The Apostle Paul on several occasions referred to the church as being one body.In Romans 12:5 he speaks of the church as one body “in Christ”.Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:20-23, that all who would believe on Him would be one with Him and one with one another.This fosters a problem for us as to how we explain the fragmentation that is so prevalent with cultural Christianity.It appears that the spirit of sectarianism has been adopted as a patriot poster child in the defense of the faith.Not only have we distanced ourselves from unbelievers, but we have segregated the body into groups that are too numerous to list.This is exactly what the carnal believers in the church at Corinth did as they followed after men rather than God (I Cor 1:12-13).The issue however is not to identify the various groups, but rather identify what has caused so much division.There are many problems that can be attributed to the breakdown of the body. I would submit however that the primary reason for the separations could be explained by the unholy allegiance and interpretation of doctrines.To be sure doctrine is a wonderful and needful component given to us by God (II Tim 3:16-17), if utilized properly within the biblical spirit which it was given.It has been my observation over the years that there are some essential doctrines that most all believers can agree, such as:the virgin birth, the blood atonement, the inspiration of scripture, the deity of Christ, the depravity of man, etc.We cannot afford to compromise or negotiate on such foundational tenets.
So we must ask how does doctrine divide the church if it has been given to the church for its profit.It has been said that when doctrine is used to prove itself it will divide us but when it is used to bring us to Jesus it will unite us.Christianity is not everyone believing the same thing but all of us believing in the same person, Jesus Christ.It seems apparent that the doctrines that have commonly divided us are basically pertaining to law and grace.
We have been instructed to rightly divide the scripture, but never were we given permission to divide the body over interpretation of scripture.The scriptures were given to reveal Christ to us and Christ is not divided.If you ever wonder where denominationalism came from you may have found your answer.Be assured that no one person, group, or organization has the patent on truth. Jesus is the Truth (John 14:6) and everything that is true must bow the knee in subjection to “the Truth”. Knowing an abundance of facts that are true will not make us free, knowing Jesus who is “the Truth” will make us free (John 8:32-36).If we do not understand the difference between law and grace we will inevitably use doctrines to divide.Christ is the end of the law for every believer, (Romans 10:4), and has placed us all in one body, the church.The church need not be regulated, but desperately needs relationship.
Ephesians 4:3-6
“…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism: one Lord and Father of all, who is above all, and through all and in you all.
