Uniformity does not constitute unity. When Christian fellowship is dependent upon extra-biblical uniformity, the source of division does not lay at the feet of those who do not abide by these demands, but rather the demanders.
On the other hand, when scriptural directives are pronounced as unnecessary or even wrong, the transcendence of biblical directives are violated. A follower of biblical commands is not immorally factious to dissent to this view (1).
Once we clear the clutter and years of “Christian” prejudice we find the keys that drive unity. That is two simple but profound Christian ethos which are distilled from biblical precepts. The great ethos include becoming a follower of Christ, and learning and following his teachings.
Simplicity of theology and full measures of love and obedience will bring followers of Christ together who have diversity of gifts – there are many gifts but one Spirit. Christ, being perfect, is willing to make us, being imperfect, his brothers and sisters (2). We have no less of a calling. Rather than excluding other disciples of Christ, we are commanded to bring together Christ’s bride (3).
(1) 1Co 6:9-11 “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
1Co 5:11 “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”
2 Jon 1:4-11 “I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 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. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
(2) Rom 8:17 “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.”
Mat 12:50 “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.”
(3) Php 4:21 “Greet every saint in Christ Jesus.”
1 Th 5:26 “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.”
Tit 3:15 “All that are with me salute thee. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.”
Joh 17:21 “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.”
Joh 13:34 & 35 “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
