There are many issues that divide the followers of Jesus Christ. Almost any thing we do religiously has some contention as to how it should be accomplished . Hardly any two religious groups can agree on even the simplest things, such as the name of the church, what is acceptable worship before God or how is the church on earth organized or even how does one become a Christian? This state of religious division is clearly condemned in the Bible ( Eph 4). Jesus prayed for unity among His followers that the world might believe the Father had sent Him (Joh 17:20-21). The apostle Paul taught that Christians are to be of the same mind and of the same judgment (1 Cor 1:10). There is no doubt that Christians are to seek, establish and maintain unity among themselves.

It is clear that the many denominational doctrines in existence today do not contribute to, nor support, the commandment for Christian unity. And while those followers of Christ, who strive for unity, would very much like to see a coming together of all who profess to be in Christ, this will not take place until the basic underlying cause of division comes to an end. What is that cause? It is nothing less than a lack of respect for the person and power of Jesus Christ (Luk 6:46).

Christians are commanded that whatever they say and whatever they do religiously do all in the name of, or by the authority of Jesus Christ (Col 3:17). We are to prove all things and to hold fast that which is good (1 Thes 5:21) and when we speak do so as the oracles or words of God (1 Pet 4:11). Those who fail to obey these commandments cause division among God’s people, defy the prayer of Jesus for unity and cause the world to doubt Jesus Himself.

It must be emphasized that those involved in division or those who support division have no hope of salvation if they are unwilling to repent and obey Christ as His word commands (Mat 15:9).

God said in Isa 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” The gospel of Christ will do all that God sent it to perform. For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged 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 (Heb 4:12).

The divisions caused by denominationalism do not produce another kind of Christian. Their followers are not Christians at all, for they do not know and/or follow what Christ has commanded of them that they might become one.

The desire of Christians to see unity in the Church of Christ is a practical one. Christians can be united in mind and judgment so long as they yield their will to Christ through the Gospel. Those who only claim to be followers of Christ and cling to religious division will be identified by the word, separated by the word and finally condemned by the word. Then will come to pass the words spoken by our Lord “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48).

Send questions or comments to The Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or email me at bryanwa@ntelos.net Check out our web site at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com