“That they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in
me, and I in you.”
In the Garden of Gethsemane, we find the anointed One praying just before He is to be crucified. He prayed to the Father, “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me” (John 17:20-21).
From this fervent prayer, we learn: (1) all who would be followers of Christ are to be “one”, as the Father and Son are one, (2) the basis of such unity will be through adherence to the apostles’ words, which were revealed by the Holy Spirit (John 14:25-26; 15:26-27; 16:12-15; 1 Corinthians 14:37; Ephesians 3:3-5; 2 Peter 1:19-21). Jesus’ prayer demonstrates that in order for unity to be possible, one needs to exclusively follow the apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 Peter 1:3, 12-15; 4:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Jude 3).
Why is it so critical that followers of Christ be “one”? Jesus answers, “so that the world may know that You sent Me.”
Be Of the Same Mind
Atheists, Gnostics, and skeptics, point to the fragmented religious world as evidence of their alleged beliefs, that God does not exist, and that the Bible is not inspired of God, but a product of man’s imagination.
Division will always exist as long as folks look to something other than the Bible for what they believe and practice. Consider this; many religious groups have their creed books in addition to the Bible.
Lutherans look to their catechism, Presbyterians their Confession of Faith, Methodists their discipline, Baptists their manual, Episcopalians their Book of Common Prayer. Jews to the Torah and the Talmud. The Greek Orthodox Church look to their traditions, ecumenical councils and creeds. Mormons believe in the book of Mormon, the D&C (Doctrines and Covenants), and the Pearl of Great Price, in addition to the Bible.
Let There Be No Divisions
Catholics follow the rule of the pope, and their catechism. The testimony of Ellen G. White is accepted by the Seven Day Adventists. The Jehovah’s Witness receive their direction from the Watchtower Society.
The Christian Scientist sect look to their Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures. Charismatic groups argue that the Holy Spirit is guiding them. Others look to their feelings, their preacher, the conviction of their parents, or what’s popular or convenient.
What if I told you, Philip was a Baptist, Paul a Lutheran, Bartholomew a Catholic, Peter a Seven Day Adventist, Thomas a Methodist, James a Presbyterian, Matthew a Mormon, John a Nazarene, Thaddeus a Jehovah’s Witness, Stephen a Mennonite, Aquila and Priscilla were Pentecostal and that the Ethiopian Eunuch was a member of the Salvation Army?
There are no Scriptures which support such an erroneous concept, and yet many have been led to believe this LIE of Satan, that religious division is acceptable to God (2 Corinthians 11:3)!
One In Us
Jesus prayed that those who would come to believe in His name would be “one.” Paul made a heartfelt plea to the Corinthians to have no division among them, charging them to be of the same mind, speaking the same thing (John 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Philippians 3:16; Romans 12:16).
Only the Bible produces Christians. Human creeds and a dash of the Bible produce denominationalism and division, which is contrary to the prayer of Christ.
All who desire to be pleasing to God will throw away all man-made creeds, party names, and practices unknown to the Bible. By accepting the Bible alone as the sole standard of authority, much of the religious confusion that surrounds us would be alleviated.
How Does One Become A Christian?
One must hear His word, and believe in Christ (Matthew 17:5; Romans 10:13-15; 1:16; John 20:20-31; Hebrews 11:6), repent (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38; 17:30), confess Christ as Lord (Matthew 10:32; Roman 10:9-10; Acts 8:37) and be baptized, immersed in water for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 16:15-16; acts 2:38; Galatians 3:27; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21). Are You Just A Christian?
© 2012, Fred Singleton, All Rights Reserved.