Articles
Religious Division
Religious Division
Have you ever wondered...
- Why there are so many churches teaching so many different doctrines?
- Why religious people don't just put aside their differences and come together to the glory of God?
More than 1,000 denominations exist in America alone. Those who call themselves Christians are more divided now than ever before. Conflicting doctrines, even contradicting doctrines, are professed by millions, while all claim to be followers of God.
Jesus was concerned about such division. In John 17 we find Jesus praying to His Father in heaven just moments before He was arrested and later put to death. After praying for those with Him, he expressed to the Father His concern:
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they may be one in Us." John 17:20,21
Jesus prayed that His followers be united. One. Not divided as we see today. Have those who claim to follow Jesus lived up to His prayer? Certainly not!
Jesus said more in verse 21. Hear the reason Jesus prayed for unity:
"...that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
Jesus was concerned that division would cause many in the world not to believe in Him as God's Son. Certainly this has happened. Today, many scoff at Christianity and point to the division as the very reason they have no desire to be a part. Perhaps you, too, have felt this way.
If Jesus does not want division, why does it exist?
Let me suggest several reasons:
- Lack of understanding in God's word. Many people today do not study God's word but let priests and preachers tell them what to believe.
- Some people are not willing to be led by God's word. They desire to add to or change God's plan.
- Some mistakenly believe that differences are good and promote variety in God's church, making it more appealing to a larger number of people.
- People divide, not over what the Bible says, but what it does not say.
These and many other reasons exist, but let's establish a foundation upon which to build our understanding of how Jesus wants us to think and act.
Ending division begins with a change in our thinking.
Living in a democracy where each person has a vote, we tend to feel that we should have a say in everything. What men need to understand is that Jesus did not build His church as a democracy. His church is a theocracy; that is, Jesus is it's head and direction comes down from Him. Ephesians 1:22, 23.
That is why Jesus asked the question in Luke 6:46, "But why do you call Me Lord, Lord, and do not do the things which I say?" The church is Jesus' church and He is its head. Man has not been given authority to change His word concerning the teachings, organization or actions of His church.
Notice what the apostle John said in 2 John 9, "Whoever transgresses [goes beyond] and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God."
Hear Paul in Colossians 3:17, "Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus..." To do something in Jesus' name means to do that thing with His approval. Even Jesus' apostles would not attempt to modify the gospel. The apostle Paul says:
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." Galatians 1:8
What a sobering statement. Even the angels are condemned if they change Jesus' teachings. So who do men think they are when they meet in councils, associations, or conferences to decide what their church position will be on a matter? Are they greater than angels? Are they greater than the apostle Paul? When men go about changing what Jesus says, they will be accursed!
Doesn't this begin to point to both the problem and the solution? The councils, associations and conferences of men are creating the division. The solution is to return to Jesus' word and let Him be head of the church and give it direction through His revealed word.
A change in our thinking is certainly in order. We must give up our man-made organizations that have placed themselves in Jesus' seat over the church. Let us honor Jesus as head of His church and return to His ways. Let's do all things "in the name of the Lord Jesus" , "do the things which [He] says" and "abide in the doctrine of Christ."
What is New Testament Christianity?
New Testament Christians are people all over this world who have given up denominational differences and are satisfied to submit to the Lordship of Jesus Christ. He guides their actions and words by His will, the Bible. If you want a copy of our creed, you probably already have it - it's the Bible. If you want to know our beliefs, read the Bible.
We meet together to worship and praise God the Father and Jesus His Son and do so as they have indicated in their word. The organization of our churches is simple, just as it was in New Testament times. We do not have perfect understanding or agreement on every teaching. But we share a common foundation of belief - that the Lord Jesus Christ in His word has revealed "all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue" 1 Peter 1:3. With that understanding, when differences arise we know that all desire to come to a knowledge of what Jesus says, not what we individually feel is right.
We are simply New Testament Christians without being members of any denomination. You can be too!
The desire of New Testament Christians is:
"To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Ephesians 3:21.
