Why Call Bible Things By Denominational Names?
Brian R. Kenyon

One of the mottos of the American Restoration Movement was, "We call Bible things by Bible names." This statement is worthy of living, not because it was a motto from the Restoration Movement, but because it corresponds to Biblical truth (cf. 1 Pet. 4:11). If we are going to follow the Bible, why not use terminology that is consistent with what the Bible teaches? Some of the terminology used today by members of the Lord's church reveals that they have been influenced more by denominational thinking than by the Bible. Below are a few examples that seem prevalent today.

Why Call the Preacher the "Pastor"?

Most of us are accustomed to denominational people referring to their preacher as the "pastor." In many denominational churches, the preacher is the "head-honcho-in-charge." He (or she) is THE leader in the denomination. However, the denominational idea of the "pastor" does not harmonize with Biblical teaching. In the entire New Testament, the English word "pastor" occurs only in Ephesians 4:11, where Paul said, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers." In this context, Paul was talking about the "gifts" that God gave to the early church (Eph. 4:7-10). These gifts were needed in miraculous measures because the early church did not yet have a completed New Testament. In Ephesians 4:11, Paul mentioned four, possibly five, different groups of individuals who were miraculously endowed to fulfill necessary functions in the early church. Since there is only one definite article ("the") in the original language governing "pastors and teachers," it is likely referring to one group of individuals who have two functions, "pastoring" and "teaching," rather than two different groups of individuals. In the context "pastors" refers to elders. "Pastor" is from the same Greek word that is usually translated "shepherd." Elders (also known as overseers and/or bishops) are the only group of men who are said to be shepherds of God's people (Acts 20:17, 28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4). Yes, it is possible for a preacher to also serve as an elder, as did the apostle Peter, but a preacher is not the same as a "pastor." Biblically, a preacher may be referred to as an "evangelist" (Acts 21:8; 2 Tim. 4:5), a "minister" (Eph. 3:7; 6:21; Col. 1:7, 23, 25; 4:7; 1 Tim. 4:6), or simply a "preacher" (Rom. 10:14; 2 Tim. 1:11). "Preacher" is a true Biblical term for the man who preaches, so why call it by a denominational name?

Why Call the Birth of Christ "Christmas"?

"Christmas" is not a dirty word. If this writer were a betting man, he would bet that to most Americans, Christmas means nothing more than Santa Clause, presents, sweet treats, and fun times with family and friends (and no school!). Yes, when one looks at the historical development of "Christ's Mass," he or she will find that it originated as a mixture of pagan festivals and traditions with a celebration of the birth of Christ. However, because it originated that way does not mean that when one says the word "Christmas," one is acknowledging the legitimacy of "Christ's Mass" any more than one is acknowledging the legitimacy of the pagan god "Thor's day" when one calls the fifth day of the week "Thursday."

If by "Christmas," one is referring to the holiday of gift giving, spending time with family, and exploring the world of make believe with children, then fine, but why degrade the perfectly beautiful Biblical account of the birth of Christ by referring to it as Christmas? There is nothing inherently sinful with focusing on any Bible subject, including the birth of Christ, at any time of the year, including late December (cf. Rom. 14:5-6). However, our focus and reflection should be on what the Bible teaches concerning that subject, not what denominationalism has affirmed. Take, for example, the typical "Nativity scene." When one compares it with the Biblical record, one will find inaccuracies. To illustrate, the three wise men never saw the baby Jesus "wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." When they came on the scene, Jesus was a "young child" (Mt. 2:8, 10). Why would we even want to display a "Nativity scene"? Would we even think about displaying one in July? What is the difference between members of the Lord's church setting up a "Nativity scene" in December and the Roman Catholic church having a statue of Jesus on display all year long? The "birth of Christ" is a Biblical term, so why call it by a denominational name?

Why Call the Lord's Supper a "Celebration"?

Is not uncommon to hear members of the Lord's church refer to the Lord's Supper as a "celebration." Where do they get this idea? The answer: denominationalism. When we only accept Biblical teaching on what the Lord's Supper is and what it memorializes, there is no way we would come up with the term "celebration" to describe it. The Lord's Supper is to be a memorial of the death of Christ (Mt. 26:26-28). It is to remember not so much the results of Calvary's events (salvation), but the actual events of Calvary, the shedding of Christ's blood (1 Cor. 11:23-26). If anybody had a right to celebrate the death of Jesus, it would have been God, but not even God the Father Himself was partying, or celebrating, when Jesus died on the cross. Read the accounts of the crucifixion (Mt. 27:29-54; Mk. 15:15-41; Lk. 23:21-49; Jn. 19:16-30), and see who was celebrating-no one! If anyone celebrated, it would have been Satan-until the third day when Jesus arose! There may have been celebrating at the resurrection, but the Lord's Supper is not a remembrance of the resurrection. The "Lord's Supper" is a Biblical term, so why call it by a denominational name?

Conclusion

There are a number of reasons why some call Bible things by denominational names. Among the most common are: they do not study their Bibles enough to know the difference between truth and denominationalism; they watch too much of the 700 Club type programs; and/or they listen to too much denominational religious radio. May we truly learn God's will, obey it, and call Bible things by Bible names.