Quote:
Originally Posted by Timmy
Already taking my advice?  |
Allow me to note that my question to you was - “What does the presence of divisions among those who proclaim themselves to be Christians signify (i.e., portend)?” Now I was not referring to “divisions” among those who do not proclaim themselves to be Christians; but to Christians only. Let me provide you with just a few things which I believe the Scriptures disclose about the matter of “divisions” among “professing” Christians.
You write - “There’s nothing wrong with divisions, if things are kept civil. Agree to disagree. No problem.” Lets apply this response to the manner in which our physical bodies operate. What do you suppose would happen should my left foot decide not to agree with my right foot..... one wanted to go in one direction, and the other in a different direction? Or, what if my right eye decided that it wanted to look to the left, while my left eye wanted to look right? What if these parts of my body simply “agreed to disagree?” Boy, now that would be hilarious, would it not? The great apostle Paul wrote in
I Corinthians 12 that the Church is likened to our physical bodies, so in much the same manner, I am convinced that it is not practical, nor acceptable, for Christians to “agree to disagree.” In fact, I believe that it is strictly forbidden, as clearly indicated in the following scriptural passages:
“Can two walk together except they be agreed?” (
Amos 3:3)
“...every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” (
Matthew 12:25 - see also
Mark 3:25 &
Luke 11:17)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (
I Corinthians 1:10)
“Filfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” (
Philippians 2:2)
There are others, of course, but these should suffice to help you to recognize my point - all Christians must be of the same mind (i.e., understanding) concerning all things!
With regards to the question, “What does the presence of divisions among those who proclaim themselves to be Christians signify (i.e., portend)?” For the answer I believe one need look no farther than the following statement written by the apostle Paul (whom, the Scriptures reveal, wrote all things by inspiration of God - see
II Timothy 3:16):
“Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse. For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” (
I Corinthians 11:17-19)
Should one not conclude from Paul’s words that “divisions” among Christians portend (i.e., signify, or indicate) that this undesirable condition is a direct consequence of “heresies” (i.e., false teachings/doctrines, “doctrines of devils”) being present “among” them? This, at least, is my understanding of the matter, and also happens to be the reason which prompts me to refute the assertion (or, suggestion) that it is permissible for Christians to “agree to disagree.”
Am I surprised that even Christians “disagree” amongst themselves about all sorts of things? Of course not, for as you noted, “We’re only human after all.” However, this should not be used as an excuse, or justification, for “disagreements” among Christians, rather when this condition is recognized as being present, immediate steps should be taken to identify and eradicate the “heresies” which gave birth to such. This is why I always try to be sensitive to the presence of “divisions” among Christians.
With regards to your question - “Don’t you think God is able to accomplish it, if He wanted to (referring to “perfect unity”)?” My response must be a resounding Yes! Please note that in the words of
Ephesians 5:25-27 -
“Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.”
Yes, my friend, in the final analysis, the One True Church will be cleansed of all “divisions,” for when He returns to receive all “real” Christians unto Himself upon the clouds of heaven at the end of the present age, it will be utterly void of everything which would “blemish” His glorious Bride!
(Pls pardon my slowness in responding. I seem to have such a long list of other things to get done which prevents me from answering as quickly as I would have otherwise.)