Jesus’s concern for Believers unity

Posted on May 8, 2024, 8:13 a.m. by Rev. Shobayo Kayode

Jesus Christ was so concerned about the unity of believers (His Church). He wanted the unity so much that He prayed to His Father not only for the generation of His time but also to subsequent generations. “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their words” (John.17:20) He wanted believers to be united as He was united with His Father. “And the glory which You gave Me, I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one.” (John.17:22) The oneness Jesus Christ requests is not an organizational but Spiritual unity, which will be visibly manifested in the life of the Church and will bear witness in the divine mission of Christ. The type manifested in (Acts.2:46-47) where it was the responsibility of every brethren to share the faith. Everywhere brethren went, they talked about nothing, but the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The use of the word “Church” in the New Testament pertains to separate local congregations, such as the Church of the Thessalonians (1 Thess.1:1) and the Church that was at Antioch (Acts.13:1). Not organizational or denominational. All things pertaining to the Church were subject to Christ (Eph.1:22-23) and all were subject to apostolic teaching. Notwithstanding the organizational unity the body of Christ is grappling with at this time, believers should note that Jesus prays for Spiritual unity. Believer should strive to have Christ in him through the Spirit of God that is in him as Christ have His Father in Him. It is by having Christ in one’s heart that one may be made perfect. (John.17:23) Jesus is the only perfect Man through whom believer can obtain perfection. Believer is to unite to Christ with the union that is maintained by submission to the will of Jesus Christ as the Head of the Church. Not only that, but he is also to be in unity with the brethren, because believers are bonded with One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all… (Eph.4:5-6) Believers should look beyond organizational unity and be concerned with the desire of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is Spiritual unity of the Body of Christ. Spiritual unity will manifest Christ the more, and bear witness in the divine mission of Christ. Evangelism It is only in Jesus Christ that one can obtain perfection. Find a Bible believing Church in your neighbourhood, go and give your life to Christ. Jesus is expecting you there. Rev. Shobayo Kayode The Gospel Study Centre