What does the Bible say about divisions in the church?

In Romans 16:17, the Apostle Paul instructs the church to mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine they have learned, urging believers to avoid them. This exhortation underscores the importance of unity in the faith and warns against false teachings that can disrupt the harmony of the body of Christ. The presence of divisions within the church is seen as a serious threat to the spiritual health of the congregation, which must be safeguarded by adhering to the truth of God's Word.