Why Christianity Needs the Unity and Authority of the One Church

Christians often question why the religion requires the unity and authority of a single church, especially when other religions and sects exist. This exploration delves into the historical, scriptural, and theological reasons underlying the need for a united Christian faith.

Theological Foundation: Scripture and Unity

According to Romans 10:1-4, the core of salvation lies not in zeal or ignorance but in a profound understanding of God's word. The apostle Paul emphasizes that individuals must know the truth of the Scriptures to be saved. This spiritual discernment is a prerequisite for authentic belief and cannot be merely held in the heart but must be backed by knowledge—knowledge that comes from the Word of God. This theological stance opposes the addition of man-made denominations, asserting that they do not align with the true faith of God.

Romans 10:17 further reinforces this point, stating, “For how do they hear without a preacher? And how are they preached unless there is someone who preaches? But how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news who publish peace, who bring good news of happiness, who publish salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’” The passage suggests that true beliefs are spread through holy preaching, not through factions or denominations. This underlines the importance of a united church in spreading the word of salvation.

Judaic Roots: The Early Church

The origins of Christianity are deeply rooted in Judaism. The early Christian community, composed largely of Jews and proselytes, followed the Old Testament and its laws. Christians historically have acknowledged the foundational role of the Old Testament, viewing it as a crucial part of their faith. This means that the unity and authority of Christianity were built upon the same base as the Jewish community.

Scriptural Proclamation and Church Development

As evidenced by Acts 17:11, the early Christians were sharp and ready to search the Scriptures daily. This rigorous study and application of the Word of God were essential for establishing a unified belief system. In contrast, man-made denominations often introduce practices or beliefs not rooted in the biblical text, leading to theological divisions and doctrinal variations.

Ephesians 4:12-15 provides additional support for the unity of the church, stating that it is necessary for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry. The passage emphasizes the importance of unity and the avoidance of doctrinal diversity, affirming that different denominations can lead to confusion and division.

The Concept of the Bride of Christ

Referring to Ephesians 5:23-32, the metaphor of Christ as the head and the church as His bride is used to illustrate the intimate relationship between the two. Just as a bride takes on the name of her husband, the church takes the name of Christ, making its authority and unity essential for maintaining true Christian identity. The uniqueness of this unity is further emphasized in Revelation 22:17, which calls for the unity of believers by proclaiming, "And the Spirit and the bride say 'Come!'"

Therefore, What Does This Mean for Modern Christians?

The need for a united church does not diminish the personal relationship between God and the individual believer but rather strengthens it. When Christians are part of a unified community, they can better support and encourage one another, ensure the faithful teaching of the Scriptures, and collectively spread the message of salvation. The denomination question is not about one's personal salvation but about ensuring the integrity of the church in its mission to proclaim the gospel and live by the commandments of Jesus.

Conclusion

The unity and authority of the one church are essential components of the Christian faith, rooted in scriptural teachings and theological doctrine. They ensure that the message of salvation remains clear and consistent, fostering a stronger, more resilient spiritual community. As such, Christians today should recognize the value of unity in their practices and beliefs, upholding the integrity of the church in their daily lives.