“It is not merely knowledge that will bring to Heaven, for the devil has that; but it is knowledge sanctified, seizing upon the affections.”
Richard Sibbes
The last third of the Lord’s high priestly prayer or his prayer of consecration focuses more on the believers who are going to believe on account of the teaching of the apostles and the first generation of Christians. Jesus prays:
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, 21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. (John 17:20-23)
The unity that Jesus is praying for is not an organizational one. It is not one that obliterates doctrinal purity. It is not one that creates a gigantic, ecumenical “super church” that forces Baptists or Presbyterians or “insert name of denomination here” to surrender their convictions. The unity that Jesus is praying for is not one that forces conformity on Christians regarding gifting and service. The apostle Paul recognizes the diversity that exists within the church, “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (1 Corinthians 12:4-6) The unity that Jesus is seeking for his church is a “spiritual unity involving the basic orientation, desires, and will of those participating.” (J. M. Boice) It is a “supernatural unity that is modeled and enabled by the Godhead.” (R. Kent Hughes) The oneness we are striving toward has been modeled for us by Jesus’ submissive relationship to his Father and the Father’s great love and direction extended to the Son. Don’t be troubled about the divide that might exist between say, Presbyterians and Baptists. Instead, seek to have and display the same love that existed between the Father and the Son. In this, the world will see that we are the followers of Christ. Have a blessed day and we will see many of you on Sunday.
Love in Christ,
Pastor Dale
