The End of Denominations

[11] And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, [12] for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Epheisans 4:11-13 NASB)

I believe the practical ramifications of this passage teaches that the Lord will eventually bring an end to the denominational and party spirit that exists within Christianity right now. Before the return of the Lord, and on this side of glory, we will see a corporate maturity and unity attained.

I have much more I can say on the subject, but, I just thought I'd invite feedback for the time being.

Many blessings,

Jimmy

The Lord not only will "eventually" bring an end to denominations, but he has already many times over. Wherever more of true Christianity has existed, there has been less of the denomination and party spirit. Wherever there has been the exalting of Christ, worship, prayer, revival, the Word, the Spirit, and fellowship, the denomination has never existed. And if they were present, their walls fell like those of Jericho. On the other hand, as long as men remain on the earth, there will be divisions, sects, and denominations as long as man is not perfect and true to God. This is not just a matter of doctrinal knowledge about unity, but unity is primarily a matter of the spirit.

Also, divisions are sometimes spoken of as good in the Bible. Divisions can allow for the recognition of those who are approved (by God) and are a means of cleansing the church of those who do not really and deeply desire to follow him. If so, divisions will never cease.

I don't believe the church has been in the dark for 2,000 years and will soon come to the light of spiritual maturity on this topic. Rather, it is something that ebbs and flows with the time and place and people.

GOD will shake the tree of
denominations; so that only
the true fruit will remain.
Jesus desire and prayer was
that we be made ONE in the
Father, Son, Spirit!! The
Body of Christ is One!!

I have noticed a common thread in my 34 years of walking with the Lord, those who are on fire for Him don't care a hoot about denominational lines, or sects. It has always been instant fellowship with such folks. I find great joy in this, because it is God breathed. We instantly know we are in the same family.

hi,i learned many years ago that God loves variety ...He makes sure that we are all so different that we need a denomination almost for ourselves ...that is why we are to be all things to all people so that we win some as we did today at lunch... i like the 100 and up denominations...lol jimp

Good thoughts one and all. I appreciate the feedback. I have found it interesting how quick many are to assume that denominations are a good thing, and in some sense needed. Some sense of "blessing" is thought to be associated with them.

In my opinion though, all denominations, even the better one's, are all Ishmael's. They are the product of the flesh and what man does in his own strength, independent of God's word and His promises. Abraham even thought Ishmael was good, and a blessing. But God saw only one child in Abraham.

Years ago I read a book by Watchman Nee in which he withdrew his membership in a denomination because he felt according to the word is was divisive. I had to agree with him, so I have never signed a membership in any church. We are one loaf and one body.

I have thought about doing such before. But I've decided that by officially joining a local church, even if that technically makes me part of a denomination, my loyalty is ultimately only to the local church I've joined. At best, I look at my association with the denomination as a way of networking with other local churches in the area. But sometimes, I've found in some denominations, they have little to no involvement with sister churches under the denominational label, even if they are only down the street.

So, to brainstorm, if the Lord will do as Ephesians 4:11-13 says, and if denominations are to come to an end, then practically speaking, how do you suppose He will do that? My conviction is that the Lord will use the difficult times that come upon the world in the last days to sift and refine the Church. In this process, the demands put upon the Church in the last days will demand the Church make a decision to follow Christ, pressing on unto maturity, and in doing so, will be forced to abandon everything that is not born of the Spirit of God.

At the same time though, I believe the Lord has been waking believers up to these truths concerning denominations being something born out of a schismatic attitude and hero worship than anything having to do with the Spirit of God. In part, I believe that is why many within the Church today have little to no loyalty to the denomination they may belong to. Indeed, in part the rise of the "non-denominational" movement is probably a reflection of this.

I feel after further thought that I need to clarify a few things about my stand to not sign on the dotted line. I am in submission to those who are in leadership over me. I shared with my pastor about why I feel restrained from "joining" a church on paper. He was very understanding and still has the heart to allow me to participate in everything. He has never made me feel like a partial member.

I also know that just because folks have signed on the dotted line does not mean they are there or take part. In fact I who have not signed on the dotted line am there all the time, and many of those who did sign are seldom there and many don't participate at all.

I do believe what will happen is that persecution and difficult times will make us all band together as one. I actually look forward to those days. We will find out just how wonderful community really is.

I saw pictures this morning of muslims bowing down in the streets on New York City in prayer, while christians can't even have a cross on in many places, Salvation Army workers could not wear their T-shirts with SA logos on them while helping with disaster relief. The tides are turning, and on the surface they are not in our favor. But what does that matter we are in His favor and that is all that matters. We shall overcomer and be with Him where He is. Hallelujah!!!!! We just need to bring as many as possible with us.

