| "THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE" PRAYER BY JESUS IN JOHN 17 |
I. Definition
EPHESIANS 4:3-6,13-15. Unity herein means that which is "of the Spirit" (v.3).
Thus, it also means "one body, and one Spirit ... one hope ... one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God and Father ... " For the purpose of this writing unity shall not
refer to: civility in society; disposition in the home; or peace-seeking of the world.
Instead, under consideration is a spiritual unity that is "of the faith" and "of the
knowledge of the Son of God” EPHESIANS 4:13.
Thus, it also means "one body, and one Spirit ... one hope ... one Lord, one faith,
one baptism, one God and Father ... " For the purpose of this writing unity shall not
refer to: civility in society; disposition in the home; or peace-seeking of the world.
Instead, under consideration is a spiritual unity that is "of the faith" and "of the
knowledge of the Son of God” EPHESIANS 4:13.
The problem of mankind is sin, ROMANS 1:16-32. Rather than be honest, be
saved, and be in unity, many instead sin, cover up with human traditions, and
continue to divide. This has led to hatred and bloodshed. Cain killed his brother
Abel, after separating himself from God by not repenting of his false worship,
GENESIS 4:1-8. When God came to him, Cain tried to justify his wrongdoing with
an impudent question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” GENESIS 4:9. Likewise
today, false worship and false religion are used to cover up the disunity under
which people live. “Ecumenical" is not unity, but is a conglomeration of divisions.
When people are sober minded about Christ, they will seek and find scriptural
unity, PHILIPP. 2:1-12.
saved, and be in unity, many instead sin, cover up with human traditions, and
continue to divide. This has led to hatred and bloodshed. Cain killed his brother
Abel, after separating himself from God by not repenting of his false worship,
GENESIS 4:1-8. When God came to him, Cain tried to justify his wrongdoing with
an impudent question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” GENESIS 4:9. Likewise
today, false worship and false religion are used to cover up the disunity under
which people live. “Ecumenical" is not unity, but is a conglomeration of divisions.
When people are sober minded about Christ, they will seek and find scriptural
unity, PHILIPP. 2:1-12.
III. God's Solution
The word "religion" comes from two words: Re = back, and Lego = bind. It literally
means "to bind back." Religion is the means by which man who has sinned may
be forgiven and be bound back to Holy God. Sins separate man from God, ISAIAH
59:1-2. Christ is the only way to get back to the Father, MATTHEW 17:1-5; JOHN
14:6. Obeying God's commands is better than a lifetime of vain sacrifices, 1
SAMUEL 15:22. Those who reject doing the word of Christ are the cause of wars,
fights, lusts, unanswered prayers, adultery, whoredoms, worldliness, and
denominationalism. When souls do what is good and required, the result is
justice, mercy and humility, MICAH 6:8; JAMES 3:17,18. We must go through
Christ to be reconciled to God, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-21. God is not willing for any
to perish, but is eager to save those who repent of sin and wrongdoing, 2 PETER
3:9.
means "to bind back." Religion is the means by which man who has sinned may
be forgiven and be bound back to Holy God. Sins separate man from God, ISAIAH
59:1-2. Christ is the only way to get back to the Father, MATTHEW 17:1-5; JOHN
14:6. Obeying God's commands is better than a lifetime of vain sacrifices, 1
SAMUEL 15:22. Those who reject doing the word of Christ are the cause of wars,
fights, lusts, unanswered prayers, adultery, whoredoms, worldliness, and
denominationalism. When souls do what is good and required, the result is
justice, mercy and humility, MICAH 6:8; JAMES 3:17,18. We must go through
Christ to be reconciled to God, 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18-21. God is not willing for any
to perish, but is eager to save those who repent of sin and wrongdoing, 2 PETER
3:9.
IV. Spiritual Wickedness
Read EPHESIANS 6:10-17. "For wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places." What makes spiritual wickedness
wicked?
First of all, because it is in "high places," many people will not question it or prove
it,and will accept it even though it is a lie, JOHN 8:44. Second, because it is
“spiritual”, or of a religious tone, many people will assume it is biblical, when it is
not, 1 CORINTHIANS 14:37-38. There is so much spiritual wickedness in the world
because people follow what looks, feels, and seems okay, rather than proving
what is good. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death” PROVERBS 14:12. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good” 1 THESSALONIANS 5:21.
Finally, spiritual wickedness is wicked because it comes from the subtlety of the
devil (GENESIS 3:1; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3), who camouflages his deceptions to
hide that it is that spirit of antichrist, 1 JOHN 4:1-6.
principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world,
against spiritual wickedness in high places." What makes spiritual wickedness
wicked?
