The Unity of the Church

God made the world. He chose Israel to be used by him to do good to the world at large, not just to the Jewish people. Jesus is the Messiah of Israel, appointed by God the Father for the redemption of people from every nation. The Gospel is for men and women, boys and girls of every nation.

What God requires of the people of Israel he requires of all mankind, and what he gives Israel he gives all mankind. Mankind's redemption from rebellion by the powerful grace of God is a perfect redemption, now working its way through history. Its perfection is to be demonstrated by the unity achieved between individuals from every nation within the context of a shared life of faith, obedience, spiritual enjoyment and love to God.

That shared life is to be conducted in the context of churches. Churches must be God-focused. They must focus on God as he is known in Messiah, through his inscripturated word and by the power of his Holy Spirit.

Culture, language, political affiliation, religious background education, social or economic status, gender, age or health – none of these may determine the life of a church. The only definitive factor must be the glory of God in the face of Jesus the Messiah. The only ultimate authority must be the authority of God as expressed through his inscripturated word. No tradition or other human authority, practice or preference may be allowed to intrude between redeemed man and his redeemer.

The church is one and must be one. It is illegitimate to allow national or cultural differences to determine the life of the church or the acceptance or non-acceptance of a redeemed individual into the community of faith, enjoyment and practice.

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