DENOMINATION AND RELIGION- 2 reasons for many Christian denominations
Denomination
By definition, denomination means a class or society of individuals, called by the same name; a sect or religious sub-group. It is an umbrella housing several religious organizations like the Seventh-day Adventist, methodist, catholic, baptist, etc are all members of the Christian denomination.
Religion
This refers to a particular system of faith and worship, defined by unique systems of worship based on understanding.
Religion has been a great issue in the world today seeing how they differ in organization and beliefs, and many theological scholars have gone far in proving which the true one is.
Examples of Religion
There are many religions in the world as:
- Judaism
- Wicca
- Taoism
- Christianity
- Confucianism
- Baha’i
- Druidism
- Islam
- Hinduism
- Zoroastrianism
- Shinto
- Jainism
- Sikhism
- Buddhism.
but the question of the truest religion is not one that demands a scholarly answer or response, rather a simple faith.
Religion and Denomination, any Difference? (the Christian Perspective)
Well, although Religion has Christianity in it and Christianity diverges to many branches, Which should be its only difference- structure, as differentiated by diverse belief systems, it is important to also note that all through the history of God’s people, denomination and religion were inseparable.
The children of Israel had just one belief system- they believed in performing daily sacrifices to God for the sin of themselves and the nation at large. When in captivity, the faithful ones still observed the Hebrew worship rituals (as much as it is permitted).
Why many Christian denominations?
In the Christian era, after the death of Jesus Christ, the Hebrew religion was divided into two sects:
- The Hebrew system (which observe literal signs and rituals as commanded by Moses).
- The Christian Faith (which teaches faith in the death and sacrifice of Jesus).
The early Christians suffered from the accusations and cruelty of the Hebrew believers, but as time progresses, the Christian faith gained a more popular and universal acceptance than the Hebrew religion.
The Christian religion has proven to be the religion with the most denominations.
What does the scripture say about the denomination and True religion?
John 4:23- “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.” It is important to know that the Father is longing for His people who are called by His name to worship Him in TRUTH. “God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” Verse 24.
The emphasis is on “truth.” So God is not just interested in people saying ‘yes, I believe in Christ’ but is interested in those who say “I worship God in the light of His word.” Certainly then, not all religions who call “God” really truly worship God, because, “truth” is missing or rejected.
“Not everyone that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven.” Matthew 7:21
Having a fellowship of people who believe in the same thing is of utmost importance. Paul writes, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another.” Hebrews 10:25. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17.
God plans that believers (of same truth) should come together in other to strengthen one another, so it is not surprising that the Christian religion has many denominations, but let each one ensure that he worships God in truth.
In Summary
God ordains that there should be one religion, one denomination: “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John 10:17.
Even as all denominations claim to be right, God Himself knows which denomination is worshipping Him in truth and in spirit, and the denomination that does this is the denomination that has the Shepherd, which will lead His own to Himself, with His “still small voice.”
Just as there can be only one fold that has the Shepherd, so also, can there only be one denomination that has the truth- because the Shepherd [Jesus] is with them. “I am the way, the truth, and the life….” John 14:6.
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Ephesians 4:4,5.
Paul to the Ephesians outlined that there can be only one faith, even though there were many already at his time. So amidst many religions and denominations, only one stands to be right and true.
Finally, “Holy Father,” Christ prays “keep through Thine own name those whom Thou hast given Me, that they may be one, as We are. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their words; that they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us.” John 17:11,20,21. “Sanctify them through Thy truth; Thy word is truth.” John 17:17
