Are there different religions within the Christian faith?
Are There Different Religions Within the Christian Faith?
With all the denominations, schisms, associations, divisions, and sects within Christianity, it’s no wonder some people mistakenly conclude that there are multiple Christian religions. However, this is not an accurate assessment. There is only one true Christian faith. The different branches of Christianity represent distinct interpretations of that faith rather than entirely separate religions.
The Unity of Christianity
Christianity is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture. All genuine branches of Christianity agree on the foundational truths of the faith. The apostle Paul emphasizes this unity in Ephesians 4:4–6:
“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4–6, NKJV).
Despite denominational differences, true Christians share a common foundation: faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and adherence to the gospel message.
Major Branches of Christianity
Eastern Orthodoxy
The Eastern Orthodox Church officially separated from Roman Catholicism in A.D. 1054 during the Great Schism. This split was driven by disagreements over papal authority, the wording of the Nicene Creed, and jurisdictional disputes.
Eastern Orthodoxy emphasizes liturgical worship, adherence to church tradition, and theological continuity with the early church. It affirms key biblical doctrines such as the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and salvation through His atoning work.
Roman Catholicism
Roman Catholicism emerged as the dominant form of Christianity in the West after the legalization of Christianity by Emperor Constantine in A.D. 313. Over time, the Roman Catholic Church incorporated traditions and practices that extended beyond biblical teaching, such as papal infallibility, the veneration of Mary, and the doctrine of transubstantiation.
While Roman Catholicism affirms the Trinity, the deity of Christ, and His resurrection, its emphasis on extra-biblical traditions distinguishes it from Protestant Christianity. The Protestant Reformation, which began in the 16th century, sought to address these differences and return to biblical doctrine.
Protestantism
Protestantism originated in 1517 with the Reformation led by Martin Luther, John Calvin, and other reformers who challenged the abuses and unbiblical teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. Protestantism emphasizes the five solas:
Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is the ultimate authority.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, NKJV).
Sola Fide: Salvation is by faith alone.
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28, NKJV).
Sola Gratia: Salvation is by grace alone.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV).
Solus Christus: Salvation is through Christ alone.
“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12, NKJV).
Soli Deo Gloria: All glory is to God alone.
“To Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:21, NKJV).
Protestantism includes many denominations, such as Baptists, Presbyterians, Methodists, and Pentecostals. While these groups differ on secondary matters, they agree on the essentials of the Christian faith.
Christian Cults and Pseudo-Christian Groups
Groups like Mormons (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to be Christian but deviate from biblical orthodoxy. These groups deny essential doctrines such as the Trinity and salvation by grace through faith.
Mormons
Mormons teach a polytheistic view of God and add the Book of Mormon and other writings as additional scripture. Their belief in works-based salvation contradicts the biblical gospel.
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8, NKJV).
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Jehovah’s Witnesses deny the deity of Christ and the bodily resurrection, teaching that Jesus is a created being. This contradicts clear biblical teaching:
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, NKJV).
Defining True Christianity
True Christianity is defined by adherence to the following core doctrines:
The Trinity: God exists eternally as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).
The Deity of Christ: Jesus is fully God and fully man (John 1:14).
Salvation by Grace Through Faith: Salvation is a gift, not earned by works (Ephesians 2:8–9).
The Authority of Scripture: The Bible is inspired and sufficient for all matters of faith and practice (2 Timothy 3:16).
The Atonement: Jesus’ death on the cross was a substitutionary sacrifice for sin (1 Peter 2:24).
Any group or denomination that denies these truths is outside biblical Christianity.
Unity in Christ
Christ prayed for unity among His followers:
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20–21, NKJV).
While denominational diversity exists, true Christians are united by their faith in Jesus Christ and the gospel.
Conclusion
The differences among Christian denominations reflect variations in interpretation and practice, not separate religions. True Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ, rooted in Scripture, and defined by adherence to the core doctrines of the faith. As Baptists, we affirm the authority of Scripture, salvation by grace through faith, and the call to unity in Christ. Ultimately, Christianity is not just a religion but a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
