Thanks for the explanation.
What is your take on the broad and narrow ways?
"Few there be that find it." seems to indicate the vast majority as going the broad way that leads to destruction.
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Was the Transfiguration a vision, or an actual appearance of Moses and Elijah?
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What is your take on the broad and narrow ways?
"Few there be that find it." seems to indicate the vast majority as going the broad way that leads to destruction.
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ScottA
Well-Known Member
It is God's voice that is the narrow way, a still, small voice; and the hearing which is only given to those who are drawn. Many are called, but few chosen. Meaning, all have opportunity, but few gravitate to the one good thing identified by Jesus in Mary as opposed to the many troubles and concerns of Martha. It is a race a child could win, or a fool stumble into. But whether weak or mighty, if the call of God does not prick the ear or catch the eye, it is overlooked because it comes from within rather than from without.
Again, "the few" indicates that vast majority, though they try, do not succeed. "Few there be that find it."
The interpretation that this is in reference to salvation really bothers me.
It sets up a situation where God is making sport with human souls in a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek.
Those who genuinely seek are not rewarded with the results. That can't be right.
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She has…. so have I. @Aunty Jane & I, in fact all JW’s, have accepted who teaches Truth; it’s not from our own thinking.
To explain:
Having God’s Spirit / blessing results in unity. Which includes “speaking in agreement…having the same line of thought” (1Cor.1:10); that in itself negates having variations of doctrine.
Since Jesus said that understanding of God’s Word only comes from One Source - Jesus’ Father (Luke 10:21) - we should expect there would be ‘unity of thought & speaking in agreement’ (regarding spiritual understanding) among His worshippers.
Of course, it requires humility on our part to accept who has the Truth…. Just as the First-Century Christians were humble in following the lead of the Apostles… Acts 2:42…”And they continued devoting themselves to the teaching of the apostles, to associating together, to the taking of meals, and to prayers.”
The same is true today…. Jesus is guiding His followers through an organized group which Jesus called “the Faithful and Wise Servant” @ Matthew 24:45-47…
who are always eager to do “the will of [Jesus’] Father in Heaven.” - Matthew 7:21
Anyone who identifies their group as the one who should set the standard is to be questioned.
How convenient that one group should declare that it is their way that is the path to unity.
There is no consensus. I think the only way unity can be achieved is when we accept each others differences. IMHO
The Unity and Division threads - Unified to one topic - Divided by links
Doctrinolatry - tribalism and division in the Body of Christ A follow-up to my Bibliolatry topic. Doctrine becomes an idol when it is used to support tribalism and cause division in the Body of Christ. Since doctrinal unity is impossible, allowing others to hold their own doctrinal opinions may...
www.christianityboard.com
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Well, that's a part of it. We are to "love our enemies..."
But the Holy Bible is clear that denominations cause division, they bring division to the body of Christ. I see it all through this thread and virtually all others.
You wanna grow leaps and bounds in the Lord? Try standing on The Rock and nothing else.
Where does the Bible say that?
Denominations didn't emerge until after the Protestant Reformation.
And I don't think denominations are the cause of division.
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Aunty Jane
Well-Known Member
There is no consensus because true Christians already have consensus about what they accept as truth….they can have no differences…..that is the point my brother was making…..whenever a dispute took place over anything that divided the congregation in Bible times, it was addressed…..decisions were made by the governing body of Christians (made up of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem at that time) and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, a standard was set and order was maintained. Any who disagreed and wanted to cause division were shown the door.Anyone who identifies their group as the one who should set the standard is to be questioned.
How convenient that one group should declare that it is their way that is the path to unity.
There is no consensus. I think the only way unity can be achieved is when we accept each others differences. IMHO
The Unity and Division threads - Unified to one topic - Divided by links
Doctrinolatry - tribalism and division in the Body of Christ A follow-up to my Bibliolatry topic. Doctrine becomes an idol when it is used to support tribalism and cause division in the Body of Christ. Since doctrinal unity is impossible, allowing others to hold their own doctrinal opinions may...
Do you see that in Christendom? Were the first Christians allowed to have opinions about what they thought the Scriptures mean?
There was one body alone who decided what was truth and what was not. If you do not have that body then you are swinging out on your own limb, which is likely to break under a strong wind.
