DISCIPLES
THE UNITY OF CHRIST’S
DISCIPLES
Albert Farley
One of the greatest tragedies of history is the division that exists among those who claim to follow Jesus Christ. It is tragic because it has caused untold millions of souls to be lost eternally. It is tragic because of the heartache and sadness it has caused in the lives and homes that have suffered because of it. It is tragic because it opposes the very heart, words, mission, and prayer of our Lord. It is tragic because it can be prevented and avoided. It is tragic because it continues to be practiced, perpetuated, and defended by religious people today.
Jesus warned His disciples, “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” Mark 3:24, 25.
As the Good Shepherd, Jesus laid down his life that His sheep would be one flock. “As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have [Gentiles] which are not of this fold [Jews]; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd.” John 10:15-16.
On the evening of His betrayal, after our Lord had eaten the Passover meal with His apostles, He prayed unto His Father, “I do not pray for these [apostles] alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their [apostles] 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.” John 17:20-21.
When the Lord’s church was established [Acts 2], the body of Christ was united. “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common …”. Acts 2:41-44.
When division first appeared, the Lord strongly condemned it. “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” 1 Corinthians 1:10-13.
The apostle Paul pleaded for the only means whereby the unity of believers can be achieved and maintained. “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Ephesians 4:1-4.
Dear friends, are we endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace or are we a part of the division that violates these seven “ones”? Jesus said the salvation of the world depends on it. We are either for Jesus or against Him. John said if we do not abide in the doctrine of Christ, we do not have God! 2 John 9-11.