How can the religious world be united?
Introduction. The question is both realistic and timely. It is realistic and pertinent because it acknowledges the present division characterizing the religious world (over 2,600 different religions in America). The scriptures require religious unity of professing followers of Christ. Hear Paul: "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment" (1 Cor. 1: 10). The unity of God's people was so important to Jesus that in the shadow of the cross, Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers (John 17: 21).
How religious unity cannot be effected. Unity, true unity, cannot come about as a result of hypocrisy or dishonesty. People cannot be scripturally united when the believe and practice contrary doctrines. Oneness cannot be achieved by people simply going by their feelings in religious matters (Prov. 28: 26). Claims of inherent authority such as the miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit also prevent true unity. Neither can men rally around men and have unity (1 Cor. 1: 10-14).
How religious unity can be effected. When all men deny their own beliefs, pride, and stubbornness and yield their will to Christ by accepting his word without reservation, there will automatically be true unity! There is one body (church), one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father (Eph. 4: 4-6).
In the first place, we need to desire to be united. A source of motivation for such desire is realizing that division is deplorable. In the second place, we need to return to studying the scriptures in an effort to do exactly what the Lord taught. By abiding in Christ's doctrine, we can be both saved and united (2 John 9-11).
How religious unity cannot be effected. Unity, true unity, cannot come about as a result of hypocrisy or dishonesty. People cannot be scripturally united when the believe and practice contrary doctrines. Oneness cannot be achieved by people simply going by their feelings in religious matters (Prov. 28: 26). Claims of inherent authority such as the miraculous indwelling of the Holy Spirit also prevent true unity. Neither can men rally around men and have unity (1 Cor. 1: 10-14).
How religious unity can be effected. When all men deny their own beliefs, pride, and stubbornness and yield their will to Christ by accepting his word without reservation, there will automatically be true unity! There is one body (church), one Spirit, one hope of our calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father (Eph. 4: 4-6).
In the first place, we need to desire to be united. A source of motivation for such desire is realizing that division is deplorable. In the second place, we need to return to studying the scriptures in an effort to do exactly what the Lord taught. By abiding in Christ's doctrine, we can be both saved and united (2 John 9-11).