Christian Denomination Differences

[4Jesus]

With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Thoughts?

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination ;)

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

 

[illini1959]

With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

First, could you tell me what you consider the "2-4 branches" of Christian denominations?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

Paul tells the church in Galatia (chpt 1:6-8) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

He even repeats that:

9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

I totally agree, none of us are perfect. But we are called to defend the faith and expose false teachers/doctrine and to do that, we need to know it. We're told to study to show ourselves approved....to rightly divide the word.

There are denominations who believe in a works-based salvation; not scriptural, or baptism saves; not scriptural. Some don't believe Jesus is God or deny the Trinity; so not scriptural.

You see what I mean.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Denominational differences that aren't salvific don't matter; does your church have elders or just deacons, do you sprinkle or immerse....those things don't matter re: salvation. It's the core issues that separate believers from nonbelievers.

You're right in what you said "belief in Him, wholeheartedly" but other things matter, too. Not all things, but some things, and they matter here on Earth because some of them determine whether or not one will be in His future Kingdom.

Thoughts?

See above

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination ;)

How so? :)

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

Don't be sorry, it is a good topic! Thank you[/QUOTE]

 

[Philip James]

Jesus knows our hearts, and who can argue with His judgements?

Have mercy on us Lord!

 

[4Jesus]

First, could you tell me what you consider the "2-4 branches" of Christian denominations?

I fixed my wording so as not to cause any confusion.

2-4 branches of Christianity are, and this is debatable depending on who one talks with is:
-Non-denominational
-Catholic
-Protestant
-Reformationist

Some may think there's only 3 of those, or just 2 in that list. Typically, there's at least 1, but not more than 4 branches *shrug*, and a branch could have many denominations within it (except for non-denoms).

Paul tells the church in Galatia (chpt 1:6-8) I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.

He even repeats that:

9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

Paul didn't state that would exclude citizenship in Heaven though; just stated "accursed". Did that mean just on earth, or forever?

Back to the question, would those who follow the distortions of the gospel of Christ be excluded from salvation, or is it limited to the leaders who distorted/contributed to the distortion?

Can Jesus not save and then teach those who follow the distortions? That's what He came here to do afterall, save us who distort God's way of sinlessness. So why wouldn't it apply here too?

I totally agree, none of us are perfect. But we are called to defend the faith and expose false teachers/doctrine and to do that, we need to know it. We're told to study to show ourselves approved....to rightly divide the word.

Agreed 100%. I try to do so, as best I can. My question in the OP was a larger question though, one that covers failures in following the distortions, like our failures in living sinless according to God.

There are denominations who believe in a works-based salvation; not scriptural, or baptism saves; not scriptural. Some don't believe Jesus is God or deny the Trinity; so not scriptural.

You see what I mean.

Yeah, I do, and we could go on and on with this if we look at every issue. And we won't come to a result, as it is ultimately up to Jesus of course.

I guess with more minor issues it's debatable, but denying salvation by God, via Jesus Christ, that's essential, is it not?

Denominational differences that aren't salvific don't matter; does your church have elders or just deacons, do you sprinkle or immerse....those things don't matter re: salvation. It's the core issues that separate believers from nonbelievers.

You're right in what you said "belief in Him, wholeheartedly" but other things matter, too. Not all things, but some things, and they matter here on Earth because some of them determine whether or not one will be in His future Kingdom.

Those other things, those that don't matter, can be taught. I guess that's what I'm saying overall. If the essentials for salvation are met, then anything else can be taught.

See above

Thanks for your thoughts.

How so? :)

It's a common name and group, at least ;)

Don't be sorry, it is a good topic! Thank you

Thanks too.

 

[amadeus]

@4Jesus
So who is to selected and who is to be rejected by God? You mentioned 4 groups, but most of those and/or some within them will throw some others out completely, and some will not even be considered Christian, which for many invalidates the meaningful use of that word [Christian] without a clearly expressed definition.

In your discussion some important [to some important] separate groups would be , tongue talkers versus non-tongue talkers, trinitarians versus non-trinitarians, Mormons/LSD, Jehovah's Witnesses. There are I am certain others I do not know so well or have forgotten.

Will any members of all of these be accepted or rejected by God simply because of their membership or non-membership?

 

[marksman]

With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Thoughts?

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination ;)

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

Just some thoughts. No denominations are right because the scripture is clear that unity is the way to go so anyone or anything that divides is not from God.

