Unity In Christ
In one of His last recorded prayers, Jesus asked the Father three times that believers be one (see John 17:11, 21-22).
This oneness is expressed further by Paul in Ephesians 4. There are several aspects to our unity as believers:
One body. God adopts people into His family without regard for race, gender or denomination. Faith in Jesus Christ is the only qualification. Everything that divides human beings is insignificant (Gal. 3:28).
One Spirit. All Christians are indwelt by the Holy Spirit when they put their faith in Christ. Believers may look different from one another on the outside, but we all have the third member of the Trinity to empower and guide us.
One hope. As believers, we share in a common hope—the return of the Messiah and a future life in heaven with Him.
One Lord. Jesus’s lordship extends over all believers. We are to acknowledge and submit to His authority in every area of life.
One faith. Believers are united in one faith: Jesus is God incarnate, born of a virgin. He lived a sinless life, died in our place, rose from the dead, ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. Reconciliation with God is possible only through faith in the saving work of Christ. We can do nothing to earn our own salvation.
The children of God share a lot in common. Our unity is stronger than any bond that unbelievers can have, and we should not allow it to be broken for insignificant reasons. Let us remember what we share with other believers and remain united in Christ.