Unity

The word “unity” is only used two times in the New Testament (Ephesians 4:3, 13). However, there are many places where the Bible speaks of unity in various contexts. Typically, the word “unity” brings to mind a joining of all churches under the banner of the name Jesus. Some kind of external unity that strips theological differences and sidelines doctrine. But this concept of unity is absolutely foreign to the Bible. Jesus’ high priestly prayer has often been misinterpreted to mean external unity among all churches. John 17:11, Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. And John 17:21, That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also so that the world may believe that You sent Me. These verses have nothing to do with denominations coming together in some sort of public show of unity, rather Jesus was speaking about spiritual unity in the entire body of Christ. The Father gave a people to Christ (John 17:6). Jesus gave His people the truth (John 17:8). As Jesus prays to the Father, He affirms the truth that none of His people will be lost (John 17:12). Therefore this is a prayer about the eternal security of God’s people. It is an interTrinitarian affirmation of the eternal decree to save a people eternally in Christ. True believers in Christ are one, no matter where they worship. They are redeemed by the same blood and going to the same heaven. So this prayer of Jesus was answered just like all of His prayers were answered. The world sees this in local churches that preach the whole council of God, glorify Christ as supreme and live sanctified lives. There are tens of thousands of local churches around the world living out exactly what Christ prayed for and being a witness that Christ has been sent by the Father. 

The unity spoken of by the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4, speaks of the practical characteristic of peace and harmony between the brethren. When the church is operating on all cylinders according to God’s Word, there will not only be an internal unity of the Spirit but an external unity as well. That is why Paul prayed so often for this external unity in the churches. Romans 15:5-6, 5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Over and over again the New Testament letters plead with the churches to be like-minded and in harmony (1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 1:27-2:2; Colossians 3:12-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:13). To be like-minded means to have to same attitude toward one another. It means sharing the same priorities and having a unified purpose. The purpose is to work together to share the Gospel, encourage each other in the faith and ultimately to glorify God. To be of one-mind is not saying believers must all have the same opinions or preferences, but it does mean believers will not judge others about their preferences. In fact, a sign of spiritual maturity is to be able to disagree on preferences and worship together in peace and joy.

The problem comes when believers, or “so-called” believers, in local churches cause division. When these kinds of people sow discord and backbite one another, the church suffers. If the church does not have strong biblical leadership and a mature congregation that will reject such factions and employ church discipline when serious sin is present, that church will come under the judgment of Christ. A congregation that loves and honors Christ will not tolerate those who break unity in the church. They will rally around God’s truth and support the purifying of the church. God is pleased with such action. The Psalmist said in Psalm 133:1, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!