thematic studies in bible basics

Thematic Studies In Bible Basics


Lesson 3 True Unity In Christ• A multiplicity of man-made churches

Catholic Church

Lutheran Church

Presbyterian Church

Episcopal Church

Baptist Church

Methodist Church

Mormon Church

“Jehovah’s Witnesses”


Lesson 3 True Unity In Christ• Passages to consider…

Eph 4:1-6• Paul’s instructions = “maintain (preserve) the

unity of the Spirit…” v. 3• God has provided things that are “unique” that

help bring about this unity one of which is the “body,” or the church v. 4 cp. 1:22-23

The only 1 of a thing that exists



Eph 4:1-6• Through the centuries, man has come up with

other “bodies” (churches)• Therefore, true unity cannot be “preserved” or

maintained upon what would men in these “bodies” be united?



Eph 3:10-11• The church’s task = to make known the

“manifold wisdom of God” v. 10• This has always been God’s “eternal purpose”

for the church v. 11



Eph 3:10-11• The denominationalist’s perspective has the

differing denominations collectively making up “THE CHURCH” cp. Mt 13:31-32

• If this is correct, such a “CHURCH” cannot accomplish Eph 3:10



Eph 3:10-11• If this is “THE CHURCH”…there would exist

many conflicting views…namely, the doctrine of man’s salvation

• Which view would be taught? Which “church” within “THE CHURCH” would decide such?



Eph 4:11-16• The “gifts” (functions) God gave the church

(cp. vv. 7-8) allows saints to be…

…equipped to work vv. 11-12a, 16a

…edified, built up vv. 12b, 16b

Aimed at teaching the will of God




(cp. vv. 7-8) allows saints to be…

…unified in “the faith” v. 13a

…grown up & mature, no longer childrenvv. 13b-15

Aimed at teaching the will of God




(cp. vv. 7-8) also were designed to prevent men from being “tossed about by every wind of doctrine from men” v. 14

RELIGIOUS CONFUSION



Eph 4:11-16• Therefore, the multiplicity of man-made

churches produce confusion…not the “unity of the Spirit” God hopes is maintained in the “one body” (THE CHURCH) revealed in the N.T.



Jn 17:20-21• The “outline” of the Lord’s prayer –

He prays for Himself vv. 1-5 He prays for His apostles vv. 6-19 He prays for those the apostles will teach

vv. 20-26



Jn 17:20-21• The Lord’s desire for all who come to believe is

that “…they may all be one…” v. 21• Therefore, all of man’s religious efforts should

be to fulfill the Lord’s fervent desire expressed in His prayer



Jn 17:20-21• The Lord was not discussing what is termed

Ecumenical Unity “Unity In Diversity”• The unity Jesus desired is stated in v. 21

• The unity of the Father & the Son purpose• Cp. marriage Gen 2:24 Mt 19:5-6



Jn 17:20-21• The existence of all the man-made churches

testifies that man has not sought to honor the desire of Jesus in His pre-crucifixion prayer

• What is true of unity between Father & Son should be true of all who claim to follow Christ

thematic studies in bible basics

Documents