Tuesday, December 18, 2012

On Unity


There is not many faiths. Just one faith! Christians are called to live in unity. We're not to be followers of Apollos or even Paul. We are to be followers of Christ. Likewise, regardless of who we are; whatever race, gender, culture, personality, background or how sinful we're been, we are to be one in Christ:


John 17:22-24

22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.

24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.

We have thousands of denominations, some scriptural, some philosophical and some in apostasy. We are called to be one in Christ, but fresh and salt water are not to be mixed. Where is the boundary between unity and schism? There are many ecumenical movements around, the most prominent being the World Council of Churches (National Council in the U.S.).

We must share the “basics” in our belief and unite with those who do not ignore nor neglect God's Word. Scripture is God-breathed and written by those inspired by God. Many don't believe this. Most progressive denominations believe that the Bible is history and a guide for “right living”. Others believe that all scripture was written for that time and with the advent of modern science, needs to be updated. We know from scripture that God is unchanging. We worship the same God as did Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God is the same “yesterday, today and tomorrow”.

We should never unite with those denominations who do not believe the inspired scripture and its inerrancy. You are talking most of the largest denominations. However, many of us, although not of Baptist denominations, are Baptist in beliefs: Southern Baptists, General Baptists, Independent Baptists, American Baptists, Freewill Baptists, Separate Baptists, United Baptists, the Christian Church, the Church of Christ, Free Methodist, Wesleyan, Christian Alliance, Nazarene, Church of God of Anderson and some Apostolic Churches. We are called to lead the “great commission” and despite our differences, we all teach salvation by grace and through Christ alone. Many differ in method and necessity of Baptism, but most of us are baptized after regeneration.


It's not necessary to dilute one's own belief to allow others to have their own scriptural interpretation as long as we all base our beliefs on scripture, in context, without pride and and in the interest of magnifying the Lord... not ourselves, our own doctrine or doctrine peculiar to your denomination only. Our goal is to deliver souls to God in heaven... not fight doctrinal wars and alienate the unbeliever!