Christianity does not have ‘branches’ bearing different fruit…..that is what shows them to be outside of what the Bible teaches real Christianity to be.…they must be “of one mind and of one line of thought with no divisions among them”……(1Cor 1:10)
Only God can lead a person to his truth among the rabble that is Christendom…..and the startling difference is that the “wheat” do not resemble the “weeds“ at all when the harvest time comes……the “weeds” are gathered first and destroyed, and then the “wheat” will be gathered into God’s storehouse.
We will all find out soon enough if we have made the right choices. ‘No one can come to the son without an invitation from his Father’….(John 6:65)
Wick Stick
Well-Known Member
Quoting Ecclesiastes is usually a mistake.
The whole book is full of examples of faulty human wisdom, which are provided specifically for the purpose of saying that they FAIL. As in the very next verse...
Ecc 12:8 Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity.
ScottA
Well-Known Member
I see. We have, I have been referring more to the mechanics or process and the numbers--I thought that is what you too were referring to. But now I see that you are referring to a different aspect of what the numbers represent. Meaning that what you were/are referring to is more a consideration of the outcome without full consideration to the cause. A cause and effect difference.
It is rather the cause that explains the effect and the greater numbers. But we speak of one man. And yes, then it seems to unfold into a great multitude. But again, we speak of One man, in whom all the multitude exist, where both life and death are born and made manifest. The truth is, yes, in that regard, "more are the children of the desolate Than the children of the married woman” (Isaiah 54:1). But do not loose perspective that all are first in the One, in whom that greater number died. Which is that great tribulation of scripture. Even so--they did live for a time, as a gift from the Lord, although it will be as though they were never born (Matthew 26:24). Destroyed.
ScottA
Well-Known Member
Even so, there is also much Godly wisdom. As should be expected of a chosen son of David's flesh, as opposed to David's Son in spirit. Such is the image of God cast in men of flesh. An image in a glass dimly, a mere shadow.
The Bible gives us the standards, nothing or no one else.
I agree.
Why? Was it only just convenient for the Israelites to declare that their way was the only path?
Who else, back then?
Are we to expect a consensus among people professing Christianity yet making up over 35,000 different groups?
I ain’t worried about what people think. If I had been, I wouldn’t have become a Christian, following Christ as a servant / worshipper of Jehovah, ie., a JW.
Was there consensus among the world’s 1st-Century population re: the first Christians?? Maybe the only consensus, that mattered, was the negative one…
Acts 28:22…
“But we think it proper to hear from you what your thoughts are, for truly as regards this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.”
We’re happy with that: we’re in good company.
Just wondering: what standards do you think Jesus & the Bible stresses?
Have a good day, my cousin.
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You're not going to like what you're about to read. It stands against today's massive movement of worldwide ecumenism. The short story is, the Lord showed me that the way one comes under the curse of denominationalism is by being a part of, supporting, encouraging, agreeing with, or otherwise fomenting a division/sect/denomination within the body of Christ. The length of the curse is indeterminate- -- it's up to you.
Also, dropping their denominational affiliation from their name is pointless if they maintain their division and worse if they drop it for ecumenical reasons.
Religious denominations actually go contrary to scripture, because they divide Christ (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:3). A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:25, Mark 3:24-25, Luke 11:17). In scripture, God's people are called the Christ's assembly (note: the Greek word ekklesia is translated as 'church' in most bibles; it actually refers to a group of people, and not to a physical building. Therefore, the literal translation is either 'assembly' or 'congregation'). For example, "the assembly of God" (Acts 20:28, 1 Corinthians 1:2; 10:32; 11:22; 15:9, 2 Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:13, 1 Timothy 3:5), or "the assembles of God" (1 Cor.11:16; 1 Thess.2:14; 2 Thess.1:4), or "the assembles of Christ" (Romans 16:16). To call the assembly (church) of God by a different name, is to replace the name of God's assembly (church) with a man-made name. God considers "naming the name of Christ" to be iniquity (2 Timothy 2:19). All denominations create a man-made name to place on their man-made Church. Where is their authority for doing this?
1 Corinthians 1:10-13, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you ; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chl oe, that there are contentions among you . Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?"
