Christianity, by its very design, is undenominational. The divisive, sectarian spirit of de-nominationalism contradicts the basic oneness of the spiritual body of Christ, the church of Christ. The body of Christ is one, incorporating all who by the one Spirit of God have been immersed into it. (Eph. 4:4; I Cor. 12:13). The spirit of Christianity is one of reception of all whom Christ has received (Rom. 14:1; Rom. 15:7) while the sectarian spirit is manifest in the rejection of true disciples of Christ who will not echo the party creeds and dogmas. The fruit of the Spirit is conducive to the unity of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22, 23), while the works of the flesh foster strife and division (Gal. 5:19-21; I Cor. 3:3).

Many are in the woes of denominationalism, but we shall note three in this article:

1. Unity is made impossible.
2. The body of Christ is obscured.
3. Christ is made to share the loyalty due Him with the sect.

(1) It scarcely needs argument to show that those devout disciples who are content with the divisions of denominationalism cannot be a force in making the visible unity of the body of Christ a reality. While the “virtues” of division are extolled, the prayer of Jesus for unity will be ignored (John 17:20-21). As long as God’s people are in love with Babylon they will be deaf to God’s call for them to “come out” (Rev. 18:4). There can be no unity in sects, but in the body of Christ.

(2) The organization concept of the church obscures the body of Christ. The church, the body of Christ, is more than an organization; it is an organism, inhabited by God through the Spirit and directed by Christ who is the Head. It is a divine New Creation, throbbing with the life of the Spirit, not an organization which men join. As such, it embraces neither more nor less than all the re-deemed, purchased with the blood of Christ (Acts 20:28). All denominations and parties in religion are the creation of men, not God. They are not organisms, but organizations men join. Christian fellowship is largely restricted within the area of a sect, and the fellowship of others within the body of Christ is denied.

(3) The third woe of denominationalism and sectarianism is its fountain of strength: loyalty to the party detracts from its loyalty to Christ. The sectarian feels bound to defend not just Christ, but also the traditions and dogmas of his sect. He refuses to become “just a Christian” for this would necessitate forsaking the denomination to which he belongs. He has been taught to be loyal to his religious party, and to do otherwise would be considered traitorous! Consequently, his religion is largely creedalized and directed by the party.

UNDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIANITY is the forsaking of party for Christ. It is loving allegiance to one person: Jesus. All who are united to Him are thereby united with one another. May those who know the freedom of belonging only to Christ unite their voices in calling upon all professed followers of Christ to repent of the sin of division and manifest once more the unity of the spiritual body of Christ.

-Ron Bartanen, 1963 (Bro. Ron preaches now for the Arthur (IL) Church of Christ