Since members recognize “the church” by its obedient faith, they also know that “sons of disobedience” are outside the church.31 As Peter states so firmly,
…You shall listen to him [Christ] in whatever he tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people (Acts 3:22-23).32 M
Acts 3 serves as a sharp reminder: Christ not only unites, He also divides.33 “Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division” (Luke 12:51). To become a disciple requires complete loyalty to Jesus, loyalty far stronger than marriage and family ties.34 When loyalties split, then friends and families often split.35 Even Mary’s family in Nazareth was torn in this way for a while.36 This logic is not hard to understand:
The divine Son is unique. Therefore all in Him are unique.
They stand out as different because they must separate37 from worldly ways to become the Father’s “sons and daughters” (2 Corinthians 6:15-18; 7:1).
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not become partners with them… Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them (Ephesians 5:6-7,11).
Again this calls for us to understand unity. Jesus unites those who hear and follow Him – the faithful in Christ. Though He cares for all people, He neither saves nor unites people while they resist His will. He does not unify people in false religions, even if they claim to belong to Him.38
31. Ephesians 2:2; 5:6; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; Titus 1:16; 3:3; Hebrews 4:6,11; 1 Peter 2:8; 4:17
33. Research subject – Christ as the Divider: John 7:12,43; 9:16; 10:19; Acts 14:4; 1 Corinthians 11:19 e.g. Acts 19:23-40; cf. Matthew 13:49; 25:32
34. Luke 14:26-33; 18:28-30; Matthew 10:34-36; 12:46-50