My relationship is with God first and foremost. I do not have a relationship with a denomination.

It is God that meets all your needs. Not a denomination.

It is God that saves you through his son Jesus. No denomination has any saving power.

You won't find most of what any denomination does in the scriptures.

When you follow the teachings of a denomination you are following a broken cistern.

Whether you speak in tongues or don't speak in tongues has no basis in whether you are born again as speaking in tongues is not mentioned anywhere in scripture in relation to be being born again.

You cannot know anything outside of the Holy Spirit who leads you into all truth. If he is not doing the leading it is not the truth.

My dependency is not on the system (denominations) it is on a risen living Saviour. Take him out of the equation and you have nothing. Denominations, rituals, communion, mass, positions, being paid to be a Christian, wearing your collar back to front, meetings, good works, none of these can give you salvation.

There is only one thing that matters and that is knowing the risen Christ and following him.

 

[Enoch111]

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination...

The short answer is "NO". God and Christ look across all denominational lines for all those who have obeyed the Gospel and been purchased with His own blood. And are trusting in nothing (and no one) other that the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption for their salvation. At the same time they hold all who call themselves Christians accountable for following false teachings and practices. Or for walking in the flesh. See Revelation 1-3.

 

[Enoch111]

My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom.

Well this view is skewed since you will not find any support for it in Scripture. You seem to be referring to a future teaching period, but the teaching period is now -- while we are on earth.

 

[4Jesus]

The short answer is "NO". God and Christ look across all denominational lines for all those who have obeyed the Gospel and been purchased with His own blood. And are trusting in nothing (and no one) other that the Lord Jesus Christ and His finished work of redemption for their salvation. At the same time they hold all who call themselves Christians accountable for following false teachings and practices. Or for walking in the flesh. See Revelation 1-3.

Thanks, I agree with you.

What you just stated here in this post (that I outlined in bold), is what I meant in your following post, which you stated my view was skewed. That's my fault for writing it badly then, so my apologies. I was trying to keep the OP as short as possible, and it led me to cutting-corners with the info about what I meant.

"My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom."

 

[4Jesus]

Well this view is skewed since you will not find any support for it in Scripture. You seem to be referring to a future teaching period, but the teaching period is now -- while we are on earth.

I must've written it badly then, because I meant what you stated in your previous post, "holding us accountable for the false teachings and practices".

And by "teaching", I meant that in His Kingdom, where the false teachings and practices of the past 2000+/- years are not allowed, we will learn what is righteous and what is not righteous, via daily life. That will be the method of "teaching".

Sorry for not being more clear.

 

[4Jesus]

@4Jesus
So who is to selected and who is to be rejected by God? You mentioned 4 groups, but most of those and/or some within them will throw some others out completely, and some will not even be considered Christian, which for many invalidates the meaningful use of that word [Christian] without a clearly expressed definition.

In your discussion some important [to some important] separate groups would be , tongue talkers versus non-tongue talkers, trinitarians versus non-trinitarians, Mormons/LSD, Jehovah's Witnesses. There are I am certain others I do not know so well or have forgotten.

Will any members of all of these be accepted or rejected by God simply because of their membership or non-membership?

This is what I was asking, essentially.

I stated my belief, that Jesus would rather have us (those who practice what Jesus considers false teachings and practices), and reform us/teach us via daily life in His Kingdom on earth, than to reject us who do accept false teachings and practices. Of course, salvation by Jesus is a standard that excludes one from His Kingdom if it is not accepted.

 

[Windmill Charge]

With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?



Where do you get the idea that denominations are important?

Can you point to texts that say that groups rather than personal relationship with Jesus is important.

My reading of the bible shows that come the judgement day we will be judged on whether we knew Jesus and then rewarded for our service.
I see nothing the implies I must be a tuesday pancake adventist or a jorden river only baptist sabbeth keeping methodist.

 

[Nancy]

Well this view is skewed since you will not find any support for it in Scripture. You seem to be referring to a future teaching period, but the teaching period is now -- while we are on earth.

