In the New Testament, all the congregations that are described belonged to Christ’s “one body.” The Scriptures do not envision in a direct way the multiplied thousands of separate denominations in modern Christendom. But the Bible does provide principles that apply in all situations, even in today’s confusion. In Jesus’ prayer for unity, He sets the timeless standard: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17 cf. Psalm 119:42, 160). If God’s Word says there is one body, that is the factual truth. Even if most people today believe otherwise, they cannot overturn God’s truth (Romans 3:4). If Jesus builds His own church (Matthew 16:18), we have no right to build manmade churches. If Scripture commands “that there be no divisions among you” (1 Corinthians 1:10), disciples try to comply. Why? Because Jesus is still their one Lord. His still embodies truth (John 14:6). The truth is, He is still the one Head of one body.
To illustrate, suppose that Peter and Paul are transported to the 21st century. They preach and teach the “one faith,” just as they did in the first century. Many obey the Gospel. To which denomination do they, and the congregations thus formed, belong? None. Biblical baptism places them into Christ’s one body. Honoring 1 Corinthians 1:10, these disciples do their best not to participate in divisions. (Note 1 Corinthians 11:18-19.) Of course, such a principled stance—even if championed by Peter and Paul themselves—is bound to offend those who idolize their respective religious authorities and heritages.
In fact, we do have Peter and Paul in the sense that the Bible preserves their stories, their Spirit-inspired testimonies and teachings. One Lord says to His disciples, “You were called in one body” (Colossians 3:15). Nearly all today say, “You must belong to one denomination or another.” So, who is right, and who should we obey? With Peter we respond, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). But the majority insists, “You must be in denomination. Everyone knows that fact and you are being dishonest to pretend otherwise.”
“In fact, we do have Peter and Paul.”
Thus, like Peter, we may be misunderstood and maligned. Anyone who does not conform to the majority, anyone who belongs only to Christ and His church, is charged with acting superior and judgmental (cf. Psalm 38:20; 1 John 3:12). How do disciples respond to false accusations of being proud, bigoted and, ironically, sectarian? By still bowing to only one Lord. While humbly accepting criticism where it applies, they also rejoice to suffer for Christ. They boldly continue to “speak to the people all the words of this Life” (Acts 5:20). They debate when necessary (Acts 15:2, 7; Jude 1:3). They return good for evil. They treat others as they would want to be treated (Luke 6:22-31).
[Be] kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting … opponents with gentleness (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
[Remind disciples] to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people (Titus 3:1-2).
These are the Lord’s instructions, which some disobey by acting rudely. Their ignorance and misguided zeal supply critics with ammunition. Others give in to societal pressure and accept religious pluralism. They grow ashamed of Jesus’ words that, in this age of tolerance, sound too dogmatic and too exclusive. (Note Mark 8:38). Yet, amid all the struggles, all the twists and turns of spiritual warfare, God’s Word still assures us: There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father. In truth, all that matters is His will and His approval (Galatians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 4:4-5; 7:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:4).
God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His ,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19).