In what ways does Exodus 12:47 connect to New Testament teachings on church unity? A brief look at the verse “The whole congregation of Israel must celebrate it.” (Exodus 12:47) One assembly, one celebration • God gathers His people to act together, not as scattered individuals. • New Testament echoes: – Acts 2:44 – “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – 1 Corinthians 10:17 – “Because there is one loaf, we who are many are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf.” • The single, shared act of worship in Exodus foreshadows the unified worship of the church. Shared covenant identity • Passover marked Israel’s identity as God’s redeemed people. • In Christ, that covenant identity is fulfilled and expanded: – 1 Peter 2:9 – “You are a chosen people… a holy nation.” – Ephesians 4:4–5 – “There is one body and one Spirit… one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” • Unity is rooted not in preference but in belonging to the same covenant family. Purity and worthy participation • Only those circumcised and set apart could eat the Passover (Exodus 12:48). • The church preserves unity by guarding purity of doctrine and life: – 1 Corinthians 5:7–8 – “Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the feast… with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Keep away from the disorderly. • Biblical unity never compromises holiness; it thrives in it. Foreshadowing the Lord’s Supper • Passover → Christ’s sacrifice → Communion. • Jesus unites His people around Himself: – Luke 22:19–20 – “This is My body… this cup is the new covenant in My blood.” – 1 Corinthians 11:26 – “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” • Just as all Israel ate together, all believers proclaim the same gospel at the Table. Unity in diversity • In Exodus, every tribe and household participated; none were secondary. • The church welcomes every nation and background into one body: – Galatians 3:28 – “There is neither Jew nor Greek… you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Revelation 7:9 – A great multitude from every nation stands together before the Lamb. • Diversity displays—not diminishes—the unity Passover anticipated. Living the principle today • Guard the gospel; it is the basis of true oneness. • Prioritize gathered worship: unity is tangible when we assemble. • Celebrate the Lord’s Supper meaningfully; remember its Passover roots. • Pursue holiness together, encouraging and, when necessary, correcting one another in love (Hebrews 10:24–25). |
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