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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, Consider these verses and the underlying concepts with respect to denominations: 1 Cor 14:30-33 31For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; 32and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; 33for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. NAS God is a logical being, not a promoter of confusion (v. 33). 2 Peter 1:20-21 20But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, 21for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God. NAS Scripture is not a mater of one's own interpretation. It is what it is! We must read and understand scripture literally without regard to our current social norms. It must make sense and have but one meaning! Gal 1:11-12 11For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. NAS Paul was taught directly by Christ and Christians are to follow Paul as he followed Christ. Did Paul support any denomination, either Catholic or Protestant? Paul specifically rebuked Christians who sought to form denominations as noted in 1 Cor 1:13. John 12:44-13:1 44And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me does not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me. 45"And he who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. 46"I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47"And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48"He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49"For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak. 50"And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me." NAS Jesus spoke only what God the Father gave Him. Paul instructed only as Christ instructed him. There was no difference of opinion between God the Father and Jesus, as there was no difference of opinion between Jesus and Paul. Phil 1:27-28 27Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; 28in no way alarmed by your opponents-- which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God. NAS Paul instructed the Christians of that age; Christians who in some cases had actually seen Jesus, that they should be of the same mind. Where does Paul, or any Old or New Testament writer authorize the choice of choosing the denomination of your choice? Did God later authorize this practice? Jesus said that a kingdom divided against itself is laid waste. He also prayed for unity for His disciples. Paul also instructed Christians at great length not to be divided in spiritual matters: 1 Cor 1:10 10Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree, and there be no divisions among you, but you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. NAS We must conclude that denominations did not originate from God. Let’s continue to ask God for the truth; reasoning with one another; and God will be faithful. AO |