When Is Division Necessary? The Misuse of Unity to Suppress Truth
Orientation
The call for unity is often used to stigmatize doctrinal discernment and silence those who would contend for the faith.
- The maxim 'in essentials unity' is wielded to minimize doctrine and reduce essentials to a bare minimum.
- Churches avoid teaching biblical essentials while promoting tolerance of error.
- This creates a control mechanism where truth-keepers are branded as divisive.
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)
— Romans 16:17
Clarification
True division is caused by false teaching contrary to apostolic doctrine, not by adherence to truth.
- The 'simple' are deceived by good words and fair speeches that depart from apostolic teaching.
- Genuine fellowship is founded on steadfast adherence to apostolic doctrine, not on social peace or tolerance of error.
- Separation is a biblical response to persistent false teachers who pervert the truth and demand obedience.
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 1:9)
— 2 John 1:9
Structure
Biblical unity is perfected through sanctification and growth in the knowledge of Christ, not through minimizing doctrine.
- Doctrine inherently divides truth from error, as seen in the teachings of Jesus, Paul, and John.
- God reveals Himself through apostolic doctrine to unite believers in truth.
- Adherence to apostolic doctrine produces genuine fellowship, while tolerance of error produces a broad, superficial unity.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
— Acts 2:42
Weight-Bearing Prose
The apostolic doctrine—the full counsel of God concerning Christ’s person and work—is the foundation of true fellowship. This includes the Incarnation, substitutionary atonement, regeneration, justification by grace, Christ’s heavenly ministry, and the hope of His literal return and Millennial Kingdom. When these essentials are neglected, what is called ‘unity’ becomes a mechanism to suppress dissent. Paul’s instruction in Romans 16:17 is clear: mark and avoid those who cause divisions by teaching contrary to this apostolic doctrine. The division is not created by truth-keepers but by those who, with fair speeches, deceive the simple. John’s warning is equally stern: those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ do not have God. Therefore, separation from persistent false teachers is not divisive but necessary to preserve doctrinal integrity. This is not about minor disagreements but about the core truth that reveals God in Christ and unites believers.
Integration
Your assurance and fellowship are anchored in Christ, revealed through apostolic doctrine. There is no pressure to ‘achieve’ unity through your own effort or tolerance. Genuine unity is a fruit of the Spirit, growing as we steadfastly abide in the truth delivered once for all. If you find yourself burdened by accusations of being ‘divisive’ for clinging to Scripture, remember: Christ is your peace. His truth unites. Rest in the fellowship that comes from knowing Him, not in the superficial peace that demands silence. Your standing is secure in Him, not in your ability to maintain a false unity. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, for it is the only foundation for true fellowship with the Father and with one another.