What is religious unity?
Introduction. Religious unity is a commandment: "Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4: 3). David declared the value of unity when he wrote, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Ps. 133: 1).
Unity is oneness. "Unity" is from henotes, "from hen, the neuter of heis, one..." (Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Jesus prayed for the oneness or unity of his followers: "that they all may be one.." (John 17: 21). Jesus showed how they were to be one, "...as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee..." Jesus also showed why, "...that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Hence, disunity is a major cause of infidelity.
The nature and degree of unity. "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment," Paul enjoined (1 Cor. 1: 10). The command to be united is based on Jesus' authority ("by the name of ...Jesus"). Christians are to speak the same thing (all teach the doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9-11, 1 Pet. 4: 11). Division is indicative of not speaking and practicing the same: hence, not being one minded. Division is a serious matter. Those who cause division among God's people are to be marked and avoided (Rom. 16: 17).
Religious unity, then, is when God's people abide in Jesus' teaching. The mutual understanding and teaching of God's word (handling aright, 2 Tim. 2: 15) is unity. Unity is not political or hypocritical (lip service). Unity is not ecumenical, agreeing to disagree! When all believe and practice the word of God, there is automatically unity enjoyed.
Unity is oneness. "Unity" is from henotes, "from hen, the neuter of heis, one..." (Vines Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Jesus prayed for the oneness or unity of his followers: "that they all may be one.." (John 17: 21). Jesus showed how they were to be one, "...as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee..." Jesus also showed why, "...that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." Hence, disunity is a major cause of infidelity.
The nature and degree of unity. "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment," Paul enjoined (1 Cor. 1: 10). The command to be united is based on Jesus' authority ("by the name of ...Jesus"). Christians are to speak the same thing (all teach the doctrine of Christ, 2 John 9-11, 1 Pet. 4: 11). Division is indicative of not speaking and practicing the same: hence, not being one minded. Division is a serious matter. Those who cause division among God's people are to be marked and avoided (Rom. 16: 17).
Religious unity, then, is when God's people abide in Jesus' teaching. The mutual understanding and teaching of God's word (handling aright, 2 Tim. 2: 15) is unity. Unity is not political or hypocritical (lip service). Unity is not ecumenical, agreeing to disagree! When all believe and practice the word of God, there is automatically unity enjoyed.