Articles
Is Christ Divided?
While writing to the church at Corinth, whose peace and unity were at risk, the apostle Paul raised a question that is crucial to all who seek salvation in Christ: “Is Christ divided?” (1 Corinthians 1:13). Such a thought is alarming, and the answer is obvious.
Christ cannot be divided because division is destructive. Jesus Himself said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand” – Matthew 12:25. If He were divided, His kingdom could not stand.
Christ cannot be divided because division is sensual and demonic. James writes, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” – James 3:17-18. He states this in contrast to the wisdom that produces chaos and division. “But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” – James 3:14-16. Division is therefore the result of earthly wisdom and has nothing to do with our Lord Jesus.
Christ cannot be divided because division is contrary to His character and nature. The Lord God is one – Mark 12:29. Moreover, He is perfect in all His ways – Deuteronomy 32:4. Division, in the sense that Paul questioned the Corinthians, indicates disagreement, turmoil, and separation. None of these describe God for He dwells in perfect unity and peace (see also John 17:20-23).
It should be obvious therefore that Christ cannot be divided. Since He cannot be divided, then neither should His followers be. Consider the context of Paul’s question. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ.’ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? – 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.
This should cause us great alarm considering how many different churches there are today. Each one claims to belong to Christ but holds a distinct doctrine, a distinct way of worship, a distinct form of church government. Moreover, to distinguish themselves from others, they wear distinctive names.
This is the very thing Paul was trying to prevent. It is also what Jesus prayed would never occur. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me” – John 17:20-23.
Friends, let us return to the Bible and unite upon its teachings. Let us cast off the doctrines, practices, and names that divide us. Let us all believe and teach the same things – then we will be the followers Jesus prayed for.
