Christian Unity by S. N. Haskell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 13, 1874

Christian Unity.

By S. N. Haskell

There is nothing more clearly taught in the Bible than that union and harmony should exist among the people of God. Not that all who profess to be the people of God will be in harmony; for it is plainly taught that men in their midst would “arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” There always will exist a class of murmurers and complainers that will have no realizing sense of sacred things or of the necessity of order; and these will speak evil of dignities. Acts 20:29, 30; Jude 8, 16. Such will need a pasture of their own liking.

The apostle speaks directly upon this point, “For there must be also heresies [sects, margin] among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Cor. 11:19. Those that go out from the church of Christ are not of the church. 1 John 2:19. This is also manifest.

But with the true followers of Christ, there is to be a oneness. The Saviour says, “I and my Father are one;” John 10:30; and this oneness is shown to be of the same nature as would exist among the true disciples. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which believe on me through their word; that they may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:20-23.

No language can be more explicit than this. First, that there should be a oneness, and, secondly, that the character of this oneness should be the same as that which existed between the Father and the Son. The apostle Paul, in Eph. 4:4, uses language equally as strong upon this point: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 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.” Here, in three verses, spoken in reference to the church, oneness is referred to at least six times, embracing body, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God the Father.

Two essential features characterize this oneness: First, a oneness of sentiment, embracing faith, hope, baptism. When faith is spoken of as it is in Eph. 4:5, it means belief, or a system of doctrine, something they could keep or obey. See Rev. 14:12; Acts 6:7; 13:8; 19:5. Secondly, a system by which the work of God can be carried forward in the earth.

The necessity of a union here is shown by the effort of the apostles to secure it both in practice and teaching. Eph. 4:4; Gal. 2:11-14; Acts 15:1-32, 41; 16:4, 5. The Saviour showed the importance of this in the following words: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 18:19. One office of the Spirit of God is to accomplish this, and the gifts were placed in the church for this purpose, and were to continue “till we come in the unity of the faith.” Eph. 4:13.

In every epistle in the New Testament, there are expressions touching this point as conclusive and comprehensive as language can make them. “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” “Finally, be ye all of one mind.” “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind.” Rom. 15:5, 6; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8; Phil. 2:2, 3; 4:2.

No one can doubt that the apostles believed and taught this doctrine. The church also believed it; so that when the apostles went forth to preach, they had their hearty co-operation. The deepest sympathy was manifested on their part to have the work prosper. Paul felt he could be helped and sustained by their prayers; hence in writing to the churches we find expressions like the following: “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; . . . that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” “Brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may have free course, and be glorified.” “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” Rom. 15:30; 2 Cor. 1:11; 2 Thess. 3:1; Col. 4:3; Eph. 6:18, 19.

Not only was their interest manifested in praying for the apostle that an effectual door might be opened before him, and that God would sustain him, but the work was liberally sustained by their means. The Philippians supported Paul in Thessalonica. Phil. 4:15, 16. They gave of their means to sustain the poor saints at Jerusalem. Rom. 15:26; Acts 11:29, 30. Gospel equality and Christian unity were taught and practiced by all the churches of which we have any history in the New Testament. 2 Cor. 8:13, 14. Many incidental circumstances are mentioned which show that a uniformity of action existed in the different churches in their efforts to carry the truth into new fields, and also in times of trial and seasons of affliction a sympathy was manifested for each other.

There was a system inaugurated by them of such a character that their influence was all brought to bear unitedly in the work of God against the powers of darkness. This was the secret, on the part of the church, of such power and success as was manifested during the apostolic age. They believed the gospel they had received was of God. They could say, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19. In view of the afflictions which awaited the apostle in every city, he exclaimed, “None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself.” Acts 20:24. In short, they had a heart full of praise and thankfulness that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake and the gospel’s.

It was in view of the oneness that existed with them and their feeling of thankfulness for the privilege of thus suffering, that God shook the place where they were assembled and gave them “great power to witness for his name’s sake.” See Acts 16:25-33, and 4:23-35. They were missionaries and went forth with courage and zeal to warn the world. Rom. 10:18.

We also have a message of warning to the world. Courage, zeal, and system, are as requisite to accomplish this work as they were in the early part of this dispensation. If we follow the example of the primitive church, and give heed to scriptural instructions upon this point and possess the spirit of sacrifice and consecration that others have had before us, success will attend every effort. It is the work of God in which we are engaged, and if we faithfully discharge our duty, God becomes responsible for the success of the work.

The prophet says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isa. 32:20. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6.

We have the assurance that God’s word will not return unto him void, but shall accomplish that which shall please him, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto he sends it. Isa. 55:11. Therefore we are not engaged in a doubtful enterprise. Neither do we engage in this warfare at our own charges. We need a heart imbued with the spirit of the gospel of Christ. We need unshaken confidence in the work of God, that he is able and will accomplish what he has spoken, and then with one united effort and courage in the Lord much can be accomplished.

The various moves that are being made by the people of God to get the light before others, and the certain steps which are being taken to spread the truth of God, are in keeping with the faith of God’s people. We expect to see a general coming up in the work of the Lord. Now is the time to rally under the banner of Prince Immanuel and put forth an effort, although it be feeble of itself, relying upon God for his aid. There are opportunities for doing good, so that each one can move out and do something in the cause of Christ. “Kind words never die.” Kind acts never lose their power.

By scattering tracts, and obtaining subscribers for those periodicals which go out heavily laden with the precious truth for this time, prompted by a spirit of disinterested benevolence, and with our hearts glowing with love to God and our fellow-men, we shall make impressions that eternity will not obliterate.

S. N. Haskell.