CQQ #33: Church Denominations...?

Can church denominations bring glory to God?

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Thank you, Rob Moore, for suggesting this topic!

Supposedly the church is described as being one body and encouraged to glorify God in harmony and "with one voice" (Romans 15:5-6).

So why are there so many church denominations?

We live in a world where people have their own opinions and ways of understanding and come to their own conclusions regarding anything in life. With billions of people in this broken, fallen world, we're naturally bound to have disagreements. Unfortunately, when it comes to doctrine, people choose to divide and form their own churches according to their own set of beliefs, even if some of those beliefs regard details that may not necessarily be essential for salvation. Or, in one word: controversy.

So which denomination is "the right one"?

The answer is neither. Denomination and religion are not what save a person; it's faith in Christ as Lord and Savior—God in the flesh, who ultimately sacrificed Himself for all of humanity's sins and rose from the grave defeating death to pave the way back to God's good graces; the One and Only way to salvation. Any "gospel" that preaches otherwise is wrong.

It's heartbreaking to hear about how a church wrongs someone and becomes that person's reason for giving up on God/Christ altogether. But a church's failure does not change what is true or false. This is also why we must read scripture for ourselves, so that we may put their words to the test, as some may be preaching a false gospel. We are warned to beware of false teaching.

"For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths." (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV)

"Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. I know that after my departure fierce wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves will arise men speaking twisted things, to draw away the disciples after them." (Acts 20:28-30 ESV)

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are from the world; therefore they speak from the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error." (1 John 4:1-6 ESV)

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits." (Matthew 7:15-16 ESV)

"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." (Romans 16:17-18 ESV)


We must also bear in mind that we are not infallible but rather imperfect beings prone to error regardless of beliefs, background, or church. We still struggle with sin because of our earthly bodies, and we're all still capable of mistakes and wronging each other, intentionally or not. The imperfections of church members do not change the existence and love of God and the good news of Christ. But, understandably, church members can become a stumbling block for others, and every person is still held accountable for their actions. Every church will also be judged by God.


Personally I do not consider myself belonging to any particular denomination, as such are just man-made labels that won't have any real bearing regarding the new world in the future. In other words, denominations won't even exist in the future, as every follower of Christ will be together in harmony, no longer divided by differences in opinion or belief. In the end it all comes down to this: you're either for Christ or against Christ.

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Curious Questions to Consider:

What are your thoughts on church denominations?

Are denominations a good or bad thing? Do you think having so many denominations is a part of God's will? Why or why not?

Do you follow under a particular denomination? Why or why not?

Do the teachings and practices of your church line up with scripture?

What are some good things about the church you're currently attending? Name something you really like about your church. (Examples: friends, music, a sermon that inspired you, the way they welcome you, fun activities, exciting worship, missions and outreach, etc.)

Have you ever had any negative experiences with a church? If so, did your experience affect your faith in any way?

How do you know that you are saved?

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Leave your thoughts in the comment section below. Feel free to share your own stories, experiences and insight in relation to the topic.

Be sure to be respectful and considerate of your word choice in regards to whatever details you choose to share. We're not here to gossip or backstab. Refrain from using specific names. Do not use this topic as an excuse to endorse back talk or bash on those who may agree or disagree on certain views regarding church or denominations. No flame wars. Please keep it clean and civil.


God bless and thanks for sharing!

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Author's Notes:

Credit goes to Rob Moore for suggesting this topic.

Cover image courtesy of Brett Sayles.

(Written on February 23, 2020.)

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