Is "Denomination" in the Bible?

Look up the word “denomination” in a dictionary. What does it mean?

Now, read 1 Corinthians 1:10.

What word in this verse corresponds to denomination?

The word “denomination” in the Wikipedia encyclopedia entry begins with: “Christianity is composed of four major divisions of Churches: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox and Protestant. Denomination typically refers to one of the many Christian churches.”

Now compare “denomination” to the word “division” of the bible verse above [1 Cor. 1:10]. It comes from the word ‘SCHISMA’ in the Greek. Do you recognize it? We get our word "schism" from it. It means "A TEAR OR A DIVISION". It shows up two more times in the Corinthian letter:

- 1 Corinthians 11:18 ~ “For, in the first place, when you come together as a church, I hear that DIVISIONS exist among you; and in part, I believe it.”

- 1 Corinthians 12:25 ~ “that there should be no DIVISION in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.”

The apostle Paul was addressing the DIVISION in the local church of Christ at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 1:12-13 ~ “Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of ,” and “I of Christ. Has Christ been DIVIDED? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?”

Many through history have recognized this very principle. None other than Martin Luther said, “"I pray you leave my name alone, and call not yourselves Lutherans, but Christians. Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with all; and let us call ourselves Christians after Him from whom our doctrine comes." (The Life of Luther, by Stork p.289)

Isn’t it interesting that in the 1500’s Martin Luther actually quoted the same passage (1 Corinthians 1:12-13), and used it to condemn denominational names? Then he begged his followers to call themselves Christians rather than Lutherans. They waited till he died, then did as they pleased… calling themselves Lutherans against Luther’s will!

Jesus prayed: "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, {are} in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.” – John 17:20-21

We should owe our allegiance to no man-made creed, no man-made denomination. Our loyalty must be to no one other than the Lord Jesus Christ. – Acts 4:12

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