Topical Encyclopedia The desire of Christ for unity among His followers is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting His heart for harmony and oneness within the body of believers. This desire is most explicitly articulated in Jesus' High Priestly Prayer, recorded in the Gospel of John.John 17:20-23 : In this passage, Jesus prays, "I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one—I in them and You in Me—that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me." This prayer reveals Christ's profound desire for His followers to experience a unity that mirrors the perfect unity between the Father and the Son. The purpose of this unity is not only for the benefit of the believers themselves but also as a testimony to the world of the divine mission and love of Christ. 1 Corinthians 1:10 : The Apostle Paul echoes this call for unity in his letters to the early churches. He writes to the Corinthians, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Paul's exhortation underscores the importance of unity in the church, urging believers to set aside differences and to be of one mind and purpose. This unity is not merely organizational but is rooted in shared convictions and a common commitment to the teachings of Christ. Ephesians 4:3-6 : Paul further instructs the church in Ephesus to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." Here, the unity of the Spirit is presented as a divine reality that believers are called to maintain. The oneness of the body of Christ is grounded in the shared faith and the singularity of God, emphasizing that divisions are contrary to the very nature of the Christian faith. Philippians 2:1-2 : Paul also writes to the Philippians, "Therefore if you have any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being united in spirit and purpose." This passage highlights the relational aspect of unity, calling believers to be like-minded and to share in the love and purpose that comes from their relationship with Christ. The unity desired by Christ is characterized by mutual love, shared purpose, and a collective pursuit of His mission. Romans 16:17 : Paul warns the Roman church, "Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them." This admonition serves as a reminder that divisions within the church are often the result of teachings and behaviors that deviate from the apostolic doctrine. Believers are called to be vigilant against such divisive influences and to uphold the teachings of Christ and the apostles. The desire of Christ for unity among His followers is a foundational aspect of His teaching and mission. It is a call to reflect the divine unity of the Godhead and to serve as a witness to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 17:21-23That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Christ, to Perform the Office of Mediator, Behoved to Become Man. Objections to General Synod. The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ... Fourteenth Sunday after Trinity Works of the Flesh and Fruits of ... The Essential Unity of the Kingdom. The Desire of the Righteous Granted; Anxious Care P??dobaptism. Its Accordance with the Institution of Christ, and ... Toleration Refutation of the Calumnies by which it is Attempted to Throw ... Resources Are there different religions within the Christian faith? | GotQuestions.orgIs there supposed to be only one church? | GotQuestions.org What is metaethics? | GotQuestions.org Divisions: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Divisions are Contrary to The: Desire of Christ Divisions are Contrary to The: Purpose of Christ Divisions are Contrary to The: Spirit of the Church Divisions are Contrary to The: Unity of Christ Divisions are Proof of a Carnal Spirit Divisions: Avoid Those Who Cause Divisions: Condemned in the Church Divisions: Evil of, Illustrated Divisions: Forbidden in the Church Divisions: Unbecoming in the Church Related Terms Responsibilities (5 Occurrences) Sela-hammahlekoth (1 Occurrence) |
    |