A denominational preacher (in a fellowship meeting of several different denominations) commented that "there are at least twenty-five major differences among us but we still have unity." Some in the church today teach that the only way we can have unity is in diversity.
The word unity is defined as: the state of being one; the quality of being one in the Spirit (Webster's New World Dictionary). Diverse, on the other hand, means: different, dissimilar. When we substitute the definitions of the words unity in diversity, we have oneness in difference. Just how can different things be one? "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" (Amos 3:3)?
Are we to believe that one can be saved by believing any kind of preaching? Paul instructed in Romans 16:17-18 that we are to "mark...and avoid..." those that teach "contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned." These men by their "good words and fair speeches deceived the hearts of the simple." Some today are being deceived by those teaching the idea of "unity in diversity."
In Gal. 1:6-9 Paul states: "I marvel that ye are so soon removed." Where were they removed to, Paul? To "another gospel: which is not another." Some today say, "It doesn't make any difference what you believe, just as long as you are honest and sincere or one church is as good as another." These statements are not found in the scriptures, thus, it is from man. Paul said those who so teach "pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed" (vs.7-8). If the preaching of a perverted gospel will make the preacher accursed, it will make the believer accursed.
Before there can be real unity, there must be a unity of the Spirit, as we read in Eph. 4. Unity in diversity is a damnable doctrine. The Bible never talks about diversities of faiths! However, it talks repeatedly about the one faith. We are told to "speak the same thing." There are to be "no divisions" among us. We are to be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." (I Cor. 1:10). There is the unity demanded and the diversity (division) condemned.
There is only "one faith," just like there is only "one Lord" (Eph. 4:5). Yet, the question is asked: "Of what faith are you?" Verse 5 also states there is "one baptism." Yet, many teach different baptisms, but only one Lord! There are just as many Lords as there are faiths and baptisms.
Unity in diversity is being taught in the church as a means to fellowship some that God forbids us to fellowship. It is the doctrine of men, and Jesus said: "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:9).
There can be no God approved or true unity that is not founded on and sustained by Bible authority. We can easily see the need of proper authority in our everyday lives. How much more so is it true and necessary in matters pertaining to our eternal destiny. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day" (John 12:48).
"If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" (I Pet.4:11).
Don H. Noblin
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