24 Union Sought
Union Sought
If we had a dear friend, profoundly wise, and equally kind; and if we knew that his mind was taken up with us on the most solemn and momentous period of his life — would we not wish to know what he thought, and what he desired for us? Such a friend is Jesus, and in his intercessory prayer — he opens his loving heart, and breathes forth his most enlarged desires for us. What does he desire? Not health or wealth, not fame or honor, not even ease or happiness at present — but something higher, nobler, and better. Hear his wondrous words: "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" (John 17:21). The Blessing Sought:
Union to CHRIST. What a privilege is this, to be united to Christ — resting the whole weight of our soul’s salvation upon him, as the building on the foundation — drawing all our supplies from him, as the branch from the root — living in holy love and fellowship with him, as the bride with her bridegroom — so united to him as to be one with him, as the members of the body are one with the head! Jesus would have us in the closest, holiest, and happiest union with himself.
Union to the FATHER. As Jesus is one with the Father, so he would have us be "One in US." Between us and Christ — comes the Holy Spirit, and unites us to him, as the breath unites the soul and the body. And between us and the Father — comes Jesus, and inseparably unites us to him. Between us and Jesus — there must be nothing but the Spirit — no ceremony, sacrament, priest, or virgin. And between us and the Father — there must be nothing but Christ and his most precious blood.
Union to all BELIEVERS. "That they all may be one."
One body, animated by one Spirit, each member bound to the whole body by the bond of love.
One flock, cared for and tended by one Shepherd.
One family, or household, loved and provided for, cemented and bound together by one Parent. The Lord’s family are united and held together, not by a creed, or a service, or a system — but by love. The love of God shed abroad in the heart unites them to Christ, and unites them to each other. And just in proportion as we feel and enjoy the love of God within us — shall we love and feel union to all the Lord’s family, however in some things they may differ from us. The Pattern Presented: "As You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in US."
God is in Christ. "In him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily." "God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself." "I and my Father are one." The Son is in the Father. Between the Father and the Son there is a union the most close, spiritual, and holy. The most perfect union is that which exists between the Father and the Son.
Saints are to be one, as the Father and Christ are one — as really one — as closely united — as beneficially one — all deriving from the fullness of the Father, through the Son, and communicating to each other. The union between believers . . .
is spiritual, not ceremonial;
it is holy, not carnal; and
it is permanent, not changeable. As the saints have the same nature, and are all united to the same living Head, they should . . .
bear the same testimony,
breathe the same spirit,
aim at the same object,
and walk by the same rule.
How glorious it will be to see all who are united to Christ — visibly united to each other! Now they are one in heart — but when this prayer is fully answered, they will be openly and eternally one. But who shall attempt to say what is indicated in these wondrous words, "That they also may be one in US"? To be one with Christ is unspeakably glorious — but to be one with God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, to be "one in US," what can this import! Now we know only in part — but by-and-by we shall know fully, and enjoy perfectly, this wondrous mystery. The Design in View: "That the world may believe that you have sent me." The world will be brought to give credit to the mission of Christ — by the unity, holiness, and unearthliness of the Church. It will then assent to his doctrines, and acknowledge his authority and right to reign. This will be to his honor — as Lord over all the earth. This will benefit his people — as all persecution and open opposition will cease. This will be to the world’s advantage — as we see in our own country; which, in consequence of its admitting the authority of Christ, avowedly reverencing the Word of God, and doing homage to the God of the Church, is honored and distinguished above all the nations of the earth. Our Lord does not say that the world will believe in him so as to be saved by him — but only believe that the Father had sent him.
Nothing stumbles the world like divisions and dissensions among God’s people; and nothing will make such a beneficial impression upon it, as the perfect, and glorious union here prayed for. O that the Church may soon become One! — one really, as it is now one professedly — one in action, as it is now one in heart.
Union among Christians is a great blessing.
It is one of our greatest blessings. In union is our strength. In union is our happiness. In union is our glory.
Let us, then, each one, and all, strive and pray for the union of the living Church of Christ. There may be real union, without uniformity. Christ does not pray for uniformity — but he does for unity. There is unity in nature — but there is not uniformity. Everywhere we see diversity — even where there is the greatest harmony. So in the Church, there may be a diversity of opinions, different ceremonies, and various forms of Church government — and yet there may be unity. Unity will produce conviction, and recommend godliness. A united army strikes terror into the foe. A united family makes a beneficial impression on a neighborhood. And a united Church exercises an influence for good of incalculable value. O that every member of the Church of God realized this, and would make it the end and aim of his life to bring God’s people into union, and to keep them united! The prayer of Christ is now partially fulfilled — and will be perfectly fulfilled. There is now much more union among real Christians than many suspect, or that the world has any idea of. The work of the Spirit of God brings the whole of them into union with Christ; and being in union with Christ, in heart they must be united to each other. Mistakes, prejudices, and misconceptions may keep them apart, and prevent them mixing with each other. But when they get near the cross, and forget their creeds, customs, and favorite forms of Church government, they feel that they are all one. O that we lived nearer to the cross, and then we would realize and manifest a closer, stronger, and more spiritual union to each other!
What Christ so earnestly prayed for — he dearly paid for. He died, as Caiaphas prophesied, that "he might gather together in one, the children of God which are scattered abroad." He had become responsible for the preservation, collection, and union of the whole flock of God; as he said, speaking to the Jews, "Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold," — more literally, there shall be one flock, "and one shepherd." For this he engaged in covenant; for this he laid down his life; for this he ardently and believingly prayed — and therefore unquestionably his Church shall be one.
Reader, are you a member of a church of Christ? If so, do you realize that you are not merely a member of that section of the church to which you are visibly united — but of the One Church, which comprises all who believe in Jesus? Do you live in the exercise of Christian love and forbearance toward all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, though in many things they may differ from you? We should love a believer more than a sentiment, or creed, or religious form. We should so love all believers as to be prepared to unite with them in all that is holy, devotional, or charitable. Creeds may keep us apart — but love will bring us together. Forms may separate — but love will unite.
Now, as Jesus does not pray that we may all see exactly alike — but that we all may be one — we should strive more for union among the Lord’s people, than for the maintenance of any favorite sentiment, creed, or form.
Holy Spirit, lead all of us who profess the name of Jesus, to meet at the cross, to fix the eye on Jesus, to be more taken up with him; so shall we become more like him, and shall love one another.