God Blesses Purity of Conduct and Teachings

Christian unity  is the eighth requirement of true worship.  However, Christendom's divisive religions have not helped to this end.  Many so-called mainstream denominations have splintered into a variety of sects, and confusion is the result.  Take, for example, the Baptist religion in the United States, which is split between Northern Baptists (American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A.) and Southern Baptists (Southern Baptist  Convention),  as well as dozens of other Baptist groups that have resulted from schisms.  (W0rld Christians Encyclopedia, page 714)  Many divisions have sprung from differences of doctrine or church government (for example, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Congregational).  The divisions of Christendom are paralleled by those of religions outside Christendom-whether Buddhism, Islam, or Hinduism.  What did the apostle Paul counsel the early Christians?  "Now I exhort you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among you, but that you may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought." -1 Corinthians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 13:11.

What is a ninth requirement for religion approved by God? A Bible principle is expressed at Leviticus 11:45:  "You must prove yourselves holy, because I am holy."  The apostle Peter repeated this requirement when he wrote:  "In accord with the Holy One who called you, do  you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct." -1 Peter 1:15.

What is implied in this need to be holy?  That Jehovah's worshipers should be spiritually and morally clean.  (2 Peter 3:14)  There is no room for unrepentant deliberate sinners, who by their conduct show disdain for Christ's ransom  sacrifice.  (Hebrews 6:4-6 Jehovah requires that the Christian congregation be kept clean and holy.  How is that accomplished?  in part by the judicial process of disfellowshipping those who would taint the congregation. - 1 Corinthians 5:9-13.  (This is true, I have seen it myself. They are allowed to come back in until they show true sincere repentance of their sin)

Before knowing Christian truth, many lived dissolute, hedonistic, self-centered lives.  But the word about the Christ changed them, and they have obtained forgiveness for their sins.   Paul expressed it forcibly when he wrote:  "What! do you not know that unrighteous persons will not inherit God's kingdom? Do no be misled. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, no men kept for unnatural purposes  nor men who lie with men, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit God's kingdom.  And yet that is what some of you were.  But you have been washed clean." - 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.

It is evident that Jehovah approves of those who repent (sincerely from their heart, he will know if you are sincere from the heart)  of their unscriptural conduct, turn around, and become true followers of Christ and his teachings.  They truly love their neighbors as themselves and show it in many ways, such as by persisting in a ministry that offers the message of life to all who would hear. - 2 Timothy 4:5.

Next time: "The Truth Will Set You Free"

The Watchtower, 1996