Why are there different denominations?

Essential Doctrines That Define Christianity

The reason there are different denominations within Christianity is because the Bible allows for us to have differences of opinions. Within Christianity, there are very few essential doctrines that define what it means to be a Christian.

These essential doctrines, however, are there. The first one is that Jesus is both God and man. That's John 1 .1 .14, John 8 .24, Colossians 2 .9, John 4 .1 -4. The second one is Jesus rose from the dead physically.

That's John 2 .19 -21, 1 Corinthians 15 .14. Salvation is by grace through faith, Romans 5 .1, Ephesians 2 .8 -9, Galatians 3, and Galatians 5. The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, 1 Corinthians 15 .1 -4, Galatians 1 .8 -9.

And finally, there is only one God, Exodus 20 .3, Isaiah 43 .10, 44 .6 -8. We also know that God exists as a trinity of persons. There is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And we know that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary.

This is dealing with His incarnation. As long as a church believes in these essential doctrines, then it is Christian. However, there are many things in the scriptures that have been interpreted in different ways.

Non-Essential Doctrines and Denominational Differences

For example, what day of the week should we worship on? Saturday or Sunday? Or Wednesday? Should we baptize by sprinkling or baptize by immersion? Do we take communion every Sunday, or once a month, or once a year?

The answers to these questions do not affect whether or not someone is a Christian. It is in these issues, and others like them, that denominations are formed. It does not mean that one denomination contradicts another.

It means that though they agree in the essentials, they differ in some of the non-essentials. This is permitted by scripture. In Romans 14, verses 1 -5, it says this, Who are you to judge the servant of another?

To his own master he stands or falls, and stand he will, for the Lord is able to make him stand. One man regards one day above another, and another regards every day alike. Let each man be fully convinced in his own mind.

Sin, Short-Sightedness, and the Hope of Heaven

Sadly, there is another reason for denominational differences, and that is the failure of the Christians to live according to the will of God. The truth is that we are all sinners, and we do not see things eye to eye, not everything.

It is unfortunate, but it is true, that denominational differences are due to our short-sightedness and lack of love. But the good thing is that God loves us so much that He puts up with our failures and our differences.

There awaits for us, in spite of our many disagreements, a great reward in heaven. Neither salvation nor damnation is dependent upon our differences of opinions on the non-essentials. Our salvation is based on our relationship with Jesus Christ.