Introduction:
Many brethren today are proposing the two can be in disagreement doctrinally and still be united in one faith.  This is biblically impossible.  We are going to look at unity upon truth, some doctrines that divide us, and what we as faithful saints MUST do about it.

I. Unity in Diversity is a foreign doctrine, because it is not a biblical doctrine.

A. Amos 3:3 “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”

1. NO!  II John 9-11.

B. God expects unity upon one truth:

1. Jesus prayed for it (John 17:17-23).
2. The inspired Apostle Paul condemned division (I Corinthians 1:10).
3. God says we must walk by the same rule (Philippians 3:16).

A. We should watch for those who would bring these doctrines as the Bible warns they will come in among us (Acts 20:28-32 and Jude v. 4).

1. We should study to know the truth so we can identify error (II Timothy 2:15 and I Peter 3:15).

B. We should say what even a demon knew to say: “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?”  - Acts 19:11-16

1. We can know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:15-20).

C. We should mark false teachers and avoid them (Romans 16:17-18).

1. Maintaining NO fellowship with them at all (Ephesians 5:11 and II John 9-11).
2. Not even for one hour (Galatians 2:4-5).
3. We should arm ourselves with the truth and fight these false doctrines (Ephesians 6:17 and Jude v. 3).

D. We should hate every false way (Psalms 119:104-105).

A. Instrumental music in worship to God.

1. The Bible has a pattern for approved N.T. song worship:

a. Matthew 26:30
b. Mark 14:26
c. Acts 16:25
d. I Corinthians 14:15
e. Ephesians 5:19
f. Colossians 3:16
g. Hebrews 2:12
h. James 5:13

2. We have scriptural authority for ALL that we do (Colossians 3:17 and Revelation 22:18-19).
3. But our brethren are saying: (click here to see quotes on “I.M.”)

B. Grace will cover sins of those who DO NOT obey the Gospel:

1. Those who do not obey the Gospel of Christ are eternally lost (II Thessalonians 1:8-9, II John v. 9 and Matthew 7:21).

a. One cannot be saved outside of the body of Christ (John 14:6 and Ephesians 5:23).

(1) That church being the church of Christ (Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 1:22-23, Ephesians 4:4, and Romans 16:16).

b. One is outside of Christ until they are immersed into Christ (Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, and I Corinthians 12:12-13).
c. Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?  - GOD FORBID Romans 6:1-2.

2. But, our brethren are teaching: (click here to see quotes on “Grace Covers All”)

C. One can divorce and remarry for causes other than fornication:

1. A man and a woman must remain married with the only exception to that being to the innocent party in which their spouse commits fornication (Matthew 19:3-9).

a. If there is a parting for other reasons than fornication the only relationship to be formed is the one that was broken (I Corinthians 7:10-11).

2. Of course, when a mate dies that frees one from the bond of marriage (Romans 7:1-6).
3. But, our brethren are saying: (click here to see quotes on MDR).

D. Denominational baptisms are valid:

1. The Bible teaches that one must obey the truth (John 8:32).

a. We obey doctrine (Romans 6:17).
b. We must understand about the identity of the church when converted (Matthew 13:19, Acts 8:12, Acts 28:30-31, and I Corinthians 1:18).  Understanding this would make it impossible to be converted into a denominational church.
c. For more on this subject click here

2. But are brethren are saying: (click here to see quotes on Den. Baptism)

E. One does not need to know the purpose of baptism:

1. Baptism:

a. Is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
b. Is a washing away of sins (Acts 22:16).
c. Fulfills the command to be baptized (Acts 10:47-48).
d. Puts one into Christ (Galatians 3:27).
e. Puts one into the church (I Corinthians 12:12-13 & Acts 2:47).
f. Puts one into Christ giving them a newness of life (Romans 6:3-6).
g. Makes on a new creature (II Corinthians 5:17).
h. Saves (I Peter 3:20-21).

2. That is the truth, and Christ said the truth will set you free (John 8:32), not you shall be set free then know the truth!
3. Our brethren are saying: (click here to see Jimmy Allen quotes)

F. Unity in Diversity:

1. For refutation see point I in this lesson.
2. Our brethren are saying: (see quotes on Unity in Diversity)

G. Institutionalism:

1. The Bible teaches that is the work of the church out of it’s treasury to care for needy saints (Acts 2:44-45, Romans 15:25-27, I Corinthians 16:1-4, II Corinthians 8:4, 9:1; 12-14, and I Timothy 5:3-16).

a. We are to do all things by the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17).
b. There is not authority for the church to aid non-saints therefore it is sinful to do so (I John 3:4).
c. It is the work of the individual saints to care for “all men” (Matthew 25:31-43, Galatians 6:7-10, and James 1:26-27).
d. Since it is not the work of the church out of it’s treasury to aid non-saints, then the question of the expediencies of Institutions to carry out these works is a non-issue.

2. Click here to see a more indepth defense of the truth exposing Institutionalism
3. Some of our brethren are saying: (click here to see quotes on Institutionalism)

H. Interpreting the Bible differently:

1. The Bible provides us with all we need to know and teaches it is not to be interpreted differently (II Peter 1:3; 20).

a. There is only one system of faith (Ephesians 4:5).
b. To take God’s word and change it to fit our doctrines is sinful, and is called “another Gospel” (Galatians 1:6-12).

2. Some of our brethren are teaching: (click here to see quotes on Interpretation)

2002 by Brian Yeager may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes at no cost to others.