The title of this article may seem odd. Why would there ever be a need for factions among those claiming to follow Christ? After all, Jesus prayed that His disciples might “all be one” (John 17:21). Paul admonished the Ephesians to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). Unity and harmony are desirable and ideal: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1).
Of course, we know from the above passages that there are times when there will not be a need for factions. At such times there must not be factions. Titus was told to “reject a factious man after the first and second warning” (Titus 3:10). One of the things “which the Lord hates” is “one who spreads strife among brothers” (Proverbs 6:16, 19). We should not be factious and stir up strife among God’s people. We are to “pursue the things which make for peace” (Romans 14:19).
While there are times when division is needless and wrong, there are other times when it is necessary. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “There must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become evident among you” (1 Corinthians 11:19). We should pursue and desire peace, harmony, and unity. But Paul told the brethren in Corinth that there were times when peace, harmony, and unity are wrong for there are times when there must be factions. How would we determine when such division is necessary?
Paul helped answer this question in his second letter to the Corinthians: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). When others continue in unbelief, lawlessness, and darkness, we must “come out from their midst and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17). Unity cannot continue. There must be division.
Of course, we must exercise a degree of patience with erring brethren. Just as the Lord gave Jezebel the prophetess “time to repent” (Revelation 2:21), we must allow time for others to study, learn, and accept the truth. But patience must not evolve into tolerance. The Lord’s patience ran out for Jezebel because she did “not want to repent of her immorality” (Revelation 2:21). When brethren become unwilling to study and want to continue in the path of darkness, the time for patience has ended.
Division is such an unpleasant thought, especially when we have to stand opposed to our family and friends. Nobody should desire division, but there are times when division is necessary. These situations can be difficult, but we need to remember that ultimately we are striving to remain loyal to Christ. This unwavering loyalty will result in division from those who refuse to accept Christ and His way. We must stand with Christ regardless of the consequences, even if it means losing our friends and family (Matthew 10:34-37).
What good can come from division? Paul said the factions were necessary “so that those who are approved may become evident among you” (1 Corinthians 11:19). The Lord wants there to be a clear distinction between His people and those of the world. Christians are “a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9). We are not to be “conformed to this world, but be transformed” (Romans 12:2). We are to “appear as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15). Do we stand out as being a special people, or do we blend in with the world around us? There must be a distinction so it is clear that we are standing with Christ.
