Unity and Purity in the Church

Systematic Theology - Lesson 98 - The Doctrine of the Church: Unity and Purity - John 13:34-35; Eph. 4:3. The emphasis on fellowship within the local church underscores the need for unity built on love for Christ and for one another. The church body is to have unity of mind (1Peter3:8) as they eagerly seek to continue "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3). At the same time, the church is told to guard the truth (1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim.1:14), to contend earnestly for the purity of the faith (Jude 3), and to watch their life and doctrine closely (1 Tim. 4:16).