Unity in the Body of Christ

[Arial]

What does Scripture mean when is speaks of the importance of unity in the body of Christ?

I have my own answer of course but I would like to hear from the members.

 

[By the Book]

I believe that Christians are allowed to agree to disagree on nonessential issues. Otherwise, what you see is church split after church split among the mainstream denominations.

1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Romans 14:5 - One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

That being said, there also needs to be agreement on what exactly the nonessential issues are.

 

[Arial]

W

I believe that Christians are allowed to agree to disagree on nonessential issues. Otherwise, what you see is church split after church split among the mainstream denominations.

1 Corinthians 1:10 - Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Romans 14:5 - One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

That being said, there also needs to be agreement on what exactly the nonessential issues are.

What would you consider the non-essential doctrines?

In regard to Romans 14:5 Why, in the context it is in, does Paul say "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" concerning days and foods?

Was Paul speaking of specific divisions in 1 Cor 1:10?

 

[prism]

What does Scripture mean when is speaks of the importance of unity in the body of Christ?

I have my own answer of course but I would like to hear from the members.

Then there is this...

1 Corinthians 11:18-19 KJV
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. [19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

 

[Arial]

Then there is this...

1 Corinthians 11:18-19 KJV
For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it. [19] For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.

Yes, I agree it is doctrinal unity that the Bible speaks of. And in the case of the Corinthian church there were also esteeming some above others and one gift over another and following those who were not apostles and teaching heresies.

What the unity the Bible speaks of is not let's all get along, accepting all beliefs and teaching as of equal value. This is very clear in Paul's letter to Timothy when Paul's death was imminent. It was of number one importance that the apostolic foundation of doctrine that was laid be kept pure. We see it also in Jude's call for Christians to contend for the faith against false teaching.

So, what do we do on forums when one group says, "this is what the Bible says," and another says, "No this is what it is saying."? Since forums seem to foster division and not unity.

 

[prism]

So, what do we do on forums when one group says, "this is what the Bible says," and another says, "No this is what it is saying."?

Stay focused on the main thing... (from the same Epistle)...

1 Corinthians 2:2 KJV
For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.

 

[fastfredy0]

What does Scripture mean when is speaks of the importance of unity in the body of Christ?

1 Cor. 12:12-26
John 17:21

I don't think there is a objective answer.

 

[By the Book]

What would you consider the non-essential doctrines?

The best way for me to respond is by affirming the doctrines that I do consider to be essential.

The Seventh Day Baptists statement of faith covers the basics, although I would make a modification on the Sabbath.

In regard to Romans 14:5 Why, in the context it is in, does Paul say "Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind" concerning days and foods?

Was Paul speaking of specific divisions in 1 Cor 1:10?

They are nonessential issues in both cases. Paul was more concerned about division.