Is There a Way to Religious Unity? (Part 1)
Many among those who profess to be Christians speak favorably about seeking for unity. Even among those who are leaders of religious movements rhetoric is often heard, even though some councils with humanly devised plans for unity are offered. But, while these efforts seem to fizzle out quickly, we commend those who at least have the thought in mind. Some even speak of being “Ecumenical” which is a word invented by Protestants to designate a movement to bring all professed Christians together in some kind of unity. However, they generally speak of union instead of real unity. There is the old illustration of two cats tied together by the tails and thrown over a clothes line . . . it is correctly stated that there is a union, but no unity! Some denominational and inter-denominational mergers have been accomplished, but generally as soon as the announcement is made the humanly concocted unity scheme has already ruptured! What must be sought for real unity is non-denominational Christianity.
Religious unity, is far more than different colors getting along.
ARE WE ALL GOING TO THE SAME PLACE?
Even among those who contend all religious people are going to the same place, there are at great cost (waste) separate buildings, creed books, publishing houses, and differing human plans of salvation, worship and names. Thousands and perhaps millions of dollars are spent in erecting several church buildings in one small community, while one building would be sufficient to meet the needs, if there existed true Bible unity. The popular doctrine of some denominations is that one does not have to be a member of any church to be saved . . . not even theirs! Yet, teachings like this are foreign to the Bible which bring schisms. The mission, as taught by the Lord for his people is seen in the following verses. He said, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” (Luke 19:10). “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:18-20).
The very division of many religious people, when viewed by the Word of God, is confusing, contradictory, and deadening to those who otherwise might be seeking the true unity of the New Testament. This is the exact thought which the Lord expressed would be the case when he prayed to His Father. Please read in your own copy of the Bible John 17:20-21.