UNITY IN DOCTRINE IS NECESSARY
Imagine a church where some believed in pre-millennialism, but others did not. A church where some supported women preachers, but others did not. A church where some believed baptism was for the remission of sins, but others did not. A church where some believed it was proper to use instruments of music, while others believed otherwise. ...a church where some believe miraculous gifts have ceased, but others believe they are still present and active. .... What a mess! There is no way that such a church could exist and be of any good to anyone.The Lord's church is marked by doctrinal unity, not doctrinal division.
The apostle Paul wrote, "...God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints." (1 Corinthians14:33). God is not responsible for doctrinal division; but rather a lack of understanding His word on the part of men and women. Jesus said, "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John8:32). There are some who simply do not know the truth, and thus, doctrinal division and disputes exist.
Paul called upon the Corinthian church to "...all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is important for God's people to be united on doctrinal matters. Notice the emphasis placed on doctrine in Paul's letters to Timothy and Titus:
"...that they teach no other doctrine" (1 Timothy 1:3)
"...nourished in the words of faith and of the good doctrine which you have carefully followed." (1 Timothy 4:6)
"...give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine." (1 Timothy 4:13)
"...Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine, and continue in them." (1 Timothy 4:16)
"...so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed." (1 Timothy 6:1)
"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine..." (2 Timothy 3:16)
"...speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine..." (Titus 2:1)
"...in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility..." (Titus 2:7)
"...that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." (Titus 2:10)
It should be evident that doctrine is important to the Lord.Act 2:42 states, "And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”
