Ephesians 04: Christian Unity (4:1-16)

It is certain that no subject has been more frequently dealt with in sermons, books, lectures, pamphlets and articles during the present century than the question of ‘Christian Unity’. It is equally true to say that no subject has caused so much confusion in the minds and hearts of members of churches.

Were it merely a matter of organisation, it would not be so serious; but as the exposition of this key passage in Ephesians 4:1-16 shows, it involves vital doctrines. The trouble generally arises because the advocates of what is known as the ecumenical movement are content to make vague general statements ‘often sentimental’ or to emphasise one part of a statement instead of the whole. For instance, in verse 15, love is emphasised exclusively at the expense of truth.

We all tend to be the creatures of prejudices, and it therefore behoves us to examine ourselves and our views in the light of this crucial passage. That there have been sinful divisions in the past is painfully obvious; but the answer is not to be found in an amalgamation of organisations based on minimal truth. The greatest tragedy in the world today is not, as is so frequently asserted a divided church, but the fact that the majority seem to place unity above truth, and that many who are genuinely interested in truth are governed in their practice by traditions.