Church: Is it composed of many different denominations?

Today there are many different religious organizations going by many different names. We know them as denominations, each having their own particular teachings and structure. The question is, "Are all these denominations, which go by different names and teach different and conflicting doctrines, the church Jesus built?" 

In the New Testament, there is no evidence that the church Jesus built, was fragmented into various denominations wearing different names. Denominationalism is contrary to Christ's prayer in John 17. When Christ finished praying for the apostles, he then prayed for all believers. He said in John 17:20-21 "Neither pray I for these alone (apostles), but for them (all believers) also which shall believe on me through their (apostles) word; That they (all believers) all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they (all believers) also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me". 

Christ's prayer was for all who believe in him be united as one, not divided as many. Someone might ask, "How is it that we may all be one?"  Jesus makes this clear in the words of this prayer when he said, "That they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee".  How are Christ and the Father one? They are united with the same mind and purpose and do not oppose each other.  Remember Christ said in John 8:26 "I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him".  God the Father and Christ the Son are united as one concerning the message delivered to mankind. 

Denominations are not united as one evident by the fact of wearing different names and teaching different doctrines which would indicate they do not compose the church Jesus built. The church Jesus built is His church, and does not wear a man made name, but a name that brings glory to its builder.  In the word of God it is sometimes called just the "church" of a certain location.  It is also called the "household of faith" Gal. 6:10, the "church of God" I Tim. 3:5, the "church of Christ" Rom. 16:16, as well as other descriptions that can be found in the Bible.  But no denominational name can be found in the scripture.  Since the church is referred to as the "bride" of Christ, then it stands to reason it should wear His name.

Not any of the denominations that are in the world today can meet each and every one of the identifications which are found in the bible.  However, it is important to know that the church Jesus built, the (Church of Christ), "can be identified" in the bible. You can go to the "Questions Answered"  page and see other articles concerning the Lord's church.