We Need to Consider Ourselves as Non-denominational Christians, Not as Protestants or Baptists or Catholics or Any Other Denomination or Division

As you read this section, keep in mind that the New Testament is not merely a history book, it's meant to change us to become more and more like Jesus. When we read any passages in the New Testament, our goal should be to discern what God wants us to believe and do so that we can be obedient to Him.

Notice that shortly before the cross, Jesus prayed that all Christians would be brought to complete unity, and the apostle Paul spoke of the body of Christ growing and maturing until we reach unity in the faith:

"I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one as we are one." (John 17:11)

"As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one - I in them and you in me - so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." (John 17:18-23)

"So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." (Ephesians 4:11-16)

The above passages say that Jesus prayed for us to be brought to complete unity so that we may be one just as the Father and the Son are one, and the apostle Paul expected us to reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God. Therefore, all Christians being in unity is very important to God, so we need to take the idea of being in unity very seriously.

But if you think about it, Christian unity is a huge task that will have a huge world-wide impact. This is because the body of Christ is fractured into numerous divisions such as denominations, all of which disagree with each other in various areas of biblical doctrines or practices.

If you search online for "how many Christian denominations," you'll find that there are hundreds or thousands of self-described Christian denominations. It's not always clear which person or group founded each denomination, but here are some examples that I found online:

The Baptist denomination was founded by John Smythe, so all Baptists are in effect saying, "I follow John Smythe's views."
The Lutheran denomination was founded by Martin Luther, so all Lutherans are in effect saying, "I follow Martin Luther's views."
The Methodist denomination was founded by John Wesley, so all Methodists are in effect saying, "I follow John Wesley's views."
The Presbyterian denomination was founded by John Knox, so all Presbyterians are in effect saying, "I follow John Knox's views."
The Seventh-day Adventist denomination was founded by James and Ellen White and Joseph Bates, so all Seventh-day Adventists are in effect saying, "I follow James and Ellen White's and Joseph Bates' views."
The Mennonite denomination was founded by Menno Simmons, so all Mennonites are in effect saying, "I follow Menno Simmons' views."
The Amish denomination was founded by Jacob Amman, so all Amish are in effect saying, "I follow Jacob Amman's views."
The Salvation Army denomination was founded by William Booth, so all Salvation Army church members are in effect saying, "I follow William Booth's views."

Again, I found this information online, and perhaps not everyone will agree with everything in the above list.

The purpose of the above list is simply to make the point that every denomination was founded by a person or group, and each denomination's members are followers of most or all of the views and practices of the person or group that established those denominations. For example, the denominational website for The United Methodist Church

refers to Methodists as "followers of John Wesley," and you can find similar statements at other denominational websites.

So what is God's perspective on denominations?

When the apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth, he began his letter with greetings and thanksgiving, as he frequently did in his letters. Immediately after that, he launched into an urgent appeal for them to be perfectly united in mind and thought and to have no divisions among them:

"I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions [schisma] among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." (1 Corinthians 1:10)

Paul then made it clear what he meant by "divisions":

"My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."" (1 Corinthians 1:11-12)

Sound familiar? The situation that we have today with denominations ("I follow John Smythe's views," or "I follow Martin Luther's views," or "I follow John Wesley's views," etc.) is exactly the situation that Paul denounced in the above passage, referring to those divisions as "quarrels."

Paul went on to say:

"Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?" (1 Corinthians 1:13)

The above questions are clearly intended to be answered with "no." Paul's point was that we're not meant to be followers of a person or group (such as being followers of Paul), and that Christ is not divided in any way (so the body of Christ should not be divided in any way).

Paul went on to say:

"I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name." (1 Corinthians 1:14-15)

Again, Paul didn't want anyone to have any reason to feel that they should be followers of Paul.

Later he wrote this to the Corinthian church:

"Now, brothers and sisters, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written." Then you will not be puffed up in being a follower of one of us over against the other." (1 Corinthians 4:6)

Again, Paul didn't want anyone to be followers of Paul or Apollos or anyone else (such as John Smythe, Martin Luther, John Wesley, or any other denominational founders).

