Article - Is There a Pattern for Biblical Unity?
Many sincere, religious people believe that God does not care how you worship Him; - just as long as you worship Him with all your heart. They believe that there is no pattern for New Testament Christianity. Is this what God teaches in His Word (1 Peter 4:11)? The Greek word for our English word “pattern” is tupos and means “standard, pattern, form, example.” The inspired apostle Paul said, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern” (Philippians 3:17). God commanded Moses to make the tabernacle “according to the pattern that he had seen” (Acts 7:44). In relation to Moses, the writer of Hebrews also states, “See that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you in the mountain” (Hebrews 8:5). Not only was there a pattern for Moses, but there is also a pattern for us today. That pattern is found in the New Testament and must be followed in order to please God. “Hold the pattern of sounds words which you have heard from me” (2 Timothy 1:13; 2 John 1:9-11). The only way we can have true Biblical unity is by following the pattern set forth by the apostles in the New Testament (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 4:17; 7:17; 2 Timothy 2:2). Do not be among those who believe there is no pattern. Instead, be one of the few who follow the divine pattern (Matthew 7:14)! “Let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind” (Philippians 3:15; 1 Corinthians 1:10).
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