Unity is the Distinctive Mark of the Church

Lately it seems I've been talking a lot about doctrine and the fight over the ins and outs of Scriptural points and theology. I feel strongly that we should not be dividing over these issues. Christ's final call to the church, His plea to God, was that we would be as one. (John 17:23) It's very important what He says here: "May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me."

Think upon this verse. Just before He leaves, John 17:20-25 is His prayer for the coming Church - for us. It must be extremely important - last words always are. So really think about what He's saying. He's asking God to make the church united - - - FOR THE SAKE OF THE WORLD. Not for our sake, so that we may be happily getting along. He desires it for the lost, that they may know that Jesus is the one sent by God and that God loves them dearly. Somehow, someway, our unity will reveal that to the world. As usual, it's not about us, it's about the lost.

Clearly Christ is stating that the distinction in the world, the contrast, the aroma, the salt, the light, whatever we are to be in this world - is our unity as believers. Again, I'm not 100% sure how that brings about His plan to them, how it sheds His light upon them, how it opens their eyes to His love - but I do believe Him. And that's what He said. Our unity is the distinctive mark to the world that a) God loves them and b) Jesus is the Way. That is exactly what John 17:23 states.

An important thing to remember, however, is that unity is based on doctrinal understanding. So those who want to throw out doctrine for the sake of unity are just as off-base as those who want to divide over some of the minor points. What is the balance? I think it's pretty obvious: 1. Seek God, and 2. Know your Scripture, from Genesis to Revelation.

I've been reading about the church in China and how it survived years of persecution, and one thing stands out: These men and women knew and loved their Scripture. A Christ-filled understanding of doctrine allowed for them to be united in the face of severe persecution. Feelings come and go. Experiences are great but are like sand. Sound doctrinal understanding brings about the unity that is the distinctive mark of Christ in a dark world.

Wang Mingdao read through the Bible 6 times during a 62-day retreat into the wilderness. John Sung was put in an asylum for 193 days and read through the Bible 40 times. These were two of the most powerful and loving evangelists of 20th century China. Watchman Nee, one of my favorite writers, also lived during this time and was convinced that the disunity and superficiality of the church was caused by lack of Scriptural knowledge and practice.

I am really challenged to pursue the Unity Distinctive that Christ calls for in John 17 - and to do this I must know my Scriptures better and I must know my Savior better. These two will go hand in hand to eliminating the need for dividing over the points of Scripture while standing firm on the Rock of Scripture. I don't believe in Scripture-worship, which is a very real danger, but I do believe in the power of the Word. I fear that many in the current church age are lacking in knowledge and love of the Word. So here's a summer challenge: Put away all the books, essays, authors, videos - and read His Word from start to finish. Multiple times, if possible, without commentary. Disunity will melt away as a love for God, His church and the lost will overwhelm any desires to be arrogantly divisive in your theological circles. You will be hollowed out by His Word.

The reason for this challenge is that too often I have found that many Christians promoting unity over doctrine are simply using the unity argument as an excuse for not studying and knowing the Scriptures. Again - a thorough, humble, Spirit-led immersion into the Scriptures will knock out the irrelevant issues and bring you to a greater sense of unity, not division.

(Please note: I'm talking about Christian / Christian disunity. Any true Christians have already been spiritually separated from the world. That's an automatic division that takes place upon salvation. Christ was praying about the Christian/Christian factions. He wanted us in the world, but knew that we were no longer of the world.)