The above verse clearly condemns denominations. The reason for denominations is because those in the assembly (church) did not "speak the same thing", and that caused "divisions among them", and were no longer "joined together." Therefore, they formed different ‘Churches’ because of all the ‘contentions among them’. Just like how, in the above verses, those in the first century divided themselves and said they were of the assembly of "Chl oe, Paul, Apollos, Cephas, etc.", denominations today divide themselves and say they are of the Church of the "Baptists, Catholics, Protestants, Lutherans, Evangelical, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Open Brethren, Seventh day Adventists, Mormons, Orthodox, Quakers, Methodist, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Calvinism, Arminianism, etc." But, as Paul asks above, "Is Christ divided?" If not, then how can these divided Churches be of Christ?
Relating this back to the OP, another example of an attempt to ‘divide’ God into separate ‘Churches’ is at the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13, Mark 9:2-13, Luke 9:28-36). After Peter saw Moses, Elijah, and Jesus, he wanted to build a tabernacle (Church) for each one of them. But the Father himself descended in a cloud and said, "This is my beloved Son: hear him." In other words, we are to submit to Jesus only, and preach what he says. This attitude is reflected in the last recorded words of the mother of Jesus, Mary, when she said, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" (John 2:5). We are not to build temples after other men, or upon other men’s teachings, but we are to do what Jesus told us to do.
Psalms 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
1 John 3:14, "We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death."
It is not possible to "dwell together in unity," or to "love the brethren" when denominations are too busy fighting with each other and disagreeing with each other.
Amos 3:3, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed?"
Denominationalism: "The system and ideology founded on the division of the religious population into numerous ecclesiastical bodies, each stressing particular values or traditions and each competing with the other in the same community under substantial conditions of freedom. Thus denominationalism has usually been associated with religious pluralism, voluntaryism, mutual respect and recognition, and neutrality on the part of the state." Westminster Dictionary of Church History (1971), pages 262-263.
As you can see, the very definition of ‘denominationalism’ goes against the very heart of scripture. If you take the five words in bold above, for example, and compare these words with what scripture says about them, it is all negative: Division (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:3). Traditions (Matthew 15:3,6, Mark 7:8,9,13. Colossians 2:8). Competing (2 Corinthians 10:12). Religious pluralism (Galatians 1:8,9). Respect (James 2:9, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7).
"The Bible in no way envisages the organization of the church into denominations. It instead assumes the opposite, that all Christians, except those being disciplined, will be in full fellowship with all others. Any tendencies to the contrary were roundly denounced (1 Cor.1:10-13). Paul could write a letter to the Christians meeting in various places in Rome or Galatia with every assurance that all would receive its message. Today, for any city or country, he would have to place the letter as an advertisement in the secular media and hope." Elwell’s Evangelistic Dictionary of Theology, (1984), page 310.
"Articles, Creeds, and Confessions of Faith alike fail to give us this full knowledge of God which is so essential to our faith and walk. They are only man’s impressions, inferences, and conclusions drawn from Scripture; and have themselves to be judged by Scripture. Whatever of truth there may be in them, or however useful, they can never take the place of the Word of God. Only in the "person" of the Living Word, and in the pages of the written Word, can we get to know God." E.W. Bullinger, The Knowledge of God, (1920), page 3.
"We do not use any non-scriptural words or expressions. These are the things which divide the members of the One Body, instead of uniting them. These introduce the seeds of strife and contention. These have been the causes of controversies and martyrdom’s". E.W.Bullinger, The Knowledge of God, (1920), page 3.
...continued...
On the 26th of May, 1786, James Madison, who subsequently became president of the United States, said in a sermon he delivered before the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of Virginia, "I earnestly recommend to our Christians to reject every system as the fallible production of human contrivance, which shall dictate the articles of faith; and adopt the Gospel alone as their guide. Those Christian societies will ever be found to have formed their union upon principles, the wisest and the best, which makes the scriptures alone, and not human articles, a confession of belief, the sole rule of faith and conduct." W.D. Frazie "Reminiscences and Sermons"(1896. page 63).
James Madison also said, "We have staked the whole future of the American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future...upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God."
In the New Testament, the English word "heresy" is from an untranslated Greek word (word #139). It's used nine times; four times it is left untranslated, but the other five times it is translated. This word is translated as "sect" (i.e., denomination) in Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5 and 28:22. However, it is left untranslated in Acts 24:14, 1 Corinthians 11:19, Galatians 5:20 and 2 Peter 2:1. Let’s see what some of these verses would say if it was translated.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19, "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies [sects, denominations] among you..."
