Why are there?
The apostle Paul writes,
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
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 4:2-6.
Some time ago I was shown an email that asked the question, Why are there so many denominations within Christianity?
According to one source I’ve read said there are over 270 Protestant Christian denominations is Canada not counting the different Catholic groups.
That being said I believe there are two reasons.
First some who call themselves Christian are not really Christian. Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23
The apostle Paul states,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
Thus some are Christian in name only.
The second reason there are many Christian denominations I believe is simple. People are different.
Some people like classical music, some folk music, some rock music. Some people are conservative liking things traditional. Others like things more contemporary and modern.
When it comes to individuals there is a wide spectrum of likes and dislikes. That’s why I believe there is such a diversity of true Christian denominations and congregations.
Because of the diversity within Christianity no one can ever say when they stand before God “I couldn’t find a church congregation or denomination that I liked”
The key thing is when it comes to being Christian is not what denomination or congregation you attend but rather what you believe.
While not written by the apostles. The apostles creed is a good brief outline of what all Christians believe irrespective of their denomination or congregation. It states,
1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth
2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.
3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary
4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.
5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.
6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost
9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.
11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.
12. I believe in life everlasting.
The apostle Paul makes a clear statement as to how Christians believe you get to heaven. When he states,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13.
Thus getting into heaven has nothing to do with what Christian denomination or congregation you belong to but your personal relationship with Jesus.
C. S. Lewis the Christian writer speaking about Jesus said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
Please think about it.
The apostle Paul writes,
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
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 4:2-6.
Some time ago I was shown an email that asked the question, Why are there so many denominations within Christianity?
According to one source I’ve read said there are over 270 Protestant Christian denominations is Canada not counting the different Catholic groups.
That being said I believe there are two reasons.
First some who call themselves Christian are not really Christian. Jesus said,
“Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’
Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’” Matthew 7:22,23
The apostle Paul states,
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear.
They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2Timothy 4:3,4.
Thus some are Christian in name only.
The second reason there are many Christian denominations I believe is simple. People are different.
Some people like classical music, some folk music, some rock music. Some people are conservative liking things traditional. Others like things more contemporary and modern.
When it comes to individuals there is a wide spectrum of likes and dislikes. That’s why I believe there is such a diversity of true Christian denominations and congregations.
Because of the diversity within Christianity no one can ever say when they stand before God “I couldn’t find a church congregation or denomination that I liked”
The key thing is when it comes to being Christian is not what denomination or congregation you attend but rather what you believe.
While not written by the apostles. The apostles creed is a good brief outline of what all Christians believe irrespective of their denomination or congregation. It states,
1.I believe in God the Father the almighty maker of heaven and earth
2. I believe in Jesus Christ God’s on and only Son, our Lord and Saviour.
3. I believe Jesus was conceived by the Holy Ghost, and born of the Virgin Mary
4. I believe Jesus suffered under Pontius Pilate; That He was Crucified, died, was buried. That he descended in hell.
5. I believe He rose again on the third day from the dead.
6. I believe that he ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
7. I believe Jesus will one day Judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Ghost
9. I believe in the Church which is the communion of the saints,
10. I believe in the forgiveness of sin.
11. I believe in the resurrection of the body.
12. I believe in life everlasting.
The apostle Paul makes a clear statement as to how Christians believe you get to heaven. When he states,
“That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
As the Scripture says, “Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:9-13.
Thus getting into heaven has nothing to do with what Christian denomination or congregation you belong to but your personal relationship with Jesus.
C. S. Lewis the Christian writer speaking about Jesus said,
“He died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less.” C.S. Lewis.
Please think about it.
No comments:
Post a Comment