As we continue our walk in 2025, the call for unity among believers echoes with renewed urgency against a backdrop of division and discord. Recent events—heated debates over cultural issues like gender ideology, political endorsements from pulpits, and even violent acts like the tragic shootings in Utah, North Carolina, and Michigan—have fractured communities and strained the testimony of the church. On platforms like X, Christians clash over interpretations of Scripture, with some embracing progressive theologies that dilute biblical truth, while others cling to traditions that risk becoming rigid relics. The church today, much like in centuries past, finds itself splintered, chasing "union" through compromise rather than the true unity Christ envisioned. Yet, in Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul pleads for a unity rooted in one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God—a unity that mirrors the first-century church and demands our return to the unchanging standard of God's Word.
In the first century, the church stood as a singular beacon of truth, united under Christ's headship. Jesus Himself prayed for this in John 17:20-21: "I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me" . This unity was no mere ideal—it fueled the gospel's spread to the known world in a single generation (Colossians 1:6, 23). Their message centered on the crucified Christ, the foundation of the church (1 Corinthians 2:2; 3:11). Faith in Him was non-negotiable (John 8:24), repentance was proclaimed in His name (Luke 24:46-47), confession of His divinity was practiced (Acts 8:37), and baptism into Him was commanded (Romans 6:3-4). Their worship, from singing to the Lord's Supper, followed a unified pattern (Ephesians 5:19; Acts 20:7). To deviate from this message was unthinkable, as Paul warned: "But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!" (Galatians 1:8). This oneness in faith, practice, and purpose bound them together, making division a scandal to be swiftly addressed (1 Corinthians 1:10).
Yet, history shows how quickly this unity unraveled. By the second century, heretical teachers crept in, and by the time of Constantine's reign in A.D. 325, the church wielded worldly power, silencing dissent with coercion rather than truth—a method Jesus would never endorse. The Reformation, sparked by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, sought to correct these errors but birthed denominations, each with its own creeds and confessions. These man-made systems, while aiming for reform, fractured the body further, as followers pledged allegiance to human leaders rather than Christ. Today, we see echoes of this in churches splitting over issues like women in leadership or the use of instruments in worship, often prioritizing cultural relevance over biblical fidelity. The pursuit of "union"—a superficial alignment of denominations—falls short of the unity Christ prayed for, which demands one faith under one Lord.
How, then, should Christians respond in 2025, when division threatens to dim our testimony? We must return to the biblical blueprint of the first century, as restorers did in the 1800s, rallying around the cry to "speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where it is silent." This begins with embracing the Bible as our sole creed, as Paul affirmed: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). We unite not on human opinions but on essentials like faith in Christ, repentance, confession, and immersion in baptism (Colossians 2:12). We call ourselves simply "Christians," as in Antioch (Acts 11:26), rejecting denominational labels. Our worship—singing from the heart (Ephesians 5:19) and partaking of the Lord's Supper weekly (Acts 20:7)—must reflect apostolic patterns, not modern innovations. And our love for one another, as Jesus commanded, becomes the tie that binds: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you" (John 13:34).
This pursuit of unity requires action, not mere sentiment. We must study Scripture diligently, testing every teaching against its truth, as the Bereans did (Acts 17:11). When false doctrines—like those blending Christianity with political agendas or diluting salvation's requirements—arise, we lovingly but firmly correct them, knowing that "a factious man, after a first and second warning, reject" (Titus 3:10). In our congregations, we foster fellowship through shared study and service, refusing to let cultural debates fracture us. And in a world watching our testimony, we live so that Christ's name is glorified, doing all "in the name of the Lord Jesus". The unity Christ prayed for is not a dream but a divine mandate, achievable when we surrender our creeds, names, and pride to His truth. Let us labor for this oneness, that the world may believe... from within our earthen vessel.