The question assumes that the various denominations comprise the body of Christ. They do not. The body of Christ is being developed in this present age on an individual basis. The Apostle Paul said this. “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:26, 27).
This group of specially called individuals will comprise God’s heavenly kingdom. No single denomination has held all these faithful believers and being in a particular denomination does not indicate God’s favor.
But, there is another aspect to God’s kingdom. His kingdom will also fill the earth. Jesus mentioned it in his model prayer. “May Thy kingdom come and Thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). God’s earthly kingdom will see the resurrection of all who have died. Paul describes it in 1 Corinthians 15: 22,23: “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the first-fruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
In this passage Paul refers to both parts of God’s kingdom. Those who share in the heavenly resurrection are termed “the first-fruits” because they are the first class to be resurrected. Those raised to the earth are described as being resurrected “afterwards,” at the return of Christ. But notice the apostle says, “As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” There are no exceptions. The plan of God is to raise all mankind. This includes faithful ones called to heaven and the remainder of mankind resurrected to the earth.
This is confirmed by Paul in Acts 24:15 when he said, “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” The group termed “the just” is the heavenly class. The group described as “the unjust” is the rest of mankind. They will be given 1,000 years to grow and develop before receiving a final trial at the end (described in Revelation 20). The faithful of mankind will then be granted eternal life as perfect human beings on earth. But their initial resurrection is guaranteed by the death of Jesus.
The many denominations that have existed down through the age were formed because Christians could not agree on the interpretation of God’s word. This often resulted in false teachings and evil practices. But God blessed the individuals who strove for the truth and were loyal to Him. Through their struggle, many developed a great dependance on God and proved their loyalty to Him. God is looking for these same qualities in each individual who calls upon His name. (See Romans 12:1-4). The denominations of man will someday be gone. But God’s kingdom will endure forever!