The Unity of the Church Part 1 Ecclesiology The Unity of the Church Part 1

Unity requires common elements. Union frequently includes diverse elements.

The only way that churches and denominations can amalgamate is that each compromise their distinctives. Finding the lowest common denominator necessitates the abandonment of conviction and doctrine. The broader the union, the greater the compromise! The purpose for such an amalgamation cannot ultimately be for spiritual purpose because there cannot be a consensus of faith. Instead the ecumenical meeting must minimize faith and usually opts for a political agenda.

Unity among believers is clearly the will and plan of God Unity among believers is clearly the will and plan of God. This evidenced by the high-priestly prayer of our Lord the impact of which was stated to extend beyond the scope of early disciples. (John 17:11; 20-23) There is a Biblical unity that truly does characterize believers everywhere and the sum of Bible-believing churches. There were no denominations in the first century, only individual churches which found a unity of spirit in those things which they held in common.

Biblical unity is accomplished on the local level in measure as believers recognize the unity of the body of Christ. That unity is defined in Scripture in terms of doctrine, devotion, disposition, and direction. Without unity in these critical areas it is impossible to maintain unity within the local church.

Doctrine The foundation of scriptural unity is of necessity doctrinal in character. We must believe the same things about who God is, about our common salvation, about the Scriptures themselves, about return of Christ, etc. This bond of belief is at the heart of every other aspect of our unity. (Eph. 4:12-16)

The sad reality is that divisions are more often than not a failure on the part of the local church to adequately school church members in the importance of doctrine. Proper methods of Bible study produce unanimity of faith. (2 Tim. 2:14-18) Doctrine is foundational to all of ministry. (Tit. 1:9; 2:1,7,8; 1 Tim. 1:10,11; 4:6,13-16) The source and basis for all doctrine is the careful study of the Word of God itself. (2 Tim. 3:15,16; 4:2)

Doctrine either unites or it divides. It never leaves neutrality. (Rom Doctrine either unites or it divides. It never leaves neutrality. (Rom. 16:17-20 : 1 Tim. 6:3-5