"That they may be one even as we are one,"

[DeoVolente]

In Jesus' prayer as recorded in John 17, He asks of the Father that the body of believers might be one, "even as we are one,".

20 “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

This "oneness" that our Lord speaks of, is this simply unity through the Holy Spirit, or rather doctrinal accordance with one another?

God bless.

 

[St_Worm2]

This "oneness" that our Lord speaks of, is this simply unity through the Holy Spirit, or rather doctrinal accordance with one another?

Hey DeoVolente, first off, welcome to CF ..

As for your first post, GREAT question!! I like what Dr. Carson has to say in his commentary, that the unity for which Christ prayed:

"is not achieved by hunting enthusiastically for the lowest common theological denominator, but by common adherence to the apostolic gospel, by love that is joyfully self-sacrificing, by undaunted commitment to the shared goals of the mission with which Jesus’ followers have been charged" (D.A. Carson - Gospel of John)
​

--David

 

[dayhiker]

Well, I've been to many churches of different denominations with differences in beliefs over my life time. Not just talking about a visit but I've attended over 4 months or more. I've always had a unity with the people I fellowshiped with. So I never saw the big division that some make a big deal over. I also never give much of a hout about what the denominational leaders do to protect their turf. So I find the Body of Christ is be quite unified.