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NASB | Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. |
Bible Question:
How do we justify denominations in light of John 17:20-23 (NKJV) 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. Which in effect is calling for unity and says the world will know Jesus is authentic by the unity it sees in the believers. Then we move to 1 Corinthians 1:13 (NKJV) 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 12:25 (NKJV) 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. |
Bible Answer: Ed, just a short note on your question, and in it I don't presume to have a definitive answer, nor do I know anyone who does, sufficient to justify denominationalism. As divisive and oftentimes ugly as denominationalism can be, it is self-defeating to issue a call for unity at the expense of forfeiting or compromising clear and core Gospel truths. Still and all it appears that believers are much too prone to quibble and separate themselves from one another over what really amounts to issues that should be passed over as being non-essential or even trivial. We see ideas and theological dogmas argued and fussed over on this Forum that really are of minor consequence in the larger scheme of things. It is quite possible that God's canopy is larger than ours and thus is able to cover the minor differences that exist among us, and does so long as we get the fundamental and essential tenets of the faith right. Yet one appropriately may ask, "But how can we agree on what is fundamental and essential?" I'll step aside gracefully, Ed, and generously allow you come on stage and answer that! :-) --Hank |