Why are there so many denominations rather than one true church.

[Hobie]

You would think the Reformers would have picked up where the early church was in doctrine and in faith that Christ left it in, and yet we have so much disunity in the Protestant denominations. So why cant they all come together on beliefs and what was from Christ?

[garee]

You would think the Reformers would have picked up where the early church was in doctrine and in faith that Christ left it in, and yet we have so much disunity in the Protestant denominations. So why cant they all come together on beliefs and what was from Christ?

The first century reformation restored sola scriptura just like any whenever two or three are gathered  together under sola scriptura  . there must be differences his eternal kingdom does not come by observing the temporal dying.

There must be disunity. He is the spirit of peace 

[Amo]

I can think of a least two reasons. First, as the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures increased among a great many more people, different people began to identify different forms of apostasy which had taken hold within the Roman church. Which they began to address, which of course led to their excommunication from the church of Rome. Those who identified these apostasies developed large followings. Unfortunately creating several different denominations, as they often did not agree with each other, and or refused to continue the reformation in accordance with the teachings of Holy Scripture any further than those reforms introduced by the reformer they had followed. Human pride getting in the way of the unrestricted advance of the Reformers via Sola Scriptura. 

The second of course, was the evil one moving in and capitalizing upon such disagreement and division, unto creating as many different and bickering denominations as he could possibly inspire. Unto as much confusion and chaos he could produce concerning professed Christianity. Obscuring the truth as far as possible, by making it so hard to find among som many differing professed "Christian faiths". These events bringing about the following prophecy of New Testament Holy Scripture.

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

[garee]

I can think of a least two reasons. First, as the knowledge of the Holy Scriptures increased among a great many more people, different people began to identify different forms of apostasy which had taken hold within the Roman church. Which they began to address, which of course led to their excommunication from the church of Rome. Those who identified these apostasies developed large followings. Unfortunately creating several different denominations, as they often did not agree with each other, and or refused to continue the reformation in accordance with the teachings of Holy Scripture any further than those reforms introduced by the reformer they had followed. Human pride getting in the way of the unrestricted advance of the Reformers via Sola Scriptura. 

The second of course, was the evil one moving in and capitalizing upon such disagreement and division, unto creating as many different and bickering denominations as he could possibly inspire. Unto as much confusion and chaos he could produce concerning professed Christianity. Obscuring the truth as far as possible, by making it so hard to find among som many differing professed "Christian faiths". These events bringing about the following prophecy of New Testament Holy Scripture.

2Ti 4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; 2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

 

[Amo]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI-JWKs2sE8

While the above video is about the developments which led to the formation of one denomination in particular, it does also go through quite a bit of history addressing why their are so many denominations which all claim one book as their ultimate authority.

[4WD]

You would think the Reformers would have picked up where the early church was in doctrine and in faith that Christ left it in, and yet we have so much disunity in the Protestant denominations. So why cant they all come together on beliefs and what was from Christ?

Much of the NT, particularly that following the gospels and Acts, deals with the problems leading to the disunity that developed almost from day one. That is true also concerning much of the writings of the Early Church Fathers.

[garee]

Much of the NT, particularly that following the gospels and Acts, deals with the problems leading to the disunity that developed almost from day one. That is true also concerning much of the writings of the Early Church Fathers.

That would seem to be when things began to run astray during the first-century Reformation recorded in Scripture.

The New Testament itself records the rise of false teachers false apostles while the apostles were still living. The warnings are part of the inspired record.

I would distinguish between the early church fathers and the first-century bride of Christ.

The bride of Christ did not begin with the post-apostolic fathers. She began with God's people of faith long before Pentecost.

Abel, the apostle  the first righteous martyr, is an early example of that living faith (Hebrews 11:4).

Different foundations produce different outcomes.

Christ's foundation is His written Word, tested by Scripture interpreting Scripture. Later writings may be valuable historically, but they are not the foundation of the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3).

As Jesus said: "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." (Matthew 15:9 KJV)

[pppp]

And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
Colossians 1:18

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:46-47

For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:20

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.
Ephesians 2:19-20

For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.
1 Corinthians 3:9

And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Matthew 16:18

Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:12
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
Romans 12:4-5

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
Ephesians 3:20-21

 

[pppp]

In every Church,
Christ is the Head & The Word of God leads the way for all Christians.

And in every Church the foundation for guidance should be the The Word,
Every Church just has to follow, teach & educate believers on the Words written in the Bible,

& if this is followed, there will be no need for any diverse opinions.
God is love & His teachings though simple, yet are the way to joy & peace,
& the teachings of the Bible lead to the light of God, unity & eternal
life .

The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:130

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.
Psalm 119:105
Amen.

The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.
Isaiah 40:8   


If you love me, keep my commands.
John 14:15

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Timothy 3:16-17

He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."
Luke 11:28 

As for God, his way is perfect:
The Lord's word is flawless;
he shields all who take refuge in him.
Psalm 18:30

Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Matthew 7:24
Amen.