Unity in the Body of Christ.


Ephesians 4, Paul makes reference to two different kinds of unity.

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (verse 3)

Till we all come in the unity of the faith. (verse 13)

It is not coincidental that Paul refers to the unity of the Spirit first. Without the unity of the Spirit we will never realize the unity of the faith. Historically we have seen many attempts at the unity of the faith, which have all resulted in greater disunity. Evidence of this is strewn throughout our communities in the form of cathedrals, temples, and "church buildings." Truth is not something, which can be realized by mental ascent. According to Paul, Knowledge puffs up, but Love edifies. And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know (1 Corinthians 8:1-2).

If we cannot love one another, keeping the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, we will never see the unity of the faith. I am sure we all have seen the damage done by people-imposed, rather than Spirit-wrought unity. Someone gets their feelings hurt because the rest of the group fails to enthusiastically embrace their pet doctrine, so they take their ball and leave.

The trying for unity with people void of spirituality or unity with people in spite of what they believe is not the premise of the prayer of unity Christ prayed for His Body! Christ is not referring to ecumenical conglomeration of doctrine that results in a wishy-washy doctrinal hog-wash that satisfies all people to bring about unity. The bible does not teach us to be in unity with all people…it teaches us that we are be in unity as the body of Christ and to love all people. The bickering among different doctrinal groups of believers who hold to the premise that Christ is the only way to God, yet are continually arguing their points of doctrine causing division within the Body is not a witness to people of Christ’s love or the unity that He prayed for, nor is it a witness of the gospel that will lead people to salvation.

I wonder, does Christ think as highly about the doctrine that you deem to be truth that may not be truth, because you have not got all the light on the subject that is out there, you would be wise to keep in mind Paul's advice "And if any man think that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know." Just because you think the doctrine you believe is right, does not mean that it is right! If you cause division in His Body regardless of the scripture admonition that “there be no divisions among you” it is indicative of a religious spirit of superiority that transcends the spiritual equality of the Body of Christ and usurps the authority of Christ by your overruling and hindering His prayer for unity? Knowing Christ is not indicative of the doctrines you hold as correct and are able to debate, but by the love you have for God and for people!

Let me leave you with the following verses.

1 Corinthians 12:25
That there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.

Titus 3:10
As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him,

Jude 1:19
It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.

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