My Journey to Life - Daily Study Guide

Q5. Does Biblical unity require uniformity?

Picture: Q5. Does Biblical unity require uniformity? JTLD 335.1

Christ’s church will be unified in mission and action. This unity, however, does not imply uniformity. The church’s worldwide unity exists in diversity, illustrated by the body with many organs and functions, each vital, each different. God distributes His gifts “to each one individually as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:11), creating a healthy diversity that benefits the congregation. Not only will the tasks be diversified in a congregation, but the thinking will be different, even though all the members function under the direction of the same Spirit. JTLD 335.2

Jesus illustrates the concept of unity in diversity with a metaphor from nature (John 15:1-6). The grapevine illustrates the believer’s union with Himself. The branches symbolize the people of the church, who are extensions of the True Vine, Christ. Like every branch and leaf, each individual Christian differs from the others, yet a oneness exists since all receive their nourishment from the same source, the Vine. JTLD 335.3

While remaining united on foundational Bible truths, we can nonetheless have sweet fellowship and harmony with one another without having the same interpretation of every Scripture! JTLD 335.4

• Bible Discovery: Romans 15:5, 6; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; 13:11
• Further Reading: Ellen G. White, Review and Herald, Nov. 9, 1897, par. 13; Life Sketches, p. 321.2