Unity as Defined by God, Not Us

Unity as Defined by God: First Question

I might be mistaken, but I believe this is the first time I’m addressing the same question from an individual outside our church a second time. He mentioned that he had asked this question before, and although I responded, he claims I didn’t address his concern. The topic revolves around divisiveness and division—unity as defined by God, not us.

I suspect I didn’t revisit the previous discussion thoroughly. He provided the title, but I think I responded using 1 Corinthians 11. I’ll elaborate shortly.

His question stems from 1 Corinthians 1:10. If you have your Bibles handy, 1 Corinthians 1:10 states:

“I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

Clearly, this verse emphasizes the absence of divisions and promotes unity in mind and judgment. Paul makes a heartfelt appeal here.

He further explains, “I was saved while being part of a Church of Christ, but their doctrine didn’t align with the Word, so I stopped attending and sought another church. Eventually, I turned to 1 Corinthians 1:10 during my Bible study, and it was revealed to me.”

The phrase “it was revealed to me” raises questions. I don’t pass judgment, but it certainly catches attention. Christianity’s division into thousands of denominations exemplifies the very division Paul warns against. The Greek term for church, ekklesia, signifies being called out from the world for God and represents Christ’s body. A divided body cannot function properly. This leads to a pervasive issue of dissension within Christianity.

Unity as Defined by God: What’s the Definition of Christianity?

He characterizes Christianity as man-made and divided. Observing the multitude of denominations, he feels compelled to distance himself. Despite being born again nine years ago and initially saved in the Church of Christ, he claims that this verse led him to separate from Christianity or from a church altogether.

Do you see any flaws in his thinking?

Previously, I addressed a similar concern by referencing 1 Corinthians 11. Does anything in 1 Corinthians 11 highlight division?

Consider 1 Corinthians 11:17:

“For I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it.”

I believe Paul’s observation was that factions exist to help identify genuine believers. He notes that Chloe’s people informed him about the issues in Corinth, acknowledging the validity of the report. This recognition suggests that division can serve a purpose within the church.

Why does there need to be division?

Divisions help distinguish the genuine from the false. With numerous denominations, such distinctions become evident. However, it’s crucial to understand the context and purpose behind such divisions.

Understanding Unity as Defined by God in Christianity

When discussing unity, it’s essential to recognize that the Greek word for unity encompasses two aspects: oneness and harmony. Oneness refers to the singularity of the body, while harmony pertains to the cooperative and peaceful relationship among members.

Ephesians 4:1-3 provides clarity:

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

Here, Paul emphasizes maintaining the unity of the Spirit, not creating it. Unity among God’s people is an established reality that we must preserve.

In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul reinforces this:

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

This oneness remains despite any disruptions in fellowship or harmony. Genuine Christians share the same Spirit and hope in Christ, establishing an unbreakable unity.

John 17:20-23 further illustrates Jesus’ prayer for unity:

“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me— that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.”

No matter the interpersonal dynamics, genuine Christians are united in the Father and the Son. This divine unity cannot be undone.

Unity as Defined by God: Schism and Division

Sometimes, division is perceived as necessary within the church. Paul acknowledged this necessity as a means to separate the genuine from the false.

Jesus stated, “I did not come to bring peace in the bigger picture.” Among the genuine believers, He introduced a division, symbolized by the sword. It’s vital not to equate denominational differences with a lack of unity. Local churches and smaller groups can coexist without causing true division.

The ecumenical mindset, which seeks forced unity across all denominations, lacks biblical foundation. Jesus never instructed us to merge with every group indiscriminately. Instead, we should refrain from uniting what God has intentionally divided—primarily false doctrine.

Ephesians 4 warns against immaturity and susceptibility to every wind of doctrine, urging believers to avoid fellowship with those who propagate false teachings.

When Paul mentions “one faith,” he’s referring to core gospel truths, not minor practices like dietary laws or Sabbath observance. The essence of the gospel—Christ’s sacrifice, righteousness, and salvation—remains the unifying factor. We must not compromise these truths for the sake of superficial harmony.

Maintaining Unity as Defined by God

Sam Waldron’s “Baptist Roots in America” highlights that during the First Great Awakening, major denominations split as living believers separated from dead churches. Despite these splits, fellowship and spiritual unity can persist among believers who share a genuine love for Christ, regardless of denominational labels.

Testimonies reveal that believers from different denominations can find common ground and a kindred spirit through their shared faith in Christ. Unity does not necessitate uniformity; diversity enriches the church.

To the individual who feels divided from Christianity:

Avoid isolating yourself from Christianity based on denominational differences. By doing so, you mirror the very divisions you critique, cutting yourself off from genuine Christians who share your faith in Christ.

Brethren, our unity is essential. Refusing fellowship with other members of Christ’s body due to denominational affiliations is detrimental. During the Lord’s Supper and other communal activities, prioritize unity over denominational boundaries. Resist feelings of superiority and recognize that no church is inherently better in God’s eyes.

Do not let minor doctrinal differences drive wedges between believers. Every member of Christ’s body is valuable and in need of one another. Separating over non-essential matters like race, language, or minor theological nuances only harms your spiritual well-being. Embrace fellowship to strengthen your faith and the collective body of Christ.

Remedy in Ephesians: Preserving Unity as Defined by God

Schism within the Church often arises from individuals with an independent spirit, lacking concern for the church’s overall health. These self-centered individuals prioritize personal ambitions over the glory of Christ and the church’s well-being. They frequently attack leadership, highlighting minor faults to foster division.

Ephesians 4 offers a remedy:

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

To address schism, walk in humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with one another in love, striving to maintain the unity of the Spirit. Strife only leads to division, while peace binds us together.

Denominations often emerge from life separating from death. For instance, Methodism originated from Anglicanism during the First Great Awakening as living believers split from dead churches. These divisions typically reflect a separation between active faith and complacent practice.

Despite denominational splits, fellowship remains possible among believers united by a love for Christ. Embrace diversity and avoid allowing minor issues to become sources of division. Let love guide your interactions, fostering genuine relationships over denominational affiliations.

Conclusion: Preserving Unity as Defined by God

Our mission is to uphold the unity that God has established within the body of Christ. While harmony may face challenges, the foundational oneness remains intact. Avoid judging others based solely on denominational differences. Instead, focus on fostering fellowship with all genuine believers, prioritizing the heart of the gospel over superficial divides.

By maintaining unity as defined by God, we honor His design for the church and reflect the true essence of Christian fellowship. Let us strive to preserve this divine unity, ensuring that our collective witness glorifies Christ and attracts others to His saving grace.