He also wrote this to the Corinthian church:

"Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly - mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not mere human beings? What, after all, is Apollos? And what is Paul? Only servants, through whom you came to believe - as the Lord has assigned to each his task." (1 Corinthians 3:1-5)

In the above passage, Paul said that if we follow this person's or that person's Christian views (such as the leaders of any denomination) then we are not living by the Spirit (i.e., we are not obeying God), but instead we are still worldly and we are mere infants in Christ. Clearly, separating ourselves into divisions (e.g., by being followers and members of any denomination) is not what God wants.

Later in 1 Corinthians Paul said:

"But God has put the body [of Christ] together, giving greater honor to the parts that lacked it, so that there should be no division [schisma] in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:24-27)

Once again, we see that God wants no division in the body of Christ.

Elsewhere in 1 Corinthians Paul said:

"In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions [schisma] among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences [hairesis] among you to show which of you have God's approval." (1 Corinthians 11:17-19)

In 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 (above) and 11:17-19 (above), the Greek word schisma ("division") is the same word that Paul used earlier when he appealed to them to have no divisions among them (1 Corinthians 1:10, above). Here he said that he could barely believe that they were separating themselves, and that they were doing more harm than good.

In the above passage, the Greek word hairesis means:

"Heresy, a form of religious worship, discipline, or opinion...hairesis may represent a divergent opinion but still be part of a whole. One can hold different views than the majority and remain in the same body, but he is a heretic (hairetikos [G141]). However, when he tears himself away (schizo [G4977]), then he is schismatic. Heresy may lead to schism which is when actual tearing off and separation occur." (The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old and New Testaments, Dr. Spiros Zodhiates, hairesis)

So in 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 (above) and 11:17-19 (above), Paul was once again denouncing the fact that some of them were separating themselves into divisions based on their different views. He essentially said that those who were not separating themselves showed that they had God's approval. We've seen that he made this same point over and over throughout the book of 1 Corinthians (denouncing them for separating themselves into divisions), so this is clearly a very important point.

It's such an important point, in fact, that Jesus and Paul and other New Testament authors repeatedly emphasized the dangers of divisions and factions, and the need for unity and oneness in the body of Christ:

"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the Father - and I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd." (John 10:14-16)

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had." (Acts 4:32)

"Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion." (Romans 12:16 NKJV)

"May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 15:5-6)

"I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them." (Romans 16:17)

"Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you." (2 Corinthians 13:11)

"The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." (Galatians 5:19-21)

"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:3-6)

"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel" (Philippians 1:27)

"then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind." (Philippians 2:2)

"I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord." (Philippians 4:2)

"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned." (Titus 3:9-11)

"Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous;" (1 Peter 3:8 NKJV)

"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them - bringing swift destruction on themselves. Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute." (2 Peter 2:1-2)

"These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit." (Jude 1:19)

We can see that Jesus and Paul and other New Testament authors repeatedly emphasized the dangers of divisions and factions, and the need for unity and oneness in the body of Christ.

To further confirm this point, notice that the New Testament repeatedly tells us that there is one church, called "the body of Christ" and "the church" (not a collection of denominations with conflicting or mutually exclusive views): Matthew 16:18, Acts 5:11, 20:28, 1 Corinthians 10:32, 11:22, 12:28, 15:9, Ephesians 1:22-23, 3:10, 5:23-32, Philippians 3:6, Colossians 1:18, 24, 1 Timothy 3:15.

Notice that the New Testament repeatedly refers to Christianity as "the faith" (not as a collection of conflicting or mutually exclusive beliefs in different denominations): Matthew 24:10, Acts 6:7, 13:8, 14:22, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 1:23, 3:23, Ephesians 4:13, Philippians 1:25, 27, Colossians 2:7, 1 Timothy 1:2, 19, 3:9, 4:1, 6, 5:8, 6:10, 12, 21, 2 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:13, Philemon 1:6, 1 Peter 5:9, Jude 1:3.

