The concept of unity within the Church is a foundational principle deeply rooted in the teachings of the New Testament. Divisions, therefore, are seen as contrary to the spirit and purpose of the Church as established by Jesus Christ and propagated by the apostles. The Church is called to be a unified body, reflecting the oneness of God and the harmonious relationship within the Trinity.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides numerous exhortations and teachings that emphasize the importance of unity and the dangers of division. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, the Apostle Paul appeals to the believers, saying, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." This plea underscores the necessity for agreement and unity within the Church.

Paul further elaborates on the nature of the Church as one body in 1 Corinthians 12:12-13: "The body is a unit, though it is comprised of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This metaphor of the Church as a body illustrates the interdependence of its members and the need for harmony.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the unity of the Church is a reflection of the unity of the Godhead. Jesus, in His high priestly prayer, prayed for the unity of His followers, saying, "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one" (John 17:22). This prayer highlights the divine desire for the Church to mirror the perfect unity found within the Trinity.

Divisions within the Church are often seen as a manifestation of human sinfulness and pride, which stand in opposition to the humility and selflessness exemplified by Christ. James 3:16 warns, "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice." Such attitudes disrupt the peace and unity that should characterize the Christian community.

Practical Considerations

Practically, divisions can hinder the Church's mission and witness to the world. Jesus stated in John 13:35, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another." The love and unity among believers serve as a powerful testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel. When divisions arise, they can obscure this witness and detract from the Church's ability to effectively proclaim the message of Christ.

The early Church faced challenges of division, as seen in the disputes between Jewish and Gentile believers. The resolution of these conflicts, as recorded in Acts 15, demonstrates the importance of seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit and adhering to apostolic teaching to maintain unity.

Exhortations for Unity

The New Testament is replete with exhortations for believers to pursue unity and peace. Ephesians 4:3 urges, "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This call to action requires intentional effort and a commitment to the principles of love, humility, and forgiveness.

Philippians 2:2-3 further encourages believers to be "like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves." Such attitudes foster an environment where unity can thrive and divisions are minimized.

In summary, divisions are contrary to the spirit of the Church as they oppose the biblical mandate for unity, disrupt the theological reflection of the Godhead, and hinder the Church's mission. The New Testament provides clear guidance for maintaining unity, emphasizing the need for love, humility, and a shared commitment to the teachings of Christ.1 Corinthians 11:16
But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Church of God.
... the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you ... as there are sects, and
they speak contrary things. ... affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter vii the church of.htm

Objections to General Synod.
... nor harmony, nor peace; but on the contrary, divisions, contentions, and ... institution
of General Synod's promotes unity in spirit is contrary to constant ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/objections to general synod.htm

Columban.
... is no labour; it is, on the contrary, a sweet ... whom are all things, and one Holy Spirit
in whom ... neglected, Columban thanked God that these divisions bad called ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/light in the dark places/columban.htm

The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit
... so should have a neuter pronoun; yet, contrary to ordinary ... we are classifying the
offences against the Spirit under two general divisions, namely, those ...
/.../evans/the great doctrines of the bible/the doctrine of the holy.htm

Introduction
... witchcrafts, hatreds, contentions, jealousy, anger, divisions, heresies, and ... baptized
by people who are contrary to the ... and one hope, and one Spirit, and one ...
/.../cyprian/the seventh council of carthage under cyprian/introduction.htm

Appendix iii
... New Testament consisted already of two divisions, and that ... On the contrary it is
evident that controversy upon ... the consciousness that the same spirit that had ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/harnack/the origin of the new testament/appendix iii.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ...
... is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye ... which is not as that unclean
spirit, divided against ... are divided against themselves and contrary one to ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxi on the words.htm

Rom. xvi. 17, 18
... he here points out by saying, "contrary to the ... had spoken of those who "caused divisions
and offences ... disciples, [1707] ) through which the Spirit gave those ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxii rom xvi 17.htm

History and Doctrines of Heresies.
... not to make divisions in opinion, nor divisions in unity. ... come near to such as advance
doctrines contrary to the ... taken away from them the Holy Spirit, and the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii history and doctrines of.htm

Of the Subject to whom to the Key of Church Priviledge, Power, or ...
... of this life, as those that have received such a spirit of discerning ... 1 beseech you
(saith he) mark such as cause divisions and offences, contrary to the ...
/.../chap iiii of the subject.htm

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