First of all, because it is in "high places," many people will not question it or prove
it,and will accept it even though it is a lie, JOHN 8:44. Second, because it is
“spiritual”, or of a religious tone, many people will assume it is biblical, when it is
not, 1 CORINTHIANS 14:37-38. There is so much spiritual wickedness in the world
because people follow what looks, feels, and seems okay, rather than proving
what is good. “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof
are the ways of death” PROVERBS 14:12. “Prove all things; hold fast that which is
good” 1 THESSALONIANS 5:21.
Finally, spiritual wickedness is wicked because it comes from the subtlety of the
devil (GENESIS 3:1; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3), who camouflages his deceptions to
hide that it is that spirit of antichrist, 1 JOHN 4:1-6.
Galatians 3:26-29 says that those who were Jew, Greek, bond, free, male and
female, if "in Christ" are "all one." Not 2 0r 20 or 200 or 2000 or 20000, but one.
The cynics say "It will never happen." Satan fills the earth with cults and sects which
make confusing false claims to be the true way. Then the devil accuses those who
follow the truth on being one (REVELATION 12:10). The issue is not what man
sees. The question is, Am I part of the solution, or am I part of the problem? "For
we walk by faith, not by sight," 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7. Many in the confusion do not
even seek to find the oneness. Most who profess Christ do not even believe in
oneness.
God is glorified when the followers of Christ are one. In JOHN 17:20-21, Jesus
said: “Neither pray I for these [apostles] alone, but for them [Christians] also
which shall believe on Me through their [apostles’] word; That they all may
be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one
in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent Me.” As Jesus prayed,
"That they all may be one."
female, if "in Christ" are "all one." Not 2 0r 20 or 200 or 2000 or 20000, but one.
The cynics say "It will never happen." Satan fills the earth with cults and sects which
make confusing false claims to be the true way. Then the devil accuses those who
follow the truth on being one (REVELATION 12:10). The issue is not what man
sees. The question is, Am I part of the solution, or am I part of the problem? "For
we walk by faith, not by sight," 2 CORINTHIANS 5:7. Many in the confusion do not
even seek to find the oneness. Most who profess Christ do not even believe in
oneness.
God is glorified when the followers of Christ are one. In JOHN 17:20-21, Jesus
said: “Neither pray I for these [apostles] alone, but for them [Christians] also
which shall believe on Me through their [apostles’] word; That they all may
be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one
in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent Me.” As Jesus prayed,
"That they all may be one."
Unity is oneness. "Whosoever will" (REVELATION 22:17) is invited to this unity. It
means to "all speak the same thing" and that "there be no divisions among you," 1
CORINTHIANS 1:10-13. Philosophies of men say things like "agree to disagree
and twist scriptures to support denominationalism. Interdenominationalism means
to accept any, but this is not the unity of God, 2 JOHN 1:9-11. Likewise,
ecumenical appeals to patriotism and emotionalism to put an umbrella over
everyone, but there is no authority to do so in the gospel. Unity is not a comprmise
with error. Yes there is freedom in unity, but it is based in truth: JOHN 17:17; JOHN
8:32; EPHESIANS 4:13-15.
means to "all speak the same thing" and that "there be no divisions among you," 1
CORINTHIANS 1:10-13. Philosophies of men say things like "agree to disagree
and twist scriptures to support denominationalism. Interdenominationalism means
to accept any, but this is not the unity of God, 2 JOHN 1:9-11. Likewise,
ecumenical appeals to patriotism and emotionalism to put an umbrella over
everyone, but there is no authority to do so in the gospel. Unity is not a comprmise
with error. Yes there is freedom in unity, but it is based in truth: JOHN 17:17; JOHN
8:32; EPHESIANS 4:13-15.
By inspiration of scripture (2 TIMOTHY 3:16-17), Paul wrote Romans to make
those hearers into Christians (ACTS 11:26). Never was there any command to be
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Denominational, or Sectarian, because those man-
named classifications prevent souls from enjoying the unity of salvation in Christ.
“Denomination” is a man-made name given to a schism built on a personality, or
teaching, or system of beliefs from men. Nevertheless, Christ and Christian and
church of Christ are divine names (Acts 4:10-12; Acts 11:26; Isaiah 62:2). “Salute
one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you”, ROM. 16:16.
those hearers into Christians (ACTS 11:26). Never was there any command to be
Roman Catholic, Protestant, Denominational, or Sectarian, because those man-
named classifications prevent souls from enjoying the unity of salvation in Christ.
