Topical Encyclopedia The New Testament presents a clear picture of the unity and harmony that Christ intended for His followers. Divisions among believers are contrary to the purpose of Christ, who came to reconcile humanity to God and to one another. This entry explores the biblical basis for understanding why divisions are antithetical to the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ.Unity in Christ's Mission Jesus Christ's mission was fundamentally about reconciliation and unity. In John 17:20-23, Jesus prays for all believers, saying, "I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." This prayer underscores the importance of unity among believers as a testimony to the world of Christ's divine mission. The Body of Christ The Apostle Paul frequently addressed the issue of divisions within the early church, emphasizing the unity of believers as members of the body of Christ. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, Paul writes, "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This metaphor of the body illustrates that divisions disrupt the function and witness of the church. The Call to Peace and Reconciliation Christ's purpose includes the call to peace and reconciliation among His followers. Ephesians 2:14-16 states, "For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has torn down the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing in His flesh the law of commandments and decrees. He did this to create in Himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, and reconciling both of them to God in one body through the cross, by which He extinguished their hostility." This passage highlights that Christ's sacrifice was meant to eliminate divisions and create a unified people. Warnings Against Divisions The New Testament contains several warnings against divisions within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul appeals to the church in Corinth, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Similarly, in Romans 16:17, Paul advises, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them." The Role of Love Love is central to the purpose of Christ and serves as the antidote to division. In John 13:34-35, Jesus commands, "A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." Love fosters unity and reflects the character of Christ to the world. Conclusion Divisions within the body of Christ are contrary to His purpose of unity, reconciliation, and love. The teachings of Jesus and the apostles consistently call believers to maintain unity, reflecting the oneness of God and the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Objections to General Synod. The Future of Christ's Kingdom First Group of Epistles the First ... Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man. Rom. xvi. 17, 18 Of the Reason Why Forty Generations (Not Including Christ Himself) ... Christ Rightly and Properly Said to have Merited Grace and ... The Church of God. The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... The Last Discourses of Christ - the Prayer of Consecration. Toleration Resources What is the cause of church splits? How can healing occur after a church split? | GotQuestions.orgWhich of the 30,000 Protestant denominations is the true church of God? | GotQuestions.org What is spiritual Israel? | GotQuestions.org Divisions: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divisions are Contrary to The: Desire of Christ Divisions are Contrary to The: Purpose of Christ Divisions are Contrary to The: Spirit of the Church Divisions are Contrary to The: Unity of Christ Divisions are Proof of a Carnal Spirit Divisions: Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions: Condemned in the Church Divisions: Evil of, Illustrated Divisions: Forbidden in the Church Divisions: Unbecoming in the Church Related Terms Responsibilities (5 Occurrences) Sela-hammahlekoth (1 Occurrence) |
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