DOES SCRIPTURE SUPPORT SECTARIANISM?
Many or most people believe that the existence of denominations is a good thing. They like the freedom to join the church of their choice. Is this okay?
DOES SCRIPTURE SUPPORT SECTARIANISM?
1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body
Before Jesus returned to his Father, he prayed for his disciples to be united (John 17:20-21). How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1).
Scripture
In the Old Testament, God wanted his people to worship in Jerusalem (Deuteronomy 12:5, 11, 14, 18, 26). They were not free to do whatever was right in their eyes (Deuteronomy 12:8, Proverbs 3:7, 14:12). It was a sad day when Jeroboam introduced two new places of worship (1 Kings 12:25-29). Jeroboam thereby caused the people of God to sin (1Kings 12:30, 16:26).
Support
The scriptures do not support sectarianism. Solomon writes, God hates the sowing of discord among the brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). Paul states that there should be no schism in the body (1 Corinthians 12:25, Ephesians 1:22-23). He explained that variance, emulations, strife, sedition, and heresy are works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-20). James describes strife as earthly, sensual, and devilish (James 3:14-16, Acts 20:28-30, 2 Peter 2:1-3).
Sectarianism
Having examined the previous scriptures, sectarianism is a rejection of the prayer of Jesus and an acceptance of the plan of Satan (John 17:21, 1 Timothy 4:1-5, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13). The church is not a sect like the Pharisees or Sadducees (Acts 28:22, 5:17, 15:5). God intended that Jews and Gentiles become a part of the same body (Ephesians 3:6). If God does not accept two bodies, why would he accept three or more? (Matthew 17:4-5).
Solution
Sectarianism or denominationalism will end when disciples of God speak the same thing, be of the same mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10, Philippians 3:16). We must have the courage to walk away from religious error (Romans 16:16-18, 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, Ephesians 5:11). Let us reject all schisms and keep the unity of the faith (1 Corinthians 12:25 Ephesians 4:1-6).