UNITY OR UNION?

There are hundreds of sects and denominations in our world. We have become so accustomed to divisions between believers in Christ that we excuse and allow them as though God did not regard them as gross rebellion against Himself and His kingdom. There is a difference between unity and union. UNITY is being one, where the same doctrine is believed and the members speak the same things, with no divisions or man-devised worship (I Cor. 1:10; 3:1-4; Eph. 4:1-4; John 4:24; 17:29-22). This can only happen when believers do “not go beyond what is written” and are careful to believe only truth (I Cor. 4:6) and reject doctrines, opinions, names and traditions of men (Mk 7:6-8). Any time the word of man is followed instead of the word of God, division and discord follows (2 Tim. 3:16-17). UNION is much different. Different doctrines and beliefs are allowed and opposing elements cause discord in the body, though there may be an outward appearance of unity. God hates divisions contrary to His Word, the Bible (Prov. 6:16-19). Those who cause division “contrary” to the gospel are to be marked and avoided (Rom. 16:17).

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