It shows that denominations cause divisions! What else does scripture say about sects?
Galatians 5:19-21, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies (sects, denominations), Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Denominations are defined as a work of the flesh! We are told that they who partake of these things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Why not? Because denominations cause divisions, and Christ is not divided. Therefore, denominations are not of Christ!
2 Peter 2:1, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (sects, denominations), even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
This passage says false prophets and false teachers will bring in denominations, and they will deny the Lord. Denominations do deny the Lord by dividing the Lord.
When you start getting into re-definitions and re-statements of the Truth, you’re no longer in the Truth, you’re an image of the Truth. A sect or denomination is not the real thing, it is not the Truth; it is only an interpretation of the Truth, it is only a perception of the Truth. The works of men (creeds, confessions, or articles of faith) quicken no one and save no souls.
John 6:63, "It is the spirit [*not creeds, confessions, or articles of faith] that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Hosea 8:6, "…the workman made it [*creeds, confessions, or articles of faith]; therefore it is not God:"
Isaiah 17:7-8, "At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made [*creeds, confessions, or articles of faith]..."
Also, when people say they are a "New Testament Church", they separate themselves, because they’re saying they popped up at some point 2,000 years ago, whereas God's "church" is from the beginning (Gen.1:1, Psalms 119:160, Pro.8:23, Isa.40:21; 41:4,26; 46:10; 48:5, Jer.17:12, Mark 10:6, Acts 15:18, Col.1:18, 1 John 2:7; 3:11, 2 John 1:5,6, Rev.21:6; 22:13). The "New Covenant Church," for example, is an imperfect church like all other denominations.
James Madison also said, "We have staked the whole future of the American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We have staked the future...upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves, according to the Ten Commandments of God."
In the New Testament, the English word "heresy" is from an untranslated Greek word (word #139). It's used nine times; four times it is left untranslated, but the other five times it is translated. This word is translated as "sect" (i.e., denomination) in Acts 5:17; 15:5; 24:5; 26:5 and 28:22. However, it is left untranslated in Acts 24:14, 1 Corinthians 11:19, Galatians 5:20 and 2 Peter 2:1. Let’s see what some of these verses would say if it was translated.
1 Corinthians 11:18-19, "For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies [sects, denominations] among you..."
It shows that denominations cause divisions! What else does scripture say about sects?
Galatians 5:19-21, "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies (sects, denominations), Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Denominations are defined as a work of the flesh! We are told that they who partake of these things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Why not? Because denominations cause divisions, and Christ is not divided. Therefore, denominations are not of Christ!
2 Peter 2:1, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (sects, denominations), even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
This passage says false prophets and false teachers will bring in denominations, and they will deny the Lord. Denominations do deny the Lord by dividing the Lord.
When you start getting into re-definitions and re-statements of the Truth, you’re no longer in the Truth, you’re an image of the Truth. A sect or denomination is not the real thing, it is not the Truth; it is only an interpretation of the Truth, it is only a perception of the Truth. The works of men (creeds, confessions, or articles of faith) quicken no one and save no souls.
John 6:63, "It is the spirit [*not creeds, confessions, or articles of faith] that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Hosea 8:6, "…the workman made it [*creeds, confessions, or articles of faith]; therefore it is not God:"
Isaiah 17:7-8, "At that day shall a man look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect to the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, neither shall respect that which his fingers have made [*creeds, confessions, or articles of faith]..."
Also, when people say they are a "New Testament Church", they separate themselves, because they’re saying they popped up at some point 2,000 years ago, whereas God's "church" is from the beginning (Gen.1:1, Psalms 119:160, Pro.8:23, Isa.40:21; 41:4,26; 46:10; 48:5, Jer.17:12, Mark 10:6, Acts 15:18, Col.1:18, 1 John 2:7; 3:11, 2 John 1:5,6, Rev.21:6; 22:13). The "New Covenant Church," for example, is an imperfect church like all other denominations.
So you condemn the entire church except for your little tribe?
How convenient.
Did you surrender your own beliefs in the cause of doctrinal unity?
Who decides?
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David Lamb
Member
But that is far to general. Some denominations have gone far from bible truth, and some never had it to start with, but it is surely wrong to say that all denominations are heretical. The verse from 2 Peter 2 is talking about false teachers. By no means all denominations were brought in by false teachers. Indeed, some began as godly men came out of churches which had wandered far from bible truth.