“Denomination” is a man-made name given to a schism built on a personality, or
teaching, or system of beliefs from men. Nevertheless, Christ and Christian and
church of Christ are divine names (Acts 4:10-12; Acts 11:26; Isaiah 62:2). “Salute
one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you”, ROM. 16:16.
VI. Division That Is Necessary
Read Luke 12:51-53. Jesus is the Prince of Peace ( ISAIAH 9:6) so He brought
peace. But LUKE 12:51-53 shows the paradoxical flip side of the coin. That is, if
persons refuse to do the word of Christ, they divide themselves from God's
fellowship. For a time God has mercy on their soul, but disobedient people forsake
peace and unity with God by their own unbelief. 2 JOHN 9-11; MATTHEW 7:21-23.
That is why in ACTS 13:46, Paul told those who contradicted and blasphemed that
they "judge yourselves unworthy of ever;lasting life..." By rejecting the gospel, they
were judging themselves. They were also dividing themselves from the believers. It
was not because unity was out of their reach. It was because they rejected it. And it
even tells us why. When those particular Jews saw the multitudes going to hear the
word, “they were filled with envy” (13:45). They put their own earthly prestige above
unity with heaven. That is why they were divided away from the unity of God. When
people reject the gospel truth, they reject unity. No amount of “good words and fair
speeches” (ROMANS 16:18) unifies. A lot of division in the world is made
necessary when many put self above truth and unity.
peace. But LUKE 12:51-53 shows the paradoxical flip side of the coin. That is, if
persons refuse to do the word of Christ, they divide themselves from God's
fellowship. For a time God has mercy on their soul, but disobedient people forsake
peace and unity with God by their own unbelief. 2 JOHN 9-11; MATTHEW 7:21-23.
That is why in ACTS 13:46, Paul told those who contradicted and blasphemed that
they "judge yourselves unworthy of ever;lasting life..." By rejecting the gospel, they
were judging themselves. They were also dividing themselves from the believers. It
was not because unity was out of their reach. It was because they rejected it. And it
even tells us why. When those particular Jews saw the multitudes going to hear the
word, “they were filled with envy” (13:45). They put their own earthly prestige above
unity with heaven. That is why they were divided away from the unity of God. When
people reject the gospel truth, they reject unity. No amount of “good words and fair
speeches” (ROMANS 16:18) unifies. A lot of division in the world is made
necessary when many put self above truth and unity.
VII. Conclusion
Read ROMANS 15:6 and PHILIPPIANS 2:5. Having the mind of Christ is
necessary for spiritual unity. Without Christ and His mind, man's ways and thoughts
will never achieve unity (ISAIAH 55:8-9). God the Father and Christ the Word and
are one, JOHN 10:30. Since the beginning, many have been unwilling to walk with
God.
Read 1 PETER 4:11. This verse must be the magna carta of the unity of the faith of
Christians. It is the antidote to confusion, division, error, and opinionated
impudence. Spiritually blind and ignorant persons continually run off at the mouth,
causing an epidemic loss against healthy unity. Nevertheless, God gave the
gospel of Christ, so that “open sepulcher” throats, and deceitful tongues, may “be
stopped” (ROMANS 3:13-19). Then, when we do speak according to the word of
God, then that is when we may "with one mind and one mouth glorify God."
necessary for spiritual unity. Without Christ and His mind, man's ways and thoughts
will never achieve unity (ISAIAH 55:8-9). God the Father and Christ the Word and
are one, JOHN 10:30. Since the beginning, many have been unwilling to walk with
God.
Read 1 PETER 4:11. This verse must be the magna carta of the unity of the faith of
Christians. It is the antidote to confusion, division, error, and opinionated
impudence. Spiritually blind and ignorant persons continually run off at the mouth,
causing an epidemic loss against healthy unity. Nevertheless, God gave the
gospel of Christ, so that “open sepulcher” throats, and deceitful tongues, may “be
stopped” (ROMANS 3:13-19). Then, when we do speak according to the word of
God, then that is when we may "with one mind and one mouth glorify God."
Judgment Day for self depends not on the world's problems, but whether self is
part of the solution. This was determined by Jesus being everlasting, His virgin
birth, sinless life, atoning death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and crowning.
Isaiah 9:6-7 & Philippians 2:1-12.
part of the solution. This was determined by Jesus being everlasting, His virgin
birth, sinless life, atoning death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and crowning.
Isaiah 9:6-7 & Philippians 2:1-12.
OvercomingSelf.net
Help Your Self article #30
| God is glorified when followers of Christ are one. John 17:20-21. Neither pray I for them [Christians] also which shall believe on Me through their word; that they all may be one, as thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent Me.” |
II. Man's Problem
V. One