by Steve Hale
"And I say also unto you, that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it" ( Matthew 16:18).
Denominationalism inherently means division. Division here has to do with the denominator of a fraction, which tells how many pieces whole has been divided, while the how many pieces of the whole are into which the numerator says available.
Denominationalism seeks unity by diversity, with many differing creeds, doctrines, customs, and traditions. Are churches of Christ simply another denomination, built around prominent men of the restoration, in the tradition of Quakers, Mennonites, Pilgrims, and Puritans? Let's consider the the plan of salvation.
Why do we teach the plan of salvation? Is it because of the five finger exercise of Abner Smith? Is it because Of "quaint traditions" from the Campbells?
No, We teach the plan of salvation because it's at the heart of New Testament doctrine! People fmd faith from the'evidence of the New Testament ( Romans 10:17). This faith is essential for salvation ( Hebrews 11:6). Strong enough faith will result in the godly sorrow that brings about change ( Acts 26:18-20; 17:30,31). We want people to know about this change, so we confess Christ both at conversion and throughout our lives ( Matthew 10:32, 33). We are baptized to be added to the church ("the called-out ones"), not a denomination ( Acts 2:47).
God works through the faith produced obedience in baptism, and saves us ( Colossians 2:12-16). "...the faith of the operation of God" is not the miraculous operation of the Spirit, but being "buried with him in baptism" ( Colossians 2:12).
We do these things because they are found in the New Testament, not because they are the traditions of the Restoration Movement. If we were merely a tradition oriented faith, then we would be just another denomination. However, because we are the biblically oriented faith, we are not a denomination, but the Lord's church!
Denominationalism needs to end, not by means of surrendering truth, but by means of pressing that truth! Jesus said: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me" ( John 17:20,21, KJV)?
How will we become one, Lord? "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth" ( John 17:17). So long as we do this, we are His church and not a denomination!