The second and third chapters of the book of Revelation contain letters to seven churches of Asia (Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea). These were actual churches in real places that constitute a representative look at Christ’s relationship with congregations of Christians. He walks in their midst and knows who they are, what they are doing, and what others are doing to them. Thus, He says to each church, “I know your works.” Christ has fellowship with each church as He is “in the midst of the lampstands” (churches, Rev. 1:13, 20). Each local congregation was responsible for remaining faithful to Him, or their fellowship with Christ would be extinguished (2:5).

Some say these seven churches approve denominations today (christianforums.com). Is that what the Bible teaches? One must do more than make the assertion. Where is the Scriptural proof that these churches were denominations? Where does the Bible ever speak of these churches as denominations?

We kindly ask for the passage that so defines these churches. In the New Testament, we read of the entire body of the saved regardless of time and place, i.e., the universal church, “general assembly and church of the firstborn” (Matt. 16:18; Heb. 12:23). We also read of local churches of Christ (Rom. 16:16; 1 Cor. 1:2; Gal. 1:2). But we never find a denominational usage of the word church to identify a group of people larger than a local church yet smaller than the universal church.  To do so does not speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11).

If the seven churches of Asia were denominations, we must conclude that Christ had at least seven bodies in the first century. And, since there are now thousands of denominations, we must conclude Christ has thousands of bodies. However, the Bible says there is one head over the church (Christ) and that He has one body, not seven or thousands (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4). 

To view the seven churches of Asia as denominations, one must conclude Christ blesses division among His people. Can one honestly envision Christ walking among (having fellowship with) churches that teach opposing doctrines and practice contradictions between themselves while claiming Christ’s approval (Rev. 1:13, 20)? Division is at the heart of denominationalism. It is defined by separation and perpetuated by differences. However, Jesus prayed for unity among believers (John 17:20-21). His apostles pleaded for unity among Christians (1 Cor. 1:10). Christ is not divided (1 Cor. 1:13). His gospel advocates unity, not division (Eph. 4:3-6). Yet, Christ turns around and endorses denominational division in Revelation 2-3? No, by no means.

Christ is not double-minded. He does not condemn division and then condone denominational division. The churches of Asia in Revelation 2-3 were local churches, not denominations. Denominationalism is from man, not Christ (Gal. 1:8-10). 

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