Question Regarding Denominations

I recently received a question regarding denominations, wanting scripture that deals with denominations.  There has been previous discussion about this subject in this blog, but lets review a few basics.

That there are many Christian denominations is a clear fact; Wikipedia says that there are 41,000 in existence today, though this obviously cannot be an exact count, and some of these are not significant. The question is: Does God approve of this arrangement?   Just by our math background, we know that the word means division.  And if we research where all of these different groups with different names and beliefs, at least to some extent, came from, we must conclude that these are started with men, men with different ideas of what the church should be.  In many cases, the beginnings came with a split off of another group, sometimes due to doctrinal issues, sometimes personal. 

We can note that there is no scripture in the Bible that specifically supports denominations.  But there is a lot said about the opposite, stating the importance of unity in the Lord's church.....and denouncing division.  So here are a few thoughts from the New Testament on the subject:

John 17: Jesus was saying a prayer to the Father just before going to His death.  He is speaking of the apostles; "My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in Me and I am in You."  Several times in this one prayer, Jesus prays that in in the future His disciples would be "one." (Unified, not divided, not denominationalized).

Ephesians 4: Paul teaches the Ephesian Christians; "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.  There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called--one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."  It is clear that with God there is "one." 

1 Corinthians 1:  Paul taught the Corinthian church; "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.  My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.  What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas', still another, 'I follow Christ.'  Is Christ divided?"  He makes clear here that division is unacceptable in the Lord's church. 

The first century writers were working to ensure that all churches were following the same gospel, the same pattern.  The NT is compiled of these writings to give us a pattern to follow today, that we might all be a part of a unified church following the same Bible guidelines. 

With all of this teaching, there is no way to conclude that God wants a splintered church....with 41,000 branches.  This practice of denominations is unacceptable and contrary to God's plan and His Word.

Thanks for reading.  Have a great week,  a great 4th of July week!