Religious Unity (Part 2)
As indicated by the last article, there was an attempt to clear the minds and reasons for religious division and appeal to the better judgment of you, the reader to turn back to Bible unity. The apostle Paul said, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:1-6).
Religious Division takes willing hearts to resolve.
Since the Lord’s plan is always right, always plain, then it must always be workable. Which is why His plan brings peace and comfort to those who have the proper faith in Him and His authority (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 10:17). And, though men attempt to submit a thousand paths to religious unity, the Lord’s way only is still always right. There was never a doubt in the minds of the early Christians, nor in the minds of true Christians today, that Jesus meant for His disciples to be united in a fellowship of love and truth. For, this is the unity that Jesus prayed for in John. 17:20-21. He did not pray for something that is impossible! Therefore, He forbids any man to change, twist, or add to His plan even if one is practicing such ways attempting to bring about religious unity (Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:8-9). There are several reasons why division in denominationalism is harmful and wrong. Here is another reason to consider.
DIVISION WEAKENS
Some today are speaking of “Unity in Diversity.” “You go your way and I will go mine, but we will agree to disagree and have unity.” Unity and Diversity are opposite terms that make folly of any hope for unity! These want all to come together, but without being agreed on the one standard of Truth (John 17:17). Though some are heard to thank God for religious division, it is a known fact that it weakens Christian influence in all areas of life. Amos rightly asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed (Amos 3:3)?
When those professing to be Christians follow their own ways instead of the Lord’s Way, there is no united front against juvenile crime or any of the other wicked forces attacking the people of our nation and world, moral or otherwise, whether young or old (Isaiah 55:8-9). This “crack in the armour,” of what we ought to be as followers of the Lord, is inexcusable! Division and disunity makes it impossible to convince the world of the right Way of the Lord when these we are trying to teach see and see only strife and alienation. This condition poisons all human relations, especially ones of a spiritual or religious nature.