Jump to: Topical • ISBE • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Unity, in the biblical context, refers to the state of being one or in harmony with others, particularly within the body of Christ. It is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of believers being united in faith, purpose, and love. Unity is seen as a reflection of the divine nature and a testament to the world of God's love and truth. Biblical Foundations The concept of unity is rooted in the nature of God Himself, who is one (Deuteronomy 6:4). The unity of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—serves as the ultimate model for Christian unity. Jesus prayed for this unity among His followers in John 17:21, saying, "that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." Unity in the Church The New Testament frequently addresses the importance of unity within the church. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, often exhorts believers to maintain unity. In Ephesians 4:3-6, he writes, "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." Unity and Diversity While unity is essential, it does not imply uniformity. The body of Christ is diverse, with different gifts and functions, yet it is called to operate in harmony. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, Paul explains, "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink. For the body does not consist of one part, but of many." Unity and Love Love is the binding force of unity. Colossians 3:14 states, "And over all these virtues put on love, which is the bond of perfect unity." Love fosters patience, kindness, and forgiveness, which are essential for maintaining unity among believers. Unity and Witness The unity of believers serves as a powerful witness to the world. Jesus indicated that the unity of His followers would demonstrate to the world that He was sent by the Father (John 17:23). The early church's unity, as described in Acts 2:42-47, was marked by shared teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, which led to the growth of the church and favor with all people. Challenges to Unity Despite its importance, unity is often challenged by divisions, disagreements, and false teachings. Paul warns against divisions in 1 Corinthians 1:10, urging believers to "agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought." Pursuing Unity Believers are called to actively pursue unity. This involves humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love (Ephesians 4:2). It requires a commitment to truth and a willingness to reconcile differences for the sake of the gospel. Conclusion Unity is a divine mandate and a reflection of God's character. It is essential for the health and mission of the church, requiring intentional effort and reliance on the Holy Spirit to achieve and maintain. Topical Bible Verses 1 Peter 3:8Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous: Topicalbible.org Philippians 2:2 1 Corinthians 1:10 Ephesians 4:3 Acts 4:32 Romans 15:6 Psalm 133:1 Philippians 1:27 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The state of being one; oneness.2. (n.) Concord; harmony; conjunction; agreement; uniformity; as, a unity of proofs; unity of doctrine. 3. (n.) Any definite quantity, or aggregate of quantities or magnitudes taken as one, or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation; thus, in a table of natural sines, the radius of the circle is regarded as unity. 4. (n.) In dramatic composition, one of the principles by which a uniform tenor of story and propriety of representation are preserved; conformity in a composition to these; in oratory, discourse, etc., the due subordination and reference of every part to the development of the leading idea or the establishment of the main proposition. 5. (n.) Such a combination of parts as to constitute a whole, or a kind of symmetry of style and character. 6. (n.) The peculiar characteristics of an estate held by several in joint tenancy. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia UNITYu'-ni-ti: Psalm 133:1 for (yachadh, "unitedness," and Ephesians 4:3, 13 for henotes "oneness." Also Sirach 25:1 the King James Version for homonoia "concord" (so the Revised Version (British and American)). Greek 1775. henotes -- to adjure ... to adjure. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: henotes Phonetic Spelling: (hen-ot-ace') Short Definition: oneness, unity Definition: oneness, unity ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1775.htm - 6k 1775b. henotes -- oneness, ie unanimity 4875. sunanapauomai -- to lie down to rest with, fig. to be ... 1520. heis -- one 228. alethinos -- true. 3661. homothumadon -- with one mind 4886. sundesmos -- that which binds together, ie a bond 3675. homophron -- agreeing Strong's Hebrew 3189. Yachath -- "He will snatch up," the name of several ...... NASB Word Usage Jahath (8). Jahath. From yachad; unity; Jachath, the name of four Israelites -- Jahath. see HEBREW yachad. 3188, 3189. Yachath. 3190 . ... /hebrew/3189.htm - 6k 3163. Yachdo -- a Gileadite 3164. Yachdiy'el -- together 3165. Yechdeyahu -- "may Yah give joy," two Israelites 3162. yachad -- unitedness 161. Ohad -- an Israelite Library The Threefold Unity Christian Unity A Prayer for Unity. Whether the Craving for Unity is a Cause of Sorrow? Unity and Peace. That the Unity of the Essence of the Father and the Son is to be ... Of a Three-Fold Unity which is in us by Nature Efforts at Unity and Peace. On the Unity and Trinity of God The Lord's Prayer for Unity. Thesaurus Unity (9 Occurrences)... 1. (n.) The state of being one; oneness. 2. (n.) Concord; harmony; conjunction; agreement; uniformity; as, a unity of proofs; unity of doctrine. ...UNITY. ... /u/unity.htm - 10k Inspiration (4 Occurrences) Ezra-nehemiah Ezranehemiah Fellowship (114 Occurrences) Apostles (79 Occurrences) Prayers (99 Occurrences) Quotations Acts (271 Occurrences) Jehovah (20094 Occurrences) Resources Marital Unity ' Article Index | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the National Council of Churches? | GotQuestions.org Is ecumenism biblical? Should a Christian be involved in the ecumenical movement (ecumenicalism)? | GotQuestions.org Unity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Unity (9 Occurrences)John 17:23 Romans 15:5 Ephesians 4:3 Ephesians 4:13 Colossians 3:14 1 Peter 3:8 2 Chronicles 30:12 Psalms 133:1 Zechariah 11:14 Subtopics Unity of God: A Ground for Loving Him Supremely Unity of God: A Ground for Obeying Him Exclusively Unity of God: All Saints Acknowledge, in Worshipping Him Unity of God: All should Know and Acknowledge Unity of God: Asserted by Apostles Unity of God: Asserted by Christ Unity of God: Asserted by God Himself Unity of God: Asserted by Moses Unity of God: Consistent With the Deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being Alone Good Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being Alone Possessed of Fore-Knowledge Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Only Saviour Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Only Source of Pardon Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Sole Object of Worship in Heaven and Earth Unity of God: Exhibited in His Exercise of Uncontrolled Sovereignty Unity of God: Exhibited in His Greatness and Wonderful Works Unity of God: Exhibited in His Unparalleled Election and Care of his People Unity of God: Exhibited in His Works of Creation and Providence Unity of God: May be Acknowledged Without Saving Faith Unity of God: The Knowledge of, Necessary to Eternal Life Related Terms |
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