I have been reading the early church fathers, Ignatius and the others had no fear of death, and in fact welcomed it so they might see Him face to face. We need that heart in us for the days ahead. We need not fear what is coming on the earth because we know Who wins.

Jimmy said, "I have thought about doing such before. But I've decided that by officially joining a local church, even if that technically makes me part of a denomination, my loyalty is ultimately only to the local church I've joined. At best, I look at my association with the denomination as a way of networking with other local churches in the area. But sometimes, I've found in some denominations, they have little to no involvement with sister churches under the denominational label, even if they are only down the street."

If you believe the Lord plans to put an end to denominationalism, what about identifying with what you believe, Jimmy?

...Or are you concerned you might lose out on that "networking" advantage that membership in the denomination gets you? If you can't produce your membership card, you might be suspect, ay? They might not let you behind the pulpit.

Of course, identifying with the truth will always bring a cross into our lives.

[11] And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, [12] for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; [13] until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ. (Epheisans 4:11-13 NASB)

A couple of questions i would ask about this passage of text before i would attempt an exegesis.

1. If denominations did not exist at the time this scripture was written. What did the church at the time understand the scripture to mean?

2. there are many false ways or denominations but is the scripture really talking about consolidation of all these false perverted ways?

3. is unity and unification the same thing in the context of what is spoken of?

4. is there any eschatological difficulties in correctly interpreting this verse.

if i was to read into the scripture eisegetically then.....

when the church faces end of days apocalyptic persecution before the return of christ. there wont be a baptist church or a pentecostal church there will just be a persecuted church. The pastors wont fly around in private jets they will probably be living in caves on a can of baked beans for on week.

I appreciate the many good points that many of you have made concerning Denominations. The scripture that Nathan quoted is the heart of the Lord concerning His people, and that is that we would all be made one.

The Body of Christ consists of many different members in one body. It is unity in diversity. The basis of our unity is being in Christ. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all." (Ephesians 4:4-6).

The Church is the Body of Christ and the Body of Christ cannot be divided therefore God is against anything that divides His Body. Denominations do not bring unity to the Body but division.

Many denominations had their beginnings in revivals and moves of God. Fresh revelation and restoration of vital truths were restored to the Church. However any time that man gets his hands on that which God is doing, the end result will be that of mixture, having some of God in it and a lot of man. Instead of Jesus building His Church, what we have is man building his own little kingdoms for his own glory.

Christ is the Head of His Body and men are the heads of the various denominations. The true Church can be in the denominations but the denominations can never be the Church. It is only what God is building on the sure foundation of Jesus Christ that will endure the great shaking in these last days. All that man has built will be consumed as wood, hay, and stubble in the fire that will try all things.

The true Church is a living breathing organism which is filled by the Spirit of God, while the organized Church is an organization that is built by man. The true Church is being led by the Spirit of God through waiting on Him and seeking Him in fervent prayer. The organized Church moves through planning by committees that are set up by man.

Mike

Good questions AD. I've had to wrestle with them myself. No doubt, I've signed on the dotted lines for the "advantages" that come with such membership. But I don't look at that any differently than Paul being a Jew unto Jews and as a Gentile to Gentiles. To me, it's no different than Timothy undergoing circumcision for the purpose of His ministry unto the Jews. It's just a "practical" step I've undertaken, so as to increase the sphere of my ministry.

Besides, Paul talked of being the "approved among you," in regard to the divisions that existed in Corinth. Those of us who do not carry about us a party spirit can still run in these circles, though we are not of them. Indeed, our ability to fellowship in the midst of these factions, and across party lines reveals just where we stand in regard to the Lord and each other.

Indeed, we must be careful not to be factitious even concerning being non-denominational. Paul said some in Corinth said they were "of Christ" in contrast to those who said they were of Paul or Cephas.

And for the record, I've preached in pulpits of churches that I had no denominational affiliations with.

Such is a fair point. I went to a church out of town this weekend while visiting my parents, one associated with the denomination of the church I attend. However, I think a basic description on the sign such as "Evangelical" would've been enough to tell me that church is probably grounded in something resembling Biblical Christianity. As it is, I've personally found over the years that churches within the same denomination can be VERY different from one another, even if there is a somewhat common denominational "culture" associated with them. So, such tags aren't always helpful, though, I get the point you are making.