Notice that the New Testament repeatedly refers to Christianity as "the light" (not as a collection of conflicting or mutually exclusive versions of "the light" in different denominations): Luke 16:8, John 1:4, 5, 3:20, 8:12, 9:5, 12:35, 36, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 6, Ephesians 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:5, Hebrews 10:32, 1 John 1:7, 2:9, 10.

Notice that the New Testament repeatedly refers to Christianity as "the way" (not as a collection of conflicting or mutually exclusive versions of "the way" in different denominations): Matthew 22:16, Mark 12:14, Luke 20:21, John 14:6, Acts 9:2, 18:25, 26, 19:9, 23, 24:14, 22, 1 Corinthians 14:1, Ephesians 5:2, 2 Peter 2:2, 21.

Notice that the New Testament repeatedly says that Christianity contains "the truth" (not a collection of conflicting or mutually exclusive versions of "the truth" in different denominations): Matthew 22:16, Mark 12:14, Luke 20:21, John 3:21, 5:33, 8:32, 14:6, 17:17, Acts 20:30, 2 Corinthians 13:8, Galatians 2:5, 14, 5:7, Ephesians 4:21, 2 Thessalonians 2:10, 12, 13, 1 Timothy 2:4, 3:15, 4:3, 2 Timothy 2:18, 25, 3:7, 8, 4:4, Titus 1:1, 14, Hebrews 10:26, James 3:14, 5:19, 1 Peter 1:22, 2 Peter 1:12, 1 John 2:21, 5:6, 2 John 1:1, 2, 4, 3 John 1:3, 4, 8, 12.

Notice that the New Testament repeatedly says that Christianity contains "the traditions" and "the teaching" (not a collection of conflicting or mutually exclusive traditions and teachings in different denominations): Romans 16:17, 1 Corinthians 11:2, 2 Thessalonians 2:15, 3:6, 2 Timothy 1:13-14.

Notice that the New Testament repeatedly commands us to avoid quarrels and controversies (which can lead to Christians separating into different denominations): Romans 14:1, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, 3:3-4, 1 Timothy 1:3-7, 3:2-3, 6:3-5, 2 Timothy 2:14, 23-26, Titus 3:9-11, James 4:1-2.

As we can clearly see throughout the entire New Testament, Christianity has always been intended to consist of believers in unity with each other, never as a collection of divisions such as denominations.

To confirm even further how important this point is, notice what Jesus said:

"If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." (Mark 3:24-25)

The implications from these passages are huge. The New Testament clearly says that all Christians need to be in unity with each other, and it clearly denounces all divisions within Christianity such as denominations because a house divided against itself cannot stand.

As we saw in the bullet points earlier, all denominations are human inventions. God is not Baptist, God is not Catholic, God is not Lutheran, God is not Methodist, God is not Presbyterian, God is not Seventh-day Adventist, and so on. We can't say that God is all denominations because some denominations' views are mutually exclusive with other denominations' views. God is no denomination, as the above passages clearly show, and we are told to be non-denominational as well ("no divisions").

There will always be differences of opinion among Christians (e.g., different views on end-times prophecies), but if we label ourselves as being a member of one group or another then we're identifying with a division in violation of all of the above passages. For example, in my articles you can see that I agree with certain charismatic views (e.g., that all gifts of the Spirit are available today), but I don't label myself as a charismatic because that's a division within Christianity. We can hold various views without labeling ourselves as members of divisions or denominations that have those views.

If you consider yourself as a member of a denomination or other type of division within Christianity, then you're disobeying God. Instead, we all need to consider ourselves as non-denominational Christians rather than as Protestants, Baptists, Catholics, charismatics, cessationists, evangelicals, and so on. God wants us to go to a specific church, and if we're paying attention then He will lead us to it (see my article called How to Discern God's Guidance).

Have you stopped labeling yourself as a member of divisions within Christianity, and do you consider yourself as a non-denominational Christian in obedience to God?