THE THIRTEENTH SDA FUNDAMENTAL BELIEFS

13. UNITY IN THE BODY OF CHRIST
The church is one body with many members, called from every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, and differences between high and low, rich and poor, male and female, must not be divisive among us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation.
One of God’s gifts to his church is unity.
ØJust as the Father, Son, and Spirit are one, so should the members of the church be united. John 17:20 – 23
ØAs God’s children we are a united family. Ephesians 4:1-6
  Despite their widely varied backgrounds, Christians are a new creation and are united in full equality in Christ.
ØNo matter what we are like before we  accepted Christ , we become part of  one body in Him. Romans 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:12-14
ØThere are no class distinctions in God’s sight. 2 Cor 5:16-17; Acts 17:26-27
ØLove toward one another should characterize the members of Christ’s body. John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:14
ØIn Christ all class distinctions dissolve and we become one people; joint heirs of God’s promises to Abraham. Galatians 3:27-29