A: I understand your frustration with
the multiplicity of denominations and the multitude of
contradictory doctrines taught in the different
churches. It is certainly one of the characteristics of
Christianity as we know it today. Let us consider some
factors.
Christ cannot be divided (1Corinthians 1:13). Therefore,
there is a unity to all who are in Christ. We visibly
see this the most in times of persecution or other
trials. However, it is also a spiritual fact. I am
spiritual joined to all others who are united to Christ.
The many churches and denominations may tend to obscure
this fact, but it is still a fact. I have seen this when
I have met someone I had never met before and sense that
there is something about them. Soon, we each discover
the other's love for the Saviour and join in sweet
fellowship. This is a unity in Christ that is not
removed by the many kinds of churches.
However, there are many distinctions
as well. In the passage mentioned above (1Corinthians
1:12-13), Paul is scolding the Corinthians for their
divisions within the church of Corinth. They were siding
with Paul, or Apollos, or Peter. This is where he
pointed out to them that Christ is not divided and that
their divisions were foolish. But notice the unity that
is being emphasized here. It is the unity within a
single church. Although there are exceptions, many of
the New Testament verses speaking of unity are referring
to individual congregations. Paul does not spend equal
time scolding one church for not being unified with
another church. He rather speaks to individuals within a
particular church. When Paul said, "I beseech Euodias,
and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in
the Lord" (Philippians 4:2), he is speaking to two
ladies in the church at Philippi. This is the case in
many situations. The local New Testament church is an
earthly model of the heavenly church which will include
all believers. It must practice the unity of Christ.
It is also important to recognize that all divisions are
not evil. Titus 3:10 states, "A man that is an heretick
after the first and second admonition reject." However,
what is to keep the rejected heretic from going down the
road and starting his own church? As we know, it is done
all the time. I am not evil if I remain divided from
this heretical church. In Galatians, Paul spoke of
cutting off those who tried to take believers back under
the law. From history, we know that these people went
out and started their own churches. As the years have
gone by and as heresies have proliferated, we have more
and more churches--all claiming to be right. It is
simply a fact of human nature.
Now, I fully concede that this does not solve the
problem of multiple doctrines taught in the different
denominations and churches. In fact, knowing the
denomination does not always reveal the doctrine of the
individual churches. As a Baptist, I am aware of great
diversity of doctrine among those who call themselves
Baptists. Some are very liberal while others are
extremely conservative. Some are Calvinistic while
others are fully Arminian in doctrine. Differences in
music, standards, bibles, and much more abounds. Though
I am a Baptist by conviction, I will be the first to
admit many things lacking among the Baptists.
So, that brings us back to the original question: how
can you find the right church? Well, as you probably
know, you have already answered the question. You must
start with the Bible. My own conviction is that the
Bible tends to make Baptists out of people. Of course,
many others would disagree with me. You will have to
seek the truth for yourself and see what the Bible
teaches. I am purposefully not making a case for
Baptists or for anything else here. It would take too
long. However, God is able to lead you in the way He has
for you. One thing about it--as a Baptist, I strongly
believe in your right and in your responsibility to
search the Bible out for yourself and to follow the Lord
as He leads you. In Baptist terminology, this is called
soul liberty.
Till He comes,
David F. Reagan