The doctrine of impartial grace is the truth. My life changed the moment it became clear that the doctrine of eternal conscious torment could not possibly be true. The change has been liberating. Instead of encouraging others to believe in a traditional facsimile of Christ, I now preach a loving Christ—One who reconciles all men to our Father, regardless of their station. I have been freed to proclaim unconditional love.

A local newspaper once posted a poem submitted by a constituent:

I am a Christian

When I say that “I am a Christian,” I am not shouting that “I am clean living.” I am whispering, “I was lost, but now I’m found and forgiven.”
When I say “I am a Christian,” I don’t speak of this with pride. I’m confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my Guide.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I’m not trying to be strong. I am professing that I am weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I am not bragging of success. I’m admitting I have failed and need God to clean up my mess.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I am not claiming to be perfect. My flaws are far too visible, but God believes I’m worth it.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I still feel the sting of pain. I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His Name.
When I say “I am a Christian,” I am not holier than thou. I’m just a simple sinner who received God’s good grace somehow!

Advocating the doctrine of eternal conscious torment is not easy. It is hinged to nearly every other Christian tradition, and it is often an obstacle to being simply Christian.

Simply Christian

Dr. Mark Copeland, Minister of God’s Word and prolific sermon writer, provides free outlines for others. In “Challenges Confronting the Church,” he rightly warns about the factional nature of denominations and congregations. Traditions shape hearts and minds more deeply than many realize. Often, the tradition becomes more important than the One to whom it points. If Christ is the center of Christianity, how can there be so many divisions, creeds, and rituals dividing us?

Christians everywhere confess absolute truths: God loved us before we knew Him, He created humanity in His image, He is love, He is immutable, He is Sovereign over all things, and His plan will not fail. Yet, despite these shared convictions, we divide over traditions. We segregate ourselves into denominations organized by rituals and customs. But to what end? Which assembly is “right”? Which rituals honor God? Believers gather in thousands of denominations, each convinced of its own correctness. Each believer knows he is a child of God, yet we remain separated. What removes the barriers between those who claim the Most High God as Father?

It is possible to be simply Christian. But this requires humility—setting aside discomfort over unfamiliar worship practices, abandoning judgment, and obeying the “Royal Law”: Love one another as yourself. Paul reminds us: “For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus… there is neither Jew nor Greek… slave nor free… male nor female… for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:23–29)

Mary Fairchild notes that more than 1,000 Christian branches exist in the U.S. alone. “Christianity,” she says, “is a severely divided faith.” Denominations serve the needs of tradition. Traditions become tares. Loyalty to tradition becomes idolatry when it overshadows God’s love. Paul pleads: “Walk worthily… with humility… eager to keep the unity of the Spirit… One Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all.” (Ephesians 4:1–10)

There may be thousands of denominations, but there is only one faith.

The Problem of Denominations

A denomination is, by definition, a division. Believers should avoid affiliations that divide Christ’s Body. Every denomination functions under a human governing authority, despite having no Scriptural warrant to do so. Scripture shows independent, local congregations, not global or regional governing bodies. Christ is the sole authority over His church. Apostles held authority only in the early church, and they were not replaced. Denominational oversight usurps Christ’s authority. The mere existence of denominations contradicts the unity Christ prayed for. Jesus prayed: “That they may all be one… even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.” (John 17:20–25)

Traditions divide. Christ unites. Christ commands: “I command these things to you, that you may love one another.” (John 15:17–26) Christ is the Vine, we are the branches. There is only one Vine. Traditions convince believers that their “part of the vine” is the truest or the purest. This is not Scriptural.

Paul admonishes believers who follow Paul, Apollos, or Cephas: “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:10–14) The answer is an emphatic NO. Denominations contradict this truth. Sectarian loyalty is carnal. Paul again warns: “For when there is jealousy and strife and factions, are you not fleshly?” (1 Corinthians 3:1–4) Christ broke down the wall of division between Jew and Gentile. Yet believers rebuild walls between themselves through denominational divisions. (Ephesians 2:11–22)

Do you look down on believers who worship differently? I have. I repented. Christ tore down the wall; I rebuilt it. I was wrong. Christ reconciles all in ONE body.

New believers often turn away because denominations confuse them. “Christians can’t even agree with one another,” they say. Non-Christians use denominational division as proof against the Gospel. Yet great leaders of the past begged believers not to take their names: Martin Luther: “Let us abolish all party names and call ourselves Christians.” John Wesley wished the word “Methodist” would vanish from the earth. Charles Spurgeon longed for the day when “there will not be a Baptist living.” But denominations have increased, not diminished. Still, there is hope.

Millions of believers are quietly leaving denominational structures. They are seeking Christ in liberty, united in love and purpose. Paul writes: “Be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind… considering others better than yourself.” (Philippians 2:1–4) Denominationalism resists this. Minds harden. Hearts close. Traditions obscure the Light.

Christ’s Church does not need rescuing. He is sovereign. He knows the end. Our task is to love—fully, relentlessly, impartially. The veils of tradition hide the Lamp, but the Lamp continues to shine.

Conclusion

Unity is ours in Christ Jesus. The divisions of denominations, fueled by traditions, do not reflect His will. He calls us to love one another, to walk humbly, and to set aside every barrier that keeps His Body fractured. May we have the courage to reject traditions that divide and embrace the impartial grace that unites all God’s children into one family, one faith, one Body under One Lord—Christ Jesus.