What is the Truth About the Christian Church, is It Supposed to Be Divided or Unified?

The question of whether confusion and division within the Christian faith stems from the distortion of words—including Scripture—is a critical issue that needs thoughtful consideration. Hopefully this article will share insights that may help us begin to find the right answer to this vital question.

First, let’s reflect on some data that should concern every believer in Christ. In 2001, the *World Christian Encyclopedia* estimated that there were at least 33,000 different Christian denominations globally, defining a denomination as “an organized Christian group within a country.” By 2012, the *Center for the Study of Global Christianity* at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary reported that this number had risen to 43,000. However, it is important to note that these figures represent organized groups, not necessarily 43,000 distinct belief systems.

Some sources group these divisions into six broad categories: Independents, Protestants, “Marginals,” Orthodox, Roman Catholics, and Anglicans. Others list around 40 major divisions. But even if we consider just six categories, isn’t that still an alarming number, given that there can only be *one truth*? This reality is particularly concerning in light of Jesus’ prayer in John 17, where He asked the Father that all His followers “may be one.”

We must ask: Was Jesus referring only to unity in the belief that He is the Messiah, or did His prayer extend to unity in doctrinal beliefs as well? Let’s examine what Jesus says elsewhere in Scripture:

– Luke 11:17 “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided will fall.”

– Luke 6:46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?”

– Matthew 15:6-9 Jesus rebukes the religious leaders, saying, “You nullify the word of God for the sake of your tradition. You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: ‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’”

Let’s also look at the early church in the book of Acts. After Jesus’ resurrection, on the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:42 describes the first believers as continuing “steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers.” They weren’t divided by differing doctrines; they were united in the teachings of the apostles.

Jude echoes this sentiment in Jude 3, urging believers to “contend earnestly for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.” The word “faith” here refers not just to personal belief, but to the system of doctrines and practices established by Christ and passed down through the apostles.

Paul’s warning to Timothy in 1 Timothy 1:3-4 further underscores the importance of guarding against doctrinal deviations: “…instruct certain people not to teach any different doctrine, or to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies.” The apostles understood that the integrity of the gospel message needed to be protected.

Sadly, Peter and Paul both warned that false teachings would infiltrate the church. In 2 Peter 2:1-2, Peter cautions that false prophets will introduce destructive heresies. Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, foretells a time when people “will not endure sound doctrine” and will instead follow teachers who cater to their desires.

Have these warnings materialized in today’s Christian community? Consider the diversity of beliefs:

– One group teaches that the gospel is about the coming Kingdom of God, while another emphasizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

– Some Christians believe in a pre-tribulation rapture, others hold to a mid-tribulation rapture, and still others deny the concept of a rapture altogether.

– Different denominations have varying views on the nature of the Holy Spirit, the Sabbath, and the end times.

With so much disagreement, even on foundational doctrines, how can we claim that all groups are being led by the same Holy Spirit? 2 Timothy 3:16 reminds us that “all Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine.” The Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, does not lead believers into conflicting doctrines. So, who or what is behind the confusion and divisions we see in the modern Christian church?

This is a serious question, and it’s time for us to seek answers together. Let us return to Scripture, contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, and strive for the unity that Christ prayed for.

Paul expresses a similar concern in 2 Corinthians 11:3-4:

“But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if one comes and preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted, this you tolerate very well!”

This passage serves as a warning to the church about the danger of accepting teachings that deviate from the true gospel. It emphasizes the need for vigilance and discernment to avoid being led astray by false doctrines. The apostle Paul urges believers to remain steadfast in their devotion to Christ and in the truth of the gospel, resisting the temptation to follow distorted versions of the faith.

Paul further clarifies the source of these distorted teachings in 2 Corinthians 11:12-15:

“But what I am doing I will continue to do, so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”

Here, Paul warns that these false teachings don’t originate from God but from deceitful individuals who masquerade as apostles of Christ. Just as Satan can disguise himself as an angel of light, these false teachers cloak their doctrines in righteousness, misleading believers away from the truth. Paul’s words call us to discernment, urging us to remain vigilant against false teachings that distort the pure gospel message.

Those who have ears to hear, hear what the Scriptures say!