Unity

Webster's 1828 dictionary describes unity this way:  In Christian theology, oneness of 

            sentiment, affection or behavior.

Strong's greek lexicon defines unity as:  'henotēs' – which means unity, unanimity, 

            agreement.

This above greek word stems from a root word:   'heis' – which means one, 

            or (as one).

Ephesians 4 (NASB)

⁷ But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. ⁸ Therefore it says,

“When He ascended on high,

He led captive a host of captives,

And He gave gifts to men.”

⁹ (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? ¹⁰ He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.) ¹¹ And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, ¹² for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; ¹³ until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.

There is a great mystery revealed in the bible concerning unity. Most of the chapter in Ephesians 5: 15-32 is about unity, and building covenant relationship with other believers and between husbands and wives.  The mystery of which I speak is specifically mentioned in verse 31 where Paul takes the thought all the way back to book of Genesis.  Two becoming One, That is at the heart of unity.  Christ in us.

Ephesians 5 (NIRV)

³¹ Scripture says, “That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife. The two will become one.” (Genesis 2:24)  ³² That is a deep mystery. But I’m talking about Christ and the church.

If I were to say that we could unify the Church in our own efforts, through programs and strategic planning it would lead to a dismal failure, and we would become no more than a social club for fraternity with no power or the life of God in it.  There is nothing in our own human efforts or desires which brings glory to God.  Jesus is the only one who can bring unity to the Church and to our individual or corporate relationships, Jesus needs to fill us that we might see that happen.  Jesus is the servant of all, that fact has never changed.  He calls us to be His willing vessels who are His hands and feet on the ground as He works in and through us, that is if we are surrendered to His bidding.

A life which is poured out before the Lord is precious to Him, it is this type of surrender which provokes God’s heart to respond in tangible and practical ways for our good.  We have all the resources of Heaven at our disposal, all that Jesus would ask of us is to let Him take our bodies and fill us with Himself so that He could accomplish what He set out to do, and that is to build His church.

Matthew 16:15-18 (NIRV)

¹⁵ “But what about you?” he [Jesus] asked. “Who do you say I am?”

¹⁶ Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ. You are the Son of the living God.”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Blessed are you, Simon, son of Jonah! No mere man showed this to you. My Father in heaven showed it to you. ¹⁸ Here is what I tell you. You are Peter. On this rock I will build my church. The gates of hell will not be strong enough to destroy it.

Peter’s full name is ‘Simon Peter’.  Many others focus on the name Peter being translated ‘rock’ or ‘stone’ as being the primary focus of what Jesus was saying, that is correct, but that is only part of of the story.  Jesus said that Simon, son of Jonah was blessed, why was he blessed?  I believe the name Simon holds the answer.  The translation of the name Simon has a far greater meaning than meets the eye.  Strong’s greek lexicon states that the greek name for Simon is - 'Shim`own' which being interpreted is 'heard'.  Peter heard the voice of the Father reveal Jesus, “You are the Christ. You are the Son of the living God.”  It was his confession, and the stated purpose of his name.

Unity must first come from within us, it has to be a work that is initiated by Jesus Himself.  The revelation that came to Peter about Jesus is a perfect example.  It is the revelation of God which reveals Jesus.  And “…On this rock I will build my Church” who is going to build the church?  Jesus was speaking in the first person, present tense.  He is going to do it!   How?  That is the mystery which has been hidden for generations that Paul spoke of.

Colossians 1:24-27 (NIRV)

²⁴ I am happy because of what was suffered for you. And in my body I fill up my share in Christ’s sufferings. I do it for his body, which is the church. ²⁵ I serve the church. God appointed me to bring all of his word to you.

²⁶ That word contains the mystery that has been hidden for many ages. But now it has been made known to God’s people. ²⁷ God has chosen to make known to them the glorious riches of that mystery. He has made it known among those who aren’t Jews. And here is what it is. Christ is in you. He is your hope of glory.

Jesus living in you accomplishing His work, bringing unity of the faith.  Jesus building His church by filling us with Himself.  This happens because we are in unity with Jesus, we are one, and as a corporate body where we function in unity and purpose as one.  Christ is in you, He is your hope of glory.  

Jesus' life and crosswork was for a distinct purpose, (Ephesians 4: 9-10) '...that He might fill all things.'   All things means 'all things', including you, me and everything else.

↓ Click Here to listen to the song

Break Dividing Walls

(David Ruis)

There is a place of commanded blessing

Where brethren in unity dwell

A place where anointing oil is flowing

And we live as one

You have called us to be a body

You have called us as friends

Joined together in the bond of the Spirit

Unto the end

Father we join with the prayer of Jesus

As you are so let us be one

Joined together in unity and purpose

All for the love of your son

We will break dividing walls

We will break dividing walls

We will break dividing walls in the name of your Son

We will break dividing walls

We will break dividing walls and we will be one

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The music above is copyrighted by the respective artists, and is demonstrated here for educational purposes only.

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