Reaching for Unity of the Faith
If there is one thing that struck deep in my heart during our last ministerial meeting (June 28, 2009), it is the fact that the Bride of Christ remains in a fragmented condition up to this time. There is so much division among Message believers we look like any denominational organization out there, really.
Not that all “Message believers” are truly believers of this Message. But while do need to draw the line somewhere, we also need to see how we can reach the unity of the faith. That is why the discussion on “Biblical and non-Biblical Unity” is a timely one. It is also something we present and upcoming ministers should carefully look into. Surely there must be other real Message believers out there that we are not in contact with. Or maybe they’re the churches right next to your door.
Doctrinal issues, as well as personal ones, have brought upon us this mess. If only we were more careful in our judgments and decisions. If only we were more patient and loving and gracious. If only we did not allow vested interests to cloud our motives and visions.
Rev. Ewald Frank speaking to a small gathering of ministers after his meeting in March 2009
To be fair, there were also ministers who did and do make an effort to bring the churches into unity. I personally know missionaries like Ewald Frank of Germany, Richard Gan of Singapore, Leonard Lefise and others, who desire to see the Bride standing united in the Word. And then there are also local ministers like Manny Peralta and Robert Ventayen who are eager to see a united body of ministers in the Philippines.
Hindrances to Unity
But a gathering of ministers in a convention or a ministerial meeting does not by itself constitute true unity. For the same reason we believe that the WCC or the NCCP, or any regional and local fellowship of Gospel ministers, are far from true and Biblical unity:
- There is no common, Biblical grounds for faith. As long as the ministers hold on to their personal understanding of the fundamental Bible doctrines, there can be no true unity. Where do we learn them. The Apostle Peter reminds us of the authority of the words of the prophets and of the commandments of the apostles. And the Apostle Paul teaches us of the six “one’s” to which every Bible preacher must adhere to. (2 Peter 3.1, 2; Ephesiasn 4.4-6)
- Many, if not all, join for personal interests. Enough said. (Philippians 2.1-4)
- Partisan views prevail. Simply, it’s about narrow-mindedness, or the absence or inability to listen and consider other people’s views. (1 Corinthians 1.10-13)
Prerequisites for True Unity
But Biblical unity is still possible. It does require, however, more than we may be able, or are willing, to give up. The Lord Jesus Christ has only one Body for whom He will return. So let me share with you what we must have and do if we are to attain the true unity.
- We must have the same Spirit. Paul says that we were all baptized into that one Body by one Holy Spirit. There can be no other. And the same Spirit distributes spiritual gifts and abilities to the different members of the Body. (1 Corinthians 12.13)
- We must all stand on the solid ground of Apostolic faith. Paul also laid out the six fundamental basis of Biblical unity. (Ephesians 4.4-6)
- We must acknowledge our diversity. There can be only one me, and there can only be one you. Each of us were uniquely created and gifted by God. Even those who have the same gifts do not perform in the same way. Hence, it is important that we respect and acknowledge their importance in the Body. (1 Corinthians 12.4-6, 27-31)
- We must work together under one goal. Armed with spiritual gifts, we should all work together for the edifying of the Body of Christ. All the 5 ascension gifts should work together to equip the saints to prepare them for the work of the ministry, and to help build the Church. No vested interests. No self-glorification. (1 Corinthians 14.12, 26; Ephesians 4.11, 12)
- We must be patient. Paul says we are to work together “till we all come to the unity of the faith…” It takes patience to get to the end of our goal. And it takes grace to be patient and enduring. But we cannot just give up on others just because they can’t see things our way. (Ephesians 4.13)
There is no shortcut to true unity. The way is only rough because we have allowed too many things to stand in our way. But the way of the Lord is sure, and it leads to a bright future for those who believe they are the Body of the Lord Jesus Christ.
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3 Responses 
Well said, Pastor Jo. But disputes within the church, even within the original apostolic ministry, there were disagreements that resulted to separations. Such was the contention between Barnabas and Paul regarding Mark– I heard from one preacher that this was the same Mark who wrote one of the Gospels (correct me if I am wrong). With this example of dispute and break up and eventual reconciliation (which resulted to one person writing the gospel), I believe disagreements among true Christians/believers of the message will bring out good results for the ministry, ultimately.
If one is a true believer for sure the spirit of Jesus Christ in him or her. Disagreements with other true believers will be ironed out in the end with something good or very good emerging from that reconciliation– maybe more souls saved, better yet, the rapture.
Sad to say, disputes among non-believers will come to nothing gainful at all. But by God’s faithfulness and grace, we are true believers in our Lord Jesus Christ, and our present contentions will be resolved eventually…only through the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Praise be to God.
Amen, Pastor. Praise be to God.
It’s true, certain disagreements between Christian can be used of God for His divine, as in the case of Paul and Barnabas. Truth is, they did not break their relationship, only their courses in missionary activities.
I believe that broken relationships can also be healed in time, but only, in my personal view, if both parties are of the same Spirit.
Amos 3.3 says that no two can walk together unless they have come to an agreement.