Sorry, where does the passage say that false prophets and false teachers will bring in denominations? The passage does not mention denominations.
There again, some creeds and some confessions of faith may go astray from Scripture. Not all do. The Westminster Confession of Faith and the 1869 London Baptist Confession of Faith both ensure that they give scriptural support for every topic they deal with.
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And my "own beliefs" count for dung; rather, what saith scripture?
2 Peter 2:1, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (sects, denominations), even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
[St. SteVen & David Lamb] - In contrast to my post, which contains over 70 biblical references, your responses are void of scriptures. Private interpretation is a no-no. I could read the National Enquirer and get the same Op/Ed opinions. At this point, I am the only one who has provided ANY scriptural documentation. It's your turn to reciprocate if you wish to be taken seriously on this issue.
Thank God there is no unction to be found in the Holy Bible for me to "condemn" anyone! Time to move from the milk to the meat, my friend. And I don't have a "little tribe" - although I'm a member of a very small group, even a remnant.
And my "own beliefs" count for dung; rather, what saith scripture?
There is only one lawgiver (James 4:12). This one lawgiver is the Lord (Isaiah 33:22).
You didn't consider the post in its entirety, else you would not have made that redundant comment.
2 Peter 2:1, "But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies (sects, denominations), even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction."
Satan is the most subtle beast of the field; with him, it's always the Holy Bible PLUS some other thing...
[St. SteVen & David Lamb] - In contrast to my post, which contains over 70 biblical references, your responses are void of scriptures. Private interpretation is a no-no. I could read the National Enquirer and get the same Op/Ed opinions. At this point, I am the only one who has provided ANY scriptural documentation. It's your turn to reciprocate if you wish to be taken seriously on this issue.
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David Lamb
Member
I assure who I did read your entire post. The post included these words: "This passage says false prophets and false teachers will bring in denominations," That is why I wrote in response: "Sorry, where does the passage say that false prophets and false teachers will bring in denominations? The passage does not mention denominations." You claimed that the passage says that denominations were brought in by false prophets and false teachers. I questioned that. How is that redundant.
I assure you that I usually do quote scripture in my posts. However, I couldn't find a scripture quote that even mentions denominations, otherwise I would have quoted it.
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In the Holy Bible, "heresy/heresies" and "sect" are from the same word (#G139 hairesis), and "denomination" is likewise a "sect".
Further, from the Cambridge Dictionary:
denomination, n.
"a religious group that has slightly different beliefs from other groups that share the same religion:
- Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are both denominations of the Christian faith.
["Slightly different beliefs"??? ala "almost preg"? Obviously, Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are not compatible; at the least, one of these two "Christian" denominations is a heresy/sect...]
Heresy = sect = denomination.
Here are all 9 appearance of the word hairesis (#G139):
Act 5:17
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect G139 of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
Act 15:5
But there rose up certain of the sect G139 of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Act 24:5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect G139 of the Nazarenes:
Act 24:14
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, G139 so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Act 26:5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect G139 of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Act 28:22
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, G139 we know that every where it is spoken against.
1Co 11:19
For there must be also heresies G139 among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Gal 5:20
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, G139
2Pe 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, G139 even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1. (from αἱρέω), act of taking, capture: τῆς πόλεως, the storming of a city; in secular authors.
2. (from αἱρέομαι), choosing, choice, very often in secular writings: Sept. Leviticus 22:18; 1 Macc. 8:30.
3. that which is chosen, a chosen course of thought and action; hence one's chosen opinion, tenet; according to the context, an opinion varying from the true exposition of the Christian faith (heresy): 2 Peter 2:1 (cf. DeWette at the passage), and in ecclesiastical writings [cf. Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word].
4. a body of men separating themselves from others and following their own tenets (a sect or party): as the Sadducees, Acts 5:17; the Pharisees, Acts 15:5; Acts 26:5; the Christians, Acts 24:5, 14 (in both instances with a suggestion of reproach); Acts 28:22 (in Diogenes Laërtius 1 (13) 18f, others, used of the schools of philosophy).
