ParticularWife
Active Member
By the decree of God, all things are ordained, including the existence of denominations. The fragmentation of humanity at Babel and the corruption of man's mind and heart due to the Fall make it certain that divisions will arise in the church. Because of these effects, men possess differing perspectives, traditions, biases, and incomplete knowledge, even within the household of faith. This diversity of thought and understanding is inevitable in this present world.
The Holy Spirit, who alone illumines the Word, does so according to the sovereign will of God. Illumination is given in measure, suited to God's purposes, and never exhaustively or instantaneously. Even God's people, redeemed by grace, remain finite and sinful, unable to grasp the fullness of divine truth. Consequently, disagreements about doctrine and practice will arise.
Furthermore, certain questions of church administration and theological conviction are of such significance that they necessitate separate ecclesiastical bodies. While some divisions may arise from poor reasons—pride, ignorance, or selfish ambition—others stem from a faithful desire to preserve the truth and maintain the purity of the church. In such cases, separation is not merely unavoidable but required by obedience to Christ.
It must be emphasized, however, that denominations do not "divide the church." The true church is one, catholic, and apostolic, as it is the body of Christ, gathered and preserved by God through His Word and Spirit. Denominations are simply earthly expressions of this one church, organized according to differing convictions about doctrine, worship, and governance. Just as individual congregations do not fracture the unity of the body, so too denominations do not destroy the unity of the church.
The error of the "me and my Bible" crowd must be exposed. Such an approach is a rebellion against biblical ecclesiology, which commands Christians to submit to the church as an organized body governed by elders, administering the Word and sacraments in Christ's name. Avoidance of denominations and naive Biblicism does not eliminate division but instead fosters chaos and neglects the church's divine mandate.
Indeed, because God sovereignly governs all things, the existence of denominations serves His purposes. They reveal the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12), preserving various strengths and emphases that contribute to the church's mission in the world. The Reformed tradition, by God's grace, stands firmly upon the truth of Scripture. Yet, we must acknowledge that other traditions may excel in areas where we are weak. God uses even these imperfections to shape and sanctify His church.
Finally, we must remember the "already-not-yet" nature of the kingdom of God. In this present age, the church lives in the tension between her heavenly calling and her earthly imperfections. Denominations, while a sign of this tension, are also a means by which God accomplishes His purposes for His people.
Let us, therefore, cease to grumble against God's providence in the existence of denominations. Instead, let us strive to honor Him through faithful participation in the visible church, recognizing that all things, including denominations, are under His sovereign control and are used for His glory and the good of His people.
Denominations are a Good Thing - Redeemed Zoomer
The Holy Spirit, who alone illumines the Word, does so according to the sovereign will of God. Illumination is given in measure, suited to God's purposes, and never exhaustively or instantaneously. Even God's people, redeemed by grace, remain finite and sinful, unable to grasp the fullness of divine truth. Consequently, disagreements about doctrine and practice will arise.
Furthermore, certain questions of church administration and theological conviction are of such significance that they necessitate separate ecclesiastical bodies. While some divisions may arise from poor reasons—pride, ignorance, or selfish ambition—others stem from a faithful desire to preserve the truth and maintain the purity of the church. In such cases, separation is not merely unavoidable but required by obedience to Christ.
It must be emphasized, however, that denominations do not "divide the church." The true church is one, catholic, and apostolic, as it is the body of Christ, gathered and preserved by God through His Word and Spirit. Denominations are simply earthly expressions of this one church, organized according to differing convictions about doctrine, worship, and governance. Just as individual congregations do not fracture the unity of the body, so too denominations do not destroy the unity of the church.
The error of the "me and my Bible" crowd must be exposed. Such an approach is a rebellion against biblical ecclesiology, which commands Christians to submit to the church as an organized body governed by elders, administering the Word and sacraments in Christ's name. Avoidance of denominations and naive Biblicism does not eliminate division but instead fosters chaos and neglects the church's divine mandate.
Indeed, because God sovereignly governs all things, the existence of denominations serves His purposes. They reveal the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12), preserving various strengths and emphases that contribute to the church's mission in the world. The Reformed tradition, by God's grace, stands firmly upon the truth of Scripture. Yet, we must acknowledge that other traditions may excel in areas where we are weak. God uses even these imperfections to shape and sanctify His church.
Finally, we must remember the "already-not-yet" nature of the kingdom of God. In this present age, the church lives in the tension between her heavenly calling and her earthly imperfections. Denominations, while a sign of this tension, are also a means by which God accomplishes His purposes for His people.
Let us, therefore, cease to grumble against God's providence in the existence of denominations. Instead, let us strive to honor Him through faithful participation in the visible church, recognizing that all things, including denominations, are under His sovereign control and are used for His glory and the good of His people.
Denominations are a Good Thing - Redeemed Zoomer
