Biblical Unity

Over the years, I have seen a push for unity in nearly every church and Christian organisation. What is often meant is not unity, but agreement! When we agree, then we are together. Usually this agreement centres around one individual or organisation. The problem with this, is that we can still be in agreement while being unfaithful to God. In fact, I was once at a meeting where it was stated “we need to give up our Biblical principles for the sake of unity.”

David, King of Israel, found himself in a similar place, when he attempted to return the Ark of the Covenant from the Philistines who had captured it. We read in 1 Chronicles 13 that everyone around David was in agreement! However, just because they agreed, didn’t mean they had true Biblical unity. What ensued was disaster, costing the lives of two individuals. What went wrong? David and the people traded Biblical unity for the sham of agreement.

What therefore is Biblical unity? Or, in other words, what should we be unified in? Personally, I believe the answer is fairly simple – JESUS! We read in John 14:6 these words “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is central to all things. He is the only way to be at peace with God. He is the only truth, in him is no sin and he can be entirely trusted. He is the only provider of life, coming at the cost of His own life. Jesus is THE foundation that our faith is placed upon. We are taught in the Bible to be in full surrender to our Lord Jesus. In doing so, we are to be joined together with other believers, as the body of Christ, surrendering together and serving together.

Over the last 14 days, our family has had to isolate due to our daughter having Coronavirus. Over this period, we had packages delivered (all containing some tasty treats). What was amazing is that each delivery represents a different church in our area. What made three church’s come together to help us in need? Let me tell you, having worked with all three, I can with conviction say it was Jesus!

Jesus unites, not a ministry or an idea. Jesus motivates, not power or prestige. Jesus propels, not recognition or agreement. If you walked into any of these three churches, you would hear the Gospel of Jesus. You will hear the Bible taught unapologetically and unashamedly. The love shown to our family was unified, motivated and propelled by the Gospel of Jesus.

So, what’s the take home? Once again, it’s simple – JESUS! In this time of Coronavirus, don’t lose sight of the mission. To love Jesus and to Love others. To bring people to Jesus. To make Disciples of Jesus. To teach all that Jesus taught. To lift high the name of Jesus. To bring glory to Jesus.

True Biblical unity is all about JESUS!

(Note: If you are annoyed by how many times, I have said Jesus, then you probably missed the point!)

Pastor Ross Ferguson

(One final note: Biblical unity without Jesus = impossible)