Do We Need The Scriptures for Unity?

By: Shawn Daniels, evangelist

Church of Christ at Pana, Illinois

www.panachurch.com

 

I recently read a debate between a gospel preacher and a preacher of the Christian Church denomination.  He made this argument: “Is it really true that the "authority of Scripture" … according to the Scriptures … is the "single most ingredient to achieving unity?"  He then answers with a “I think not”.  He then goes with the argument that those in Corinth had no bible.  “The folks at Corinth had no Bible to question each other about its centrality to unity.”  It is true that the folks at Corinth had no bible to appeal to.  That explains all the problems they were having.  The purpose of the letter to the Corinthians by Paul was to fix these problems.  This letter was a kingdom decree set forth by God through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.  Paul tells Timothy, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim 3:16-17)  All scriptures mean both new and old testaments.  They both are inspired by God for the purpose of giving us doctrine.  This doctrine is the doctrine that God approves of.  If we want to serve God and do the things he wants, we should be able to be united on this doctrine that sets forth in his inspired Scriptures.  Therefore, the bible, according to the bible, is an important element to unity. 

The preacher tries to make the age old argument of being united on the gospel of Christ.  He makes the argument that the early Church did not have the bible but yet had the gospel of Christ, so therefore the gospel is independent of the Bible.  We can be united on the ‘important’ matter of the death, burial, resurrection, and ascension of the Son of God, while yet keeping our interpretation of what we can do doctrinally. 

I make the argument that there’s no difference in the gospel that the early Church had and the doctrine.  They are synonymous.  They mean the exact same thing.  Paul told in an inspired letter to the Galatians, “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.” (Gal 1:8)  He sets this gospel that was first preached in stone.  To the point that even the apostles themselves couldn’t change it.  Here he speaks of that gospel that was taught directly by the apostles.  That word that came by word of mouth from inspired teachers.  This gospel is set.  Then we see Paul saying to Timothy, “These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim 3:14-15)  Paul says that the things he wrote (the epistle) was written so that Timothy would know how he must act in the assembly.  ‘Oughtest’ actually means must or required.  What did Paul write?  In chapter 2 verses 1-8 he taught prayer in public worship.  In verses 9-15 in the same chapter he teaches the roles of women in public worship.  In chapter 3 verses 1-7 he teaches the qualifications of bishops, and in verses 8-13 he teaches the qualifications of deacons.  He said these things are required!  Therefore, in order to be united, we must unite on these books that the apostles wrote by the inspiration of God for our doctrine. 

This belief that the bible is not our source of unity is unfounded in the bible.  Paul said, “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.” (1 Cor 14:37)  What about you?  Are you going to follow the words that Paul and the inspired men wrote for our doctrine, our conviction, our correction, and for our instructions to achieve righteousness. (That is the gospel)  This great book has the ability to make you complete, and righteous in the sight of God.