In the midst of much disunity over the past two thousand years, the Christian often longs for true unity amongst the brethren. Even among the orthodox, there is disunity. However, the True Church that consists of all believers from the beginning of mankind until now shall all one day sing unto the Lord with one voice of unity.
Doctrine does divide, but it also purifies the Church and prevents rank heresy from continuing unchecked in the Church. This was especially the case during the Reformation. There was an outward unity within Europe in the Roman Catholicism, but the core doctrines of salvation had been nearly abandoned over hundreds of years of papal rule.
Nevertheless, the remnant shall never be totally dissolved, for the gospel shined forth ever so brightly during the Reformation. The Sovereignty of God, Justification by Faith, and other key doctrines were reclaimed, and the gospel marched forward changing the lives of millions of people. Sadly, splintering did occur because of our inability to agree on doctrines like the Lord Supper, Baptism, and the role of the State. Even so, the gospel was propelled forth in an evangelistic explosion across the world.
In the growth of missionary enterprises we see that the Lord will accomplish his purposes in spite of conflicts amongst His people. His truth does march on, and His kingdom grows ever stronger even when it appears to be in turmoil and confusion.
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