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Re: Unity
Posted by Kevin LW - January 26, 2005 at 1:51:07pm
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In Reply to:
Unity
Posted by caf (lw) - January 01, 2005 at 5:37:14pm:

I completely agree that unity is not to be viewed as an event achieved by the church organization. But I do believe it is a worthy goal to be worked toward by the ekklesia, the called out.

My two cents is that most things we pray to God for are things we need to also be exerting some effort on ourselves. If I pray for patience, I'd better work at it. I think the scriptures bear this out on unity, as well. It seems that our unity as a body of believers is achieved through the bond of peace, and that it takes work. We are to make that our endeavor:

Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)

This verse highlights the fact that it is a process, not an event, as you also pointed out:

Ephesians 4:13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)

But I would also add that the unity mentioned here is in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and in our attaining His "measure and fullness" (i.e., His character). I don't think the unity Paul is writing about lies in opinions such as cups, classes, preachers, colleges, etc. It lies in our attitudes toward one another.

This one I like a lot, because it points out that just as unity is achieved through the bond of peace (Eph 4:3), love is the bond of perfection, or the perfect bond. That is what unites us with our brother--our common love for each other and for Jesus Christ--not our agreement on a set of doctrinal positions:

Colossians 3:12-15 - Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (NKJV)

I guess my point is just that we don't have to agree with our brother to be united with him via our common love and to be longsuffering with him in his scruples. I know I've been unlongsuffering with others in imposing my scruples on them, and for that I'm really sorry.

Follow Ups

1130 - Re: Unity Craiglw 3:59:38pm 01/27/05 (4)
- 1132 - Re: Unity Kevin LW 2:04:17pm 01/31/05 (2)
  - 1133 - Re: Unity Craiglw 3:16:47pm 01/31/05 (1)
    - 1135 - Re: Unity Kevin LW 3:11:28pm 02/01/05 (0)
- 1131 - Re: Unity (revision) CraigLW 6:36:38pm 01/27/05 (0)

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: I completely agree that unity is not to be viewed as an event achieved by the church organization. But I do believe it is a worthy goal to be worked toward by the ekklesia, the called out.

: My two cents is that most things we pray to God for are things we need to also be exerting some effort on ourselves. If I pray for patience, I'd better work at it. I think the scriptures bear this out on unity, as well. It seems that our unity as a body of believers is achieved through the bond of peace, and that it takes work. We are to make that our endeavor:

: Ephesians 4:3 - Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. (NIV)

: This verse highlights the fact that it is a process, not an event, as you also pointed out:

: Ephesians 4:13 - until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (NIV)

: But I would also add that the unity mentioned here is in the faith and knowledge of the Son of God and in our attaining His "measure and fullness" (i.e., His character). I don't think the unity Paul is writing about lies in opinions such as cups, classes, preachers, colleges, etc. It lies in our attitudes toward one another.

: This one I like a lot, because it points out that just as unity is achieved through the bond of peace (Eph 4:3), love is the bond of perfection, or the perfect bond. That is what unites us with our brother--our common love for each other and for Jesus Christ--not our agreement on a set of doctrinal positions:

: Colossians 3:12-15 - Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. (NKJV)

: I guess my point is just that we don't have to agree with our brother to be united with him via our common love and to be longsuffering with him in his scruples. I know I've been unlongsuffering with others in imposing my scruples on them, and for that I'm really sorry.

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