Having had their question “What shall we do?” answered with the command “Repent and be baptized” (Acts 2:37-38), about three thousand obeyed (v. 41). The obedience to God’s commands distinguished these three thousand souls from the rest of sinful humanity. Since these, and those in subsequent days who became obedient to God in the same way were now separate from those who had not heard and obeyed, God set them apart in His own special location. Luke tells us, “…And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47b).

The Bible very clearly teaches that the Lord added people to “the” church not “a” church. The definite article is used in the original. But one might still ask, “To which church were they added?”

That question might seem more relevant today than it would have back then. In fact, had that question been posed to the believers of the first century they likely would have had that “What are you talking about” look on their faces. They were added to “the” church—there was only one! It was the kingdom, or church the prophets foretold (Daniel 2:44; Isaiah 2:1-4). It was the church Jesus had promised to build (Matthew 16:18). It was the church Jesus shed His blood to purchase (Acts 20:28). It was the church, the body of the saved, of which He was the Head (Ephesians 5:23). It was the church belonging to Him and called by His name (Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 12:23).

When these men and women obeyed God and became Christians there were no denominations. The church to which these believers were added could not have been a denomination. It was not one among many. Brother Winkler listed twenty reasons why this, the church of Christ could not have been a denomination. (The list is also included on pages 28 and 29 of his book, The Church Everybody is Asking About.)

  1. God hates the sin of denominationalism (Proverbs 6:16-19).
  2. Denominationalism is contrary to the Lord’s prayer (John 17:20-21).
  3. Denominationalism is a fruitful cause of infidelity (John 17:20-21).
  4. Denominationalism is an indication of carnality, not spirituality (1 Corinthians 3:1-3).
  5. Denominationalism is wrong because Christ is not divided (1 Corinthians 1:11-13).
  6. Denominationalism is wrong because the body of Christ is one, not many (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:13, 20; Ephesians 2:16; 4:4; Colossians 3:15).
  7. Denominationalism is contrary to one of the basic purposes of Calvary’s cross (Ephesians 2:15-16).
  8. Denominationalism is a vain attempt to serve God (James 1:26; Matthew 15:9; Psalm 127:1).
  9. Denominationalism divides homes, when God wants homes united (Joshua 24:15; Genesis 18:19; Luke 1:5-6; Amos 3:3; Mark 3:25).
  10. Denominationalism is a barrier to obedience to the gospel.
  11. Denominationalism is contrary to the apostle’s plea for unity (1 Corinthians 1:10).
  12. Denominationalism is contrary to the apostle’s doctrine (Romans 16:17-18).
  13. Denominationalism has no place in the New Testament concept of the word “church” (Matthew 16:18; 1 Corinthians 1:2).
  14. Denominationalism is synonymous with sectarianism, a sin severely condemned in Scripture (Galatians 5:20-21; 2 Peter 2:1, “heresies” = “sect” in Acts 5:17).
  15. Denominationalism makes God the author of confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33).
  16. Denominationalism makes truth appear relative and contradictory however truth is always absolute and pursues parallel planes (John 8:32; 17:17).
  17. Denominationalism is not apostolic.
  18. Denominationalism is destined for destruction (Mark 3:24-25; Matthew 12:25-26; Luke 11:19).
  19. Denominationalism is, admittedly, not essential to salvation but membership in the Lord’s church is (Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23; 1:22-23; Acts 20:28).
  20. Denominationalism is not essential to being a Christian but you cannot be a Christian without being a member of the Lord’s church.

Preacher friend, have you considered lately whether your preaching leads people to the same place Pentecost preaching led? If it is not leading people to become members of the Lord’s church you really need to reconsider your preaching.