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Unity

"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 . . . I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me" (John 17:20-23).

For some time I have felt burdened regarding the theological centrifuge confronting us as a church. Friends of many years standing change theology and suddenly the relationship is not the same. Some of us can remember back to the time when we all believed alike. How comfortable we were back then.

Jesus prayed that we might be one--one with Him, one with each other. It seems to me we have let theology come between us when it shouldn't have and didn't have to. We all know the importance of accurate doctrine. How can we attain unity without sacrificing truth? Any comments?

Here are some quotations that surfaced recently in my reading:

When we are united in the unity for which Christ prayed, this long controversy that has been kept up through Satanic agency will end" (EGW 1888 Materials, p. 955; a powerful statement!).

Those who sincerely desire truth will not be reluctant to lay open their positions for investigation and criticism and will not be annoyed if their opinions and ideas are crossed. This was the spirit cherished among us forty years ago. We would come together burdened in soul, praying that we might be one in faith and doctrine; for we knew that Christ is not divided. One point at a time was made the subject of investigation. Solemnity characterized these councils of investigation. The Scriptures were opened with a sense of awe. Often we fasted that we might be better fitted to understand the truth. After earnest prayer, if any point was not understood, it was discussed, and each one expressed his opinion freely. Then we would again bow in prayer, and earnest supplications went up to heaven that God would help us to see eye to eye, that we might be one, as Christ and the Father are one (Ibid., p. 991).

Where so much importance is attached to the unity of believers, why is there so little effort to preserve unity (Ibid, p. 1005).

His transforming grace upon human hearts will lead to unity that has not yet been realized for all who are assimilated to Christ will be in harmony with one another. The Holy Spirit will create unity (Ibid., p. 1017).

When the people of God are one with Him, they will be one with each other. Their unity and love will testify to the genuineness of their union with Christ (Ibid., p. 1046).

[Satan] misrepresented the character of God and placed in a false light his gracious commandments. He evaded the truth, and subtly worked to make good appear as evil, and evil as good. He has lost none of his tact, and through his agents manifests the same diplomacy and skill in evading truth, in creating false issues, in misrepresenting the message and the messenger. Not only do we see his working in the world among those who openly oppose the truth, but also in the church his art is manifested in the divisions and controversies among those who profess to be the children of God.

Whenever the Lord has a special work to do among His people, when He would arouse their minds to contemplate vital truth, Satan will work to divert the mind by introducing minor points of difference. . . . If Satan can draw the mind away to some unimportant issue and cause the people to divide on some minor point, so that their hearts are barricaded against light and truth, he exults in malicious triumph (Ibid., p. 1062).

With these impressive statements before us, shouldn't we begin the process of promoting unity based on truth, rather than allowing the enemy to continue dividing us? What can we do to facilitate this?? Let me hear from you. Contact the author

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