Body: | How to Be A Christian Without Joining Any Denominations
It is a fact of history, that all denominations came into existence many
centuries after the time of Jesus Christ. Denominations were unknown during
the times that the apostles of Christ lived and wrote the New Testament.
Divisions, or denominational tendencies, that is, the tendency for one
group of Christians to teach a doctrine different from that taught by
another, were known about and experienced during the first century.
Contrary to many religionists today, who praise division or
denominationalism the apostles who (by the guidance of the Holy Spirit of
God) wrote the New Testament condemned denominationalism. Paul, in I
Corinthians 3:3-4, has stated, "For you are yet carnal; for whereas there
is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and
walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul: and another, I am of
Apollos; are you not carnal?". In I Corinthians 1:10, Paul also discussed
division, or denominationalism, "I beseech you, brethren, by the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ that you all speak the same thing, and that there be
no divisions among you: but that you be perfectly joined together in the
same mind and in the same judgement." (Study also Romans 16:17).
Thus, we can see that there were no denominations in the original New
Testament church, indeed, the few small schisms as came into existence were
quickly stamped out by the action of the apostles. Denominationalism was
neither necessary nor desirable. Then, we must ask, to what church did the
Christians of the first century belong? It had to have been the Lord's
church or body of Christ that Jesus died to save, that only and no other -
Acts 20:28.
It is both reasonable and logical to ask, "Can I join the Lord's church
today?" If one could join the Lord's church today, he would not be joining
a denomination. The Lord's church is not a denomination nor does it contain
denominations. The Lord's church would have all its New Testament markings
and would not have those markings identifiable with denominationalism.
The main marking of the Lord's church is that of strict compliance with and
submission to the apostle's doctrine as revealed in the New Testament.
Creeds or other books (in addition to the Bible) and additional revelations
are not needed and are against the teachings of the apostles who wrote in
Galatians 1:8-9, "But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other
gospel than that we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." The Bible
reveals that all the knowledge that is needed for us to do every good work
has already been supplied. Read II Timothy 3:17. Additionally, I
Corinthians 4:6 warns us against going beyond that which has been written.
Other markings of the Lord's church are having Christ as its head rather
than some earthly person or office; having its headquarters in heaven
rather than in some earthly city: and its members using the name of
Christian rather than some denominational name. Study Col. 1:18, 3:1, and
3:17.
But, how do men, today enter this pre-denominational church? Simply by
doing the same thing as was expected of people in the first century: For
the words of the apostles are to all mankind of any race and any century.
They are for us.
One first and obvious step is to believe that Jesus is the Christ and that
through Him, and Him only, mankind can be saved.
But, contrary to the teachings of man, we must go on beyond this simple
belief or acknowledgment. We must be obedient to the commandments of
Christ, for Jesus said, "If' you love me, keep my commandments". Obviously
we must believe fervently that Jesus is God's Son, our Savior, The Christ.
We must be obedient to both the commands of Jesus and those of the
apostles. The apostles were told what to write in the Holy Scriptures which
are the New Testament, for Jesus promised, "But the comforter, which is the
Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all
things, and bring all things to you remembrance, whatsoever I have said
unto you".
There are several things a believer must do before he becomes a member of
the Lord's church. One of these is to believe, another is to repent (to
turn away from a sinful life) and yet another is to be baptized into Christ
for the remission of sins. Few teach baptism for the remission of sins and
this requirement is yet another marking of the Lord's church, for Acts
2:38-47 reads, in part, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent and be baptized
everyone of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . .
Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day
there were added unto them about three thousand souls . . . And the Lord
added to the church daily such as should be saved".
Thus, you cannot join the Lord's church in the sense that you join a club
or other man-made organization. Through your complete obedience to the will
of God you make yourself acceptable to Him. God will then add you to the
Lord's church, to this only, and none other. Thus, in this ancient manner
it is possible to become a Christian without joining any denomination.
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