Dictionary of Biblical Words:
See SCRIPTURE.—The general name for the sacred and inspired writings known to us as the Bible. They are referred to by the Lord in Matt. 21:42; 26:54, &c., &c., and also by the Apostles, Rom. 1:2; 15:4. They are definitely said to be given by inspiration (2 Tim. 3:16), and are called the oracles of God (Rom. 3:2). They are able to make wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15), and are profitable for doctrine and practice (2 Tim. 3:16, 17); they are written for our instruction (Rom. 15:4). Ignorance of them is a source of error (Matt. 22:29). We understand them by the Spirit (John 16:13; 1 Cor. 2:10-14). They are the resource in the last times (Acts 20:32). They are to be received with meekness (James 1:21) as the Word of God (1 Thess. 2:13), searched daily (Acts 17:11), laid up in the heart (Deut. 2:18), obeyed (Matt. 12:24; Luke 11:28) and used as a sword (Eph. 6:11, 17).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
The word is rendered “divisions” in 1 Corinthians 1:10, etc., and refers to divisions caused by parties in the church. In view of the unity of the Spirit, schism cannot be regarded in any other light than as sin. The unity contemplated in the church was not merely that of being gathered together in assembly. The Corinthians were exhorted: “That ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions [schisms] among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 11:18; 1 Cor. 12:25). The modern ideas of agreeing “to differ,” or of “unity only in essentials,” are not found in scripture, but the contrary. At Philippi the saints were exhorted to walk by the same rule, to mind the same thing; and then is added “If in anything ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you” (Phil. 3:15). The “unity of the Spirit” cannot be lightly disregarded. Christians are exhorted to use diligence to keep it in the uniting bond of peace (Eph. 4:3). There are different lines of ministry, as is manifest in the apostles Paul and John, but all true ministry tends to one end—Christ; and hence such differences in no way clash with the unity of the Spirit. See HERESY.
From Anstey’s Doctrinal Definitions:
A “schism” is an inward split or rift among Christians (1 Cor. 11:18 – marginal reading in the KJV). Those involved in a schism will still meet outwardly with those with whom they differ, but probably unhappily (Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 1:10; 3:3; 11:18). This was the case with the Corinthians. The Apostle Paul warned them that if schisms existed, and were not dealt with and judged as evil, “there must also be heresies” that would grow out of those schisms (1 Cor. 11:18-19). Hence, an inward split left unjudged will develop into an outward split. (See Heresy.)
In Romans 16:17, Paul says, “Mark them which cause divisions and offences [occasions of stumbling]” contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” This refers to those who cause these inward rifts among the saints. Those who “cause” divisions are the leaders or instigators, not those who simply follow in a movement. Thus, we are to distinguish the leaders from those led astray in these issues. We are to “avoid” the leaders, but reach out and try to help those who are being drawn away in a divisive movement.
Paul says that the means by which these divisive workers get a following is through “good words and fair speeches,” and the kind of people who are deceived by them are those who are “simple” and “unsuspecting” (Rom. 16:18). Absalom is a type of a divisive man in the assembly (2 Sam. 15-18). He drew ones after himself, who “in their simplicity,” “knew not anything” (2 Sam. 15:11). His method was to agree with those who had a complaint, and to kiss them. The result was that he “stole the hearts of the men of Israel” (2 Sam. 15:1-6). The forming of his party didn’t happen overnight; it took “four years” (2 Sam. 15:7). (The KJV says “forty,” but it is apparently a Hebrew copyist’s mistake.) Slowly but surely, Absalom swung many in Israel after himself and the result was division in Israel.