The fifth bullet of the second point in the Belhar states: "that this unity can be established only in freedom and not under constraint;"
I am wondering from a theological viewpoint whether this statement is Biblical? It seems to say that God cannot unify under constraint? Or maybe it is we humans who cannot unify under constraint? In either case it seems to me that we are limiting God, either working through His people to unify or directly himself. What am I missing?
I think I would be OK if the phrasing said that we must strive to establish this unity in freedom and not under constraint, but using the word 'only' in this case seems to limit what God can do. I have read through the Bible references at the end of the paragraph (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:1-11; Eph. 4:7-13; Gal. 3:27-28; James 2:1-13) but they do not seem to speak to the use of the word 'only'. I am looking for another opinion on this.
I apologize in advance if this topic has already been addressed. I was not able to find a thread that seemed to speak to this question. If there is something out there please point it out to me.
Thanks, Brad