John 17:20–21: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.
Jesus requested unity for future believers. This verse is a favorite of promoters of the present ecumenical movement. Admittedly the divided church is in many ways a scandal. The cure, however, is not institutional union. Jesus was not praying for the unity of a single, worldwide, ecumenical church in which doctrinal heresy would be maintained along with orthodoxy. Instead, He was praying for a unity of love, a unity of obedience to God and His Word, and a united commitment to His will. There are great differences between uniformity, union, and unity. The unity Christ desires for His church is the same kind of unity the Son has with the Father: just as You are in Me and I am in You. The Father did His works through the Son and the Son always did what pleased the Father. This spiritual unity is to be patterned in the church. Without union with Jesus and the Father (they … in Us), Christians can do nothing. The goal of their lives is to do the Father’s will. The disciples’ union with Jesus as His body will result in people in the world believing in the Father: that You have sent Me. 1
Your Word is Truth
What can help you to live in greater spiritual unity with fellow believers? Praying with them and for them is a great place to start. Remember, when in doubt, just do what Jesus did. He prayed. He spent time with disciples. He served them. He loved them.
Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. –Hebrews 7:25
You Alone are God
Christian unity: a spiritual union, leading to continual communion with Jesus. – TWEET IT
Your Will be Done
Lord, thank You for inviting me to come and fellowship with You, just like Jesus did.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary
