Why Can’t We Agree?

Division is condemned

Why are there so many churches? Why is there so much disagreement among professed believers? Will believers ever be united? Unity is desirable. Jesus prayed that His disciples would be united (John 17:20-21). Division was condemned in the church at Corinth. Paul pleaded with them to speak the same thing and to be perfectly joined together in mind and thought (1 Corinthians 1:10). It is said of the early church at Jerusalem that they were of one heart and soul (Acts 4:32).

What can we do?

Can we understand the Bible? Is unity possible? Where have we gone wrong? What can we do?

We need unity

First, we must acknowledge the need for unity. A house divided against itself cannot stand (Matthew 12:22-28). When division occurs, believers become so involved in fighting each other that the real enemy, Satan, goes unchallenged. He (the devil) is, therefore, the greatest advocate of division. Only the devil rejoices when brethren fight. All of us should long for common ground upon which we can stand together.

Authority of Scripture is the answer

Second, not only is unity desirable, it is attainable. But, for unity to occur we must acknowledge the authority of Scripture, and willing submit to it. Here is where the problems arise. The difficulty is not in understanding what the Scriptures say, but in accepting what they say. Far too often, our actions are based, not on what the Bible teaches, but on what we think, feel, or believe! Everything is subjective, and the absolute standard of God’s word is ignored. There can be no unity where truth is ignored. Faith and practice must derive from Scripture (1 Peter 4:11).

Unity in faith

The pioneer preachers of the Restoration Movement made a valid plea when they proclaimed: “In matter of faith, unity! In matters of opinion, liberty! And, in all things, charity (love)!”

Cannot compromise principles

We desire unity, but we cannot compromise principles to achieve it!