Christ's prayer for unity

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Puritan Sailor

Puritan Board Doctor
Christ\'s prayer for unity

How do we reconcile the divisions in Christianity with Christ's prayer for unity? At first glance it would seem that Christ's prayer has not been answered since there is not a great amount of unity in the Church in general. But that can't be the case since God always listens to the prayers of His Son. That's why he is our Mediator. So any thoughts?

[Edited on 4-11-2004 by puritansailor]
 
This probably seems like an "obvious" answer, but one way of looking at it is that the prayer has a very specific answer, and is already to be answered at a certain time, which is still in the future - in other words, that it was a long-term prayer. But although it may seem "obvious" at first, consider its parallel to John 17:9, 11 (ESV): "I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours...Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one." Right here in fact, Christ is praying for both the salvation of the elect, as well as the unity of the church ("that they may be one"). We know that the first request is intended to be gradually answered in the task of the Great Commission and the Perseverance of the Saints. So this passage, in linking the prayer for the elect's souls with the prayer for their unity, seems to suggest that Christ's prayer for the unity of the church is intended to be answered gradually in the same way. I suppose this interpretation makes more sense in a Postmillennial or an optimistic Amillennial hermeneutic than any other, but the link between the two requests is still there regardless, and we know that at least the first was intended as a long-term request, to be answered gradually.
 
Visible unity is a reflection of spiritual unity. Sin is a disruptor. SO, visible unity is always going to be deficient in some way, and more so even than spiritual unity. Enforced visible unity is an abberation, just as much as voluntary visible unity (perceived as a "higher" value) where there is precious little agreement on doctrine, and even antithesis.

True unity is found not in feelings but in doctrine. This is why, when I hear a certain local Baptist minister on the radio I rejoice. Because when I hear him preach, my spirit is drawn toward him in unity because of his message. We will not agree at all points, no. But as a discriminating listener I know when I am hearing faithful preaching of the Word. And the Spirit, the same Spirit, is with him as with me.
:2cents:
 
well, it could be that the Church is united on the issues that matter because if you disagree with the essentials you are not part of the church?? Thats my :2cents:

[Edited on 6-11-2004 by johnny_redeemed]
 
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