Why the Christian Denominations Are Not United?
The Christian denominations are not united because different denominations have placed their own interpretation on the Bible instead of allowing the Bible to interpret itself. The Bible is clear on the fact that there is one God, therefore, there is one way to God. “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” (Ephesians 4:5). The Father is the source of all unity. And there is only one way of salvation, which is faith (Galatians 2:16). Both Jew and Gentile enter the “body” of Christ (Ephesians 4:4) through faith in Him (Romans 3:29, 30).
Unity Should Be Based on the Word of God
Before Jesus was crucified, He prayed earnestly for the unity of His disciples: “And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are” (John 17:11). But He added that this unity must be based on His Word. “Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). A Christian becomes a new creature by making the truths of the Bible a part of his life.
The Word of the God should be the unifying agent to the body of Christ. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
Christians should live by every principle set in God’s Word. “He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:6). Christian unity will be achieved when people hear the voice of Jesus and walk in His steps. A true follower of Christ will do His revealed will. Jesus affirmed this truth when He said, “why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46).
The Ecumenical Movement
Diversity is a good thing, but division is not. Churches that are divided on the doctrine should debate and dialogue over the Word of God to get united. This type of dialogue is like “iron sharpening iron” (Proverbs 27:17) and is beneficial to all. These efforts should be done in the spirit of humility and love as Jesus commanded (1 John 4:11-12) that all the body may ultimately be united as one in Christ (John 17:21-22).
Bible doctrines are very essential. Paul warns, “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness…From such withdraw yourself” (1 Timothy 6:3-5 also Romans 16:7; Titus 2:7). And John even adds, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him” (2 John 1:10).
The Bible predicted that a time will come when some will not endure the right doctrines and they will support those preachers that teach things according to their own ungodly ideas (2 Timothy 4:3). This apostasy will continue to divide the church until the second coming of Christ (Matthew 24:23–27; 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12; 1 Timothy 4:1–3).
Sadly, the denominations’ efforts for ecumenism today are not build on the truths of the Bible but rather on feelings and popular opinions. Many churches are compromising their Bible based beliefs in order to be unified. But God is not in any movement that is based on compromise of truth. Unity could be reached simply if the different denominations would only do what Jesus asks them to do. “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
