination. Therefore, they continue multiplying and moving further and further away from Christ and His church.
Defining Denomination:
From late 14c., denominacioun, “a naming, act of giving a name to,” from Old French denominacion” nominating, naming,” from Latin denominationem (nominative denominatio) “a calling by anything other than the proper name, metonymy,” noun of action from past-participle stem of denominare “to name,” from de- “completely” (see de-) + nominare “to name,” from nomen “name” (from PIE root *no-men- “name”).
From mid-15c. as “a class name, a collective designation,” of things; of persons, “a society or collection of individuals,” 1660s. From the first comes the monetary sense (1650s) from the second the meaning “religious sect” (1716).
“pertaining to a religious denomination or sect,” 1838; (1). Denominationalism “tendency to divide into sects or denominations, inclination to emphasize distinguishing characteristics as opposed to general principles” (1845).
The folly that is occurring in the world of Christendom is of the greatest kind. When groups move away from traditional denominationalism (i.e. Baptist, Methodist, Catholic, etc.) they are jumping right back on the heels of denominationalism by baring names such as Crosspoint, LifePointe, Hope, and New Hope, thus further denominating themselves.
I am all for denouncing denominationalism and man-made names, but not to become part of another man-made group that designates itself as something other than Christ’s and/or Christian.
The only name we must bare is Christ’s. The only church we must be a part of is Christ’s. We must stop the constant separating, segregating, and denominating of ourselves further from the Lord’s church. Rather, we should just be called Christian and be the New Testament church in all its beauty. We must study deeply to be able to worship just like the first century church and be Christians only, with no earthly attachments! To that note, the only worship we offer unto God must be as shown in the Biblical text as to not worship the Lord our God in vain.
Acts 4:10-12 – 10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. 11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. 12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Ephesians 4:3-6 – 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Friends, the Bible only makes Christians by way of Jesus Christ and His teaching. The Bible will never make another group. Let us strive to be the church that Christ purchased and not a church that man made or named to show their difference. We must be united in Christ alone!