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QUESTION 7:
What is sectarianism?

ANSWER:
This is taken from the Bible words “sect and heresy” mentioned nine times. It is listed among the sins of Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies. It is comparably to idolatry and witchcraft. This shows the seriousness of this sin. The words mean, “a choosing by a body of men to follow their own tenets (sect or party); (a) dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims” It is sin of a serious nature. Secondly, all denominations fit this category. They are all religious political parties. They consist of people who have made a choice to follow certain men that have formed them. Many real Christians are whom they are not supposed to be, Presbyterians, Wesleyan, Baptists, Protestants, Catholics, Plymouth Brethren, etc. They have cast their vote for a sect. These are all sects that have originally been formed by men. None of them are in the Bible. Paul raised the question in 1 Corinthians 1:11. “Is Christ (literally the Christ) divided?” The definite article make it refer to the body (church) of Christ. It is not divided. There is only one body (Ephesians 4:4) Sectarianism is to divide the Body into sections. At Corinth some were saying. “I am of Paul and I of Apollos.” That was partyism and sectarianism. Christianity is divided and is rapidly falling. Jesus said, “And if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand,” Mark 3:24 The unity of the people of God is only found in the one title given, that of “Christian.” All those who are born again and in the Body of Christ are Christians. Our identity should be such as does not divide the Body. Acts 11:26, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch” The word ‘first’ there strongly suggests that of a second and so on. . . . Dear reader, Are you a Christian. Have you repented of your sins and trusted Christ as your personal Saviour? This will make you a Christian. You need not be anything more. He, His word and His name is enough. “... and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.” Revelation 3:8.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen