Denominations are a spiritual disease because they bring the truth of the gospel into question. The apostle Paul opposed division in the church by insisting ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism’

 

Early in his letter to the church in Ephesus the apostle Paul uses the picture of a building to describe the unity of all believers. In the early church this was especially necessary for both Jews and Gentiles to understand. He says that Jesus broke down the barrier of the dividing wall between them. This is brought about through the Gospel which places every believer on the same level, as sinners who have been forgiven through Jesus’ death on the cross.

In Chapter 4 of the letter Paul again mentions unity by emphasizing their oneness in salvation, ‘one body and one Spirit’ with ‘one hope’ in their calling and ‘one Lord, one faith, one baptism’. This understanding of their unity is to lead them into a unity of purpose and behaviour in which they are to be tender-hearted and forgiving … a reminder of how God has forgiven them.