A statement in a religious publication read, "People can belong to any church they want to, believe any doctrine they want to, practice any kind of worship they want to, and it makes no difference." This is a common thought, yet it is impossible to hold this position and at the same time believe the word of God. The very idea is contrary to Christ's teachings and the apostles doctrine. (2 John 1:9; Revelation 22:19; Galatians 1:9; 2 Timothy 3:16)
Who has ultimate authority?
Jesus does. He reigns as king in Heaven. He reigns over his church here on earth. (Matthew 28:18)How does Jesus exercise His authority?
In the infancy of the church, the Holy Spirit helped the apostles to remember what Christ had taught them. The Holy Spirit also guided men in writing the New Testament. (John 14:26; John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:3)Under His authority, how many churches did Christ establish?
He established just one. (Matthew 16:18)Whose church is it?
Christ purchased it with His own blood. He bought it and He owns it. He is head over his church - his body. Christ has only one body. He is head over His one bride. (Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:22,23; Romans 16:16)When did He establish his church?
On the day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:41;47)Is it proper to call Christ's church a denomination?
No it is not. With one church established by Christ, there were no denominations in existence. Unity is the key to New Testament Christianity. Denominationalism is contrary to it. (Ephesians 4:4,5)How important is unity to Christ?
Christ knew that religious divisiveness would lead to chaos. The religious world has since disregarded what Jesus prayed for. (John 17:20,21)Did the apostles ever speak about unity and division?
Yes, they even told the church to mark those who caused division. They reminded them that Christ himself is not divided. To divide the church is to divide Christ! (Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 1:10,13)What causes religious division?
The Bible itself certainly does not. Human creeds bring about religious division. It is wrong to take the words of men above that which is written in scripture. (1 Cor.4:6)Can unity be achieved?
Yes. We must stand firm in saying that true unity is more than people coming together and agreeing to disagree on doctrinal issues and finding a "common ground" on everything else. This is not the unity that Christ advocated. (1 Pet.4:11)
2 John 1:9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Galatians 1:9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
2 Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
John 16:13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
2 Timothy 3:16,17
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Ephesians 1:22,23
22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Acts 2:41,47
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.Ephesians 4:4,5
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,John 17:20,21
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;
21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
1 Corinthians 1:10,13
10 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.
13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?1 Cor.4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
1 Pet.4:11 If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
