by R. L. Morrison

Probably one of the first scriptures which comes to mind after reading the title of the article will be 1 Cor. 1:10: "Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you 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 the same judgment." There should be no doubt that this scripture demands unity. It is God's will that brethren believe and practice the same things, working together in love. But there are other scriptures that commend division when circumstances arise which warrant it. Turn to 1 Cor. 5:4-5: "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh." The "one" of whom Paul speaks was "among them". He was guilty of sexual immorality. If language has any meaning, the Corinthian brethren were commanded by the same Lord who desires unity, to separate themselves from this immoral person. Paul describes it as purging out the old leaven. This required a division.

In Romans 16:17, Paul wrote: "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause division and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them." He states further that those who engage in such contrary things do not serve Christ, but serve self, and deceive others by smooth words and flattering speech. He also told them his desire for them: to be wise to what is good. The word "avoid" means to turn away from those who cause offenses or stumbling. Without doubt, it requires those who serve Jesus Christ to dis-associate themselves from such. The idea is expressed by Peter, "He who would love life must turn away from evil and do good" (1 Pet. 3:10-11). "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them" (Eph. 5:11). Paul told the Ephesians they could not be joint partakers with those who practice evil. Those in a congregation who cause division and offenses by teaching and practicing things contrary to the doctrine of Christ must be delivered to Satan, taken away from those who are following Christ. God commends such a division: He commands it. When He is not obeyed, the "little leaven" will leaven the whole lump: the entire congregation will be led into the practice of some kind of evil.

There is much said and many efforts are being made among religious people to unite. This is commendable. The unity of the Spirit is a desirable thing. But unity based on error avails nothing, if one desires to please God. Many congregations are not "dwelling together in unity". Some members of some congregations do not fully agree with some work of the congregation. It may be the work being done, or the manner in which it is done, or both. This is a problem. However, there is a solution. It is found in the scriptures already quoted. But consider again, Rom. 16:17: "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause division and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them." I know these passages have been used against those who question things being done or taught in congregations. Those who question or object are charged with being trouble makers and either asked to leave or disfellowshipped. Those who are sincerely interested in pleasing God will carefully consider what Paul said. Is the objectionable practice or teaching contrary to the doctrine of Christ? If it is, then it should be cast aside; if it is not, those who object should be patiently taught the way of the Lord more perfectly. But if there is no "thus saith the Lord" for such practice or doctrine, and objectors are asked to leave or be disfellowshipped, they are to be commended. They value the commands of the Lord and fellowship with Him more than the doctrine of men. They are fortunate, in that the "leaven of error" did not destroy them, as it has so many others.

This is not written or intended to "promote division". Rather, it should (hopefully) lead us to carefully consider what we believe and practice. It should help us to remember that we have an obligation to maintain unity of the Spirit, even to the point of division when error is taught, and some refuse to cease so doing. Unity is desirable, but not at the price of apostasy.

Proverbs 6:16-19 is a list of seven things God hates. It is concluded with, "he that soweth discord among brethren". Teaching and practicing truth is NOT sowing discord among those who love the truth and demand a "thus saith the Lord" for what they teach and do. But when brethren look at the practices of some of their religious neighbors "with longing eyes", eventually some of them will be adopted. "We can't let the world get ahead of us! Just look at all the good they do!" (human wisdom). And so these things are brought into the church. There are many which brethren have borrowed from denominationalism: mechanical instruments, tongues, social activities, the "whole man concept of church responsibility". But if some one begins to question such things, soon he will be called a trouble-maker, a sower of discord, a divider of churches, and will either have to leave or be disfellowshipped. This has happened, and will probably continue. It will as long as any one opposes innovations in the church.

However, this is not new; it is exactly the way the religious leaders of Israel thought of Christ. They said to Him: "Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day" (Matt. 12:2). Also: "Why do thy disciples transgress the traditions of the elders?" (Matt. 15:2). Jesus replied, "Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" (Matt. 15:3). The Lord gave them an opportunity to produce the scriptures that justified their practices. Of course, they could not. These religious hypocrites looked upon Jesus as a trouble-maker: one who would lead Israel astray, because he dared to question what they determined to teach and do.

One should not be so naive as to think this attitude does not exist in the church today. When brethren turn from the scriptures as the standard of authority, there is really no stopping place. This attitude is clearly seen when brethren say: "We don't care what the Bible teaches, we are going to do it anyway". And when the elders of a congregation say it, or show their disregard for the scriptures by their attitude and practices, those who care about their relationship to God must act. To fail to do so is to sin (Rom. 16:17).

But some say, "I don't agree with what they are doing. I go there, (perhaps send my contribution elsewhere), but the elders will have to answer for it, I will not." This is simply an effort to justify self, which fails miserably. Such a one lends influence by association, regardless of where the money goes. Paul said: "Mark and avoid those who cause divisions contrary to the gospel." He also wrote to the Corinthians, saying, "What part has he who believes with an unbeliever? What agreement has the temple of God with idols? Therefore come out from among them and be ye separate, says the Lord" (2 Cor. 6:16-17). And further: "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11). Paul was writing these things to Christians. He had warned that false teachers would arise among them. He told how these false teachers would deceive others. Again, those who fail to mark "false teachers" in the church and "avoid them" are guilty before God for their failure.

There is only one way to live the Christian life: know the truth and obey it! In order to know the truth, one must study it. Jesus said to the Jews: "Search the Scriptures." We, too, need that admonition, for without knowledge of God's will, we cannot obey it, without obedience we cannot be saved.

Again, this is not to suggest that one is to stir up confusion, or act without knowledge of scripture, circumstances, or practices. But to sit idly by, knowing both scripture and practices in which a congregation is engaged are unscriptural, is to invite destruction. Yes, God commends division. He requires His people to separate themselves from all kinds of evil, from that which is not revealed or required in His word regarding the work and worship of the church. And of course, to cease the practice of all forms of evil in one's daily walk in life. Division can be beneficial. It can lead to eternal life. But that separation must be in harmony with the Scriptures, otherwise all is lost!

Are you separated from, or joined to the saved?