There are vast numbers of denominations in our world today; all of them claim to be believers in Christ at least to some extent. Some deny His deity; many do not accept His Word as inspired; even more do not really follow that Word even though they may claim that it is inspired. There is one simple fact that we must face. There were no denominations in New Testament times. That leads us to the inevitable conclusion that we can be just Christians without being a part of a denomination today. In fact, it is really essential that we withdraw ourselves from any denomination of any kind. Inasmuch as denominations are violations of God’s divine order, we cannot be a part of one.

"So, are you saying that we can be Christians without being affiliated with any church?" No, I didn’t say that! I said that a Christian is not to be a part of any "denomination." He must be a part of Christ’s body which is His church (Eph. 1:22-23). He is added to this body (the church of Christ) when he obeys the gospel by his active faith leading him to "repent and be baptized for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38, 41).

The word "church" is used in two senses in the New Testament — universal and local. What we mean by universal is simply that every person who repents and is scripturally baptized upon his confession of faith is placed into a fellowship with God. This fellowship is called "the church." It is a relationship with God. There is no organizational structure to it. It has no officers, no official voice (other than the Lord’s), no work as a body. It is simply a relationship.

The other use of the word "church" is in the local sense — "the church at Corinth," etc. This usage refers to the saved people (disciples) in a given locality who associate themselves together for worship and to do the work that God wants done. Local churches are not tied together by any organic structure. There is no diocese. There are no conferences or conventions that make policies for local churches. Each local church is completely independent and autonomous (self-governing). The elders of one local church have absolutely no authority or control over any other local church or members of any other local church. They are limited to "the flock among you" (1 Pet. 5:2).

Churches of Christ must be very careful not to form a denomination. Sometimes, papers, magazines, or colleges have been allowed to dictate the beliefs, practices, and policies of local churches. Churches are sometimes "lined up" because of some party position or pet teaching on some particular point. These churches that are "lined up" together become, in effect, a denomination. You must adhere to the party line or you are not one of "us."

But being just Christians, we do not allow ourselves to be caught in this trap. Our only allegiance is to Jesus Christ, not to a paper or a party (or a popular preacher). And each local church functions as if it were the only local church on earth. Now, that’s not isolationism, but it is a safe-guard. I do not mean that we do not treat members of other local churches as if they do not exist. We are all brethren because of our relationship to God (church universal). But we make our decisions as to what the local church will or will not do based only on God’s word and not because of what some other local church is or is not doing. A case in point: do you remember when, a few years ago, there was a craze among churches to have a "church bus"? Isn’t it interesting that nearly everywhere such was done that there was a sign on the bus that said, "Joy Bus"? Now, how many would be so gullible as to think that each local church came up with such a name to put on their bus each on their own? No, there was a concerted movement of interacting parties that produced the result. If a local church felt that it was absolutely needful to have a bus in order to carry on the Lord’s work (and that, to say the least, very questionable), wouldn’t each local church make it’s own decisions as to what sign, if any, to put on the bus? No collusion; just independent action.