5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims: Galatians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 11:19. [Cf. Meyer, at the passages cited; B. D. American edition under the word Sects; Burton, Bampt. Lect. for 1829; Campbell, Diss. on the Gospels, diss. ix., part iv.]
source - Thayer's Greek Lexicon (#G139)
Denominationalism: "The system and ideology founded on the division of the religious population into numerous ecclesiastical bodies, each stressing particular values or traditions and each competing with the other in the same community under substantial conditions of freedom. Thus denominationalism has usually been associated with religious pluralism, voluntaryism, mutual respect and recognition, and neutrality on the part of the state." Westminster Dictionary of Church History (1971), pages 262-263.
As you can see, the very definition of ‘denominationalism’ goes against the very heart of scripture. If you take the five words in bold above, for example, and compare these words with what scripture says about them, it is all negative: Division (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:3). Traditions (Matthew 15:3,6, Mark 7:8,9,13. Colossians 2:8). Competing (2 Corinthians 10:12). Religious pluralism (Galatians 1:8,9). Respect (James 2:9, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7).
Heresy = sect = denomination.
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I understand. Yet the answer is always there, if we will but dig a bit deeper.
I detailed, with corroborating scripture, the gist of my post:
In the Holy Bible, "heresy/heresies" and "sect" are from the same word (#G139 hairesis), and "denomination" is likewise a "sect".
Further, from the Cambridge Dictionary:
denomination, n.
"a religious group that has slightly different beliefs from other groups that share the same religion:
- Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are both denominations of the Christian faith.
["Slightly different beliefs"??? ala "almost preg"? Obviously, Protestantism and Roman Catholicism are not compatible; at the least, one of these two "Christian" denominations is a heresy/sect...]
Heresy = sect = denomination.
Here are all 9 appearance of the word hairesis (#G139):
Act 5:17
Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect G139 of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,
Act 15:5
But there rose up certain of the sect G139 of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.
Act 24:5
For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect G139 of the Nazarenes:
Act 24:14
But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which they call heresy, G139 so worship I the God of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law and in the prophets:
Act 26:5
Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect G139 of our religion I lived a Pharisee.
Act 28:22
But we desire to hear of thee what thou thinkest: for as concerning this sect, G139 we know that every where it is spoken against.
1Co 11:19
For there must be also heresies G139 among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.
Gal 5:20
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, G139
2Pe 2:1
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, G139 even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
1. (from αἱρέω), act of taking, capture: τῆς πόλεως, the storming of a city; in secular authors.
2. (from αἱρέομαι), choosing, choice, very often in secular writings: Sept. Leviticus 22:18; 1 Macc. 8:30.
3. that which is chosen, a chosen course of thought and action; hence one's chosen opinion, tenet; according to the context, an opinion varying from the true exposition of the Christian faith (heresy): 2 Peter 2:1 (cf. DeWette at the passage), and in ecclesiastical writings [cf. Sophocles' Lexicon, under the word].
4. a body of men separating themselves from others and following their own tenets (a sect or party): as the Sadducees, Acts 5:17; the Pharisees, Acts 15:5; Acts 26:5; the Christians, Acts 24:5, 14 (in both instances with a suggestion of reproach); Acts 28:22 (in Diogenes Laërtius 1 (13) 18f, others, used of the schools of philosophy).
5. dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims: Galatians 5:20; 1 Corinthians 11:19. [Cf. Meyer, at the passages cited; B. D. American edition under the word Sects; Burton, Bampt. Lect. for 1829; Campbell, Diss. on the Gospels, diss. ix., part iv.]
source - Thayer's Greek Lexicon (#G139)
Denominationalism: "The system and ideology founded on the division of the religious population into numerous ecclesiastical bodies, each stressing particular values or traditions and each competing with the other in the same community under substantial conditions of freedom. Thus denominationalism has usually been associated with religious pluralism, voluntaryism, mutual respect and recognition, and neutrality on the part of the state." Westminster Dictionary of Church History (1971), pages 262-263.
As you can see, the very definition of ‘denominationalism’ goes against the very heart of scripture. If you take the five words in bold above, for example, and compare these words with what scripture says about them, it is all negative: Division (1 Corinthians 1:10-17; 3:3). Traditions (Matthew 15:3,6, Mark 7:8,9,13. Colossians 2:8). Competing (2 Corinthians 10:12). Religious pluralism (Galatians 1:8,9). Respect (James 2:9, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 10:17, 2 Chronicles 19:7).
Heresy = sect = denomination.
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