CHRISTIAN UNITY AND THE “DIVISIONS”

The LORD Jesus, while speaking with His disciples, emphasises the significance of Christian unity – “34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:34-35

The Word of God equates love with unity. These two words are used more like synonyms and as alternative words. For the LORD, Christian unity is of great significance – “2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.” “10 I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.” “8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – Philippians 2:2, 1 Corinthians 1:10, 1 Peter 3:8

Alexander Campbell, founder of the Disciples of Christ and the Church of Christ, desired and sought passionately that we, as Christians should get back to a “simple evangelical Christianity” founded on the Bible alone. This alone – not creeds, confessions, or liturgy – could bring unity to Christians. He says, “The testimony of the Apostles is the only and all-sufficient means of uniting Christians.”

The Apostles’ Creed is Simple, Straight and Scriptural. It has all the essential doctrines, and yet it doesn’t divide the Christians from Christians. I know of certain denominations, whose Pastors cannot give a blessing or benediction in another denomination; nor can the members of their congregation partake in the LORD’s Table, in a Church that doesn’t belong to their denomination. 

What a tragedy it is? The that purity of doctrine divides the family of God. Doctrine and the purity of it is good and desirable. However, it has hopelessly divided us, for the detriment of Christian witness in the world, and also hinders the unity and the strengthening of the kingdom of God and its people. Would Christ our LORD be happy about it?