Does Revelation 1: 11 teach denominationalism?
Introduction. Revelation 1: 11 is often cited as proof for the acceptance of denominationalism, many different churches teaching many different doctrines.
The seven churches were the recipients of John's letter. The Book of Revelation is addressed to "the seven churches which are in Asia" (Rev. 1: 4). These churches were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (vs. 11). These churches were located in the geographic region called Asia Minor.
Five out of the seven had serious problems. The seven churches are individually addressed in chapters two and three. Out of the seven, only Smyrna (2: 8-11) and Philadelphia (3: 7-13) were free of doctrinal or moral deviations. The five flawed churches were rebuked by the Lord and warned: "Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth" (2: 16).
The seven churches disprove denominationalism. When churches bind themselves together (denominationalism) under one imposed doctrinal creed and practice, they are united whether that in which they are united is right or wrong. The church at Pergamos had the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (2: 14, 15). While the church at Sardis had problems, Ballaamism and Nicolaitanism did not appear to be present (3: 1-6).
The New Testament is void of denominationalism. The closest thing to denominationalism would be the rallying around men mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13. Paul, in no uncertain terms, condemned such. Paul taught the same thing in all the churches (1 Cor. 4: 7). There was only "one faith" (Eph. 4: 5). The seven churches were simply different local churches in an area (cf. Rom. 16: 16).
The seven churches were the recipients of John's letter. The Book of Revelation is addressed to "the seven churches which are in Asia" (Rev. 1: 4). These churches were Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea (vs. 11). These churches were located in the geographic region called Asia Minor.
Five out of the seven had serious problems. The seven churches are individually addressed in chapters two and three. Out of the seven, only Smyrna (2: 8-11) and Philadelphia (3: 7-13) were free of doctrinal or moral deviations. The five flawed churches were rebuked by the Lord and warned: "Repent, or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth" (2: 16).
The seven churches disprove denominationalism. When churches bind themselves together (denominationalism) under one imposed doctrinal creed and practice, they are united whether that in which they are united is right or wrong. The church at Pergamos had the doctrine of Balaam and the Nicolaitans (2: 14, 15). While the church at Sardis had problems, Ballaamism and Nicolaitanism did not appear to be present (3: 1-6).
The New Testament is void of denominationalism. The closest thing to denominationalism would be the rallying around men mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1: 10-13. Paul, in no uncertain terms, condemned such. Paul taught the same thing in all the churches (1 Cor. 4: 7). There was only "one faith" (Eph. 4: 5). The seven churches were simply different local churches in an area (cf. Rom. 16: 16).