For sure. As someone on here mentioned before, that the Earth IS our classroom...being made more and more into His likeness. We're being molded , sifted and tried...it's the only way to grow in faith and character. These things as well as studying to "show ourselves approved". The process can be long and painful, especially when we fight God...or it can be a faith builder and move us further along faster when we follow His commands.
I do understand where 4Jesus is coming from as, the division within our denoms, seem to get worse and worse and instead of unity, we keep getting more and more divided IMHO. I also don't believe any of us will have ALL Truth, even if we live for 900 years as, who can know Him completely? And yes, all Christians who have allowed themselves to be swayed by a different Gospel will be held accountable. Study is so important but we also need to continually pray for understanding and discernment. Well, at least I do, ha! I was a C average student in school so...takes me some time for certain scriptures/verses/words to become clear...and even when I think I've gotten something down pat...I find that, down the road my beliefs were wrong all along. And even THEN - I won't say I have all truth. So, I will stick with the simple Gospel and pray for understanding with the deeper things of God.
God bless you abundantly!

 

[amadeus]

This is what I was asking, essentially.

I stated my belief, that Jesus would rather have us (those who practice what Jesus considers false teachings and practices), and reform us/teach us via daily life in His Kingdom on earth, than to reject us who do accept false teachings and practices. Of course, salvation by Jesus is a standard that excludes one from His Kingdom if it is not accepted.

Even so my friend!

 

[CharismaticLady]

non-denomination group is a denomination

LOL Actually, they are many different denominations under the heading of non-denomination.

 

[amadeus]

LOL Actually, they are many different denominations under the heading of non-denomination.

Could it even be that each one of us is really a tiny denomination of one until and if we ever really become really One with Him?

 

[CharismaticLady]

Could it even be that each one of us is really a tiny denomination of one until and if we ever really become really One with Him?

Yes, I know what you mean.

 

[ScottA]

With all of the differing Christian denominations, categorized into 2-4 branches of Christianity, most/all having differences with the others, and claiming to be right (or, "more right") than the others, will Jesus Christ not accept those who believe in Him and are saved by Him, The Messiah, if one is in "the other" denominations/branches that are "wrong" (or "more wrong")?

Will Jesus Christ reject us if we aren't in the "right" denomination (whatever that means)? Will Jesus say to those in one denomination or another, "Depart from me I never knew you." (Matthew 7:23 "And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'")?

We are all imperfect, thus, wrong, at least a little, some more than others, according to Jesus Christ, the perfect one. He and His Father can claim they are not wrong, and are perfect. This obviously is why Jesus was sent to us as a sacrifice for our sins, because we are all at least a little, wrong.

So how far "departed", or how much wrong, is too much?

To me, it's my belief, that since Jesus was sent to us sinners, we are all wrong. He knows this, in some ways or others, that none of us are perfect. If we are to be held to the standard of how "perfect" we are, He wouldn't need to have saved us, because none would qualify. Jesus doesn't want us to go to Hell, His Father desires no one should perish (2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.").

Of course I don't know definitevly, none of us do, only Jesus does, so this is all just for discussion.

To me, my view of Jesus is that if there is belief in Him, wholeheartedly, and you are saved by His sacrifice for your sins, denominational differences do not matter to Him (at least during this time period). He is a teacher, He is The Teacher. My view of Him is that He'd rather have us with Him, and then teach us what was right/wrong here on earth during this time, so we can then live righteously with Him in His Kingdom. Therefore denominations and their doctrines don't matter ultimately now, and will be a non-issue in His future Kingdom here on Earth.

Thoughts?

Just a funny side, the non-denomination group is a denomination ;)

And sorry in advance for the length. It's a good topic, I think.

Yes, it is a good topic, and greatly misunderstood.

The different parts of the body that is the body of Christ and the church of Christ...are suppose to be different. That is how a body is made (by design) and how it works.

Our unity is not to be in our own likeness, but rather in the fact that we have the same Head. Therefore, Christ's perfect body is not a body made up of perfect heads: a head for the foot, a head for the hand, a head for the heart, etc.. That is not a body, that would be ridiculous; and those selling a full body in unity, walking and talking in unison are akin to lawyers, one of many woes against Christ.

As for being "right"...right we should be. But we do right by listening, by hearing, not by speaking.

 

[4Jesus]

LOL Actually, they are many different denominations under the heading of non-denomination.

Great, now I have to be a protest...ant non-denominationalist

Or maybe an un-denominational non-denominationalist

 

[4Jesus]

Could it even be that each one of us is really a tiny denomination of one until and if we ever really become really One with Him?

Apparently this is the case . Only one of us will be saved then, or none. Which one of us will be with Him?