What was the denomination of the apostles like Paul, Peter and John?
During their time, there were no denominations. They were faithful to the One-Body principle. There was only one body---the Church.
Local churches like Corinth, Galatia, Ephesus etc. were never denominations. They were simply the local manifestations of the One body---the Church. Every local church was the Universal Church in miniature manifested locally.
There is only one Microsoft Corporation in the world. However, it has many local branches worldwide.
I repented of denominationalism years ago. Denominationalism is, first of all, a heart attitude. It is the attitude that says: "You don't belong to our group since you did not sign up in our local church as a member. I only support and extend my hand of fellowship with those of our group. You need to be a member of our group to enjoy our group's privileges."
They require another type of membership other than what the Bible clearly states. The Bible says that "we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Ro 12:5
Every time someone says to another Christian: "You need to be a member of our local church." I would just love to point this verse to him saying: "If he is already a Christian then he is already a member in the eyes of God! Why don't you follow the principle in this verse?"
Actually, the only membership required in the New Testament is the membership of the One Body of Christ (the Universal Church) through faith in Christ. If Christ has accepted one as one of His, then it is the responsibility of other Christians to receive him or her into their local fellowship. If the Head has accepted him or her, who are we not to accept him or her?
Can you imagine the right hand requiring membership of other body parts unto itself? This is ridiculous. The fact that the other body parts are part of the body and recognized by the head should be enough for the right hand to accept them as they are and not require any other type of membership unto itself.
When it comes to local churches, the correct term and principle to go by is not local church membership but regular local church fellowship.
In our fellowship if someone says: "Brother, I want to be a member of your group." In reply, we would say:
"We are not the ones who accept members in the One Body of Christ. It is the Head who accepts members. He accepts anyone who will put their trust in Him. We don't require anyone to sign a document to make him or her a member of our local church. If you have truly trusted in Christ, then according to Romans 12:5, you are already part of us in the eyes of God. Our responsibility is to merely RECOGNIZE those whom He has already accepted into His body. Can you tell us your testimony? If you have a saving testimony, then we welcome you into our FELLOWSHIP. Being in our fellowship, you are then required to be committed to it, use your gifts for its edification. If opportunity arises, use your gifts also for the edification of other local churches whoever and wherever they are. They are part of the One Body."
The man-made requirement to sign up for local membership has caused divisions practically in the ONE BODY of Christ. The One Body principle is something that we should uphold. We are to do nothing, say nothing and be nothing that would go against it.
We don't say: "We are Baptists Christians or Methodist Christians" or whatever. It is to give confusing signals to the world. It is to imply that Christians are divided into sects. We simply content ourselves in calling ourselves "Christians" like the first Christians in the New Testament.
If you are a new Christian, then know that the Holy Spirit has placed you spiritually into the Body of Christ as its member, "we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another." Ro 12:5
Then you ought to go and find yourself a group of local Christians, faithful to the Lord and His Word, and regularly fellowship with them.
It is just so sad that many local churches are stricken with a denominational mindset. They are practically dividing the One Body of Christ in principle and in deed so many times.
Even though I serve in their ministries faithfully, they still would not recognize me as one of them, even though I am already their fellow member in the eyes of God as stated in Romans 12:5. Apparently, the declaration of God in Romans 12:5 is not enough.
On the contrary, the so-called person who has signed in their membership roll is considered a member even though he practically does not participate in the ministries of their local church! The signing of a pen unto a paper as their own local church member is that essential, even though God does not require it!
Again remember, "membership" is in relation to the Universal Church, through faith in Christ. Regular local fellowship is in relation to the local church. The one occurs at salvation. The other should be an ongoing lifestyle for a Christian.
Like the apostles, I am a member of only one Body---the body of Christ. I regularly fellowship in a local body of Christ, who worships in a home in Labangon, Cebu Philippines.
