They may be ONE even as we are ONE

[tonychanyt]

On the night before the arrest, Jesus prayed with his disciples in John 17:

20 “I do not ask for these [disciples in the room] only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,​

i.e., future believers like us

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,​

Spiritually speaking, that is accomplished through the Paraclete indwelling spirit.

so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23I 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.​

Earlier in the same evening in John 13:

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. 35 By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”​

Practically speaking, Christians loving one another will prove unity in Christ to the world/people.

Vertically, the Paraclete in every Christian's spirit connects every one of us to God to form a spiritual Body of Christ. This organic oneness is an undeniable perfect spiritual reality.

Horizontally, how do non-believers observe this oneness physically? They can see the fruit of this oneness in Paraclete if we love one another in Christ. Unfortunately, many Christians are not practicing this new commandment of loving one another, due to selfishness, doctrinal divisions, etc.

Jesus prayed for this showing of oneness in all his followers. It must have been important to him. For my part, I'd try to be less selfish, more objective, humble, meek, and loving toward my brothers and sisters. Also, to avoid bickering on doctrinal isms, I employ a denomination-free, disciplined logical approach to Biblical interpretation.

The Paraclete teaches us all things.

John 14:26-27 (NIV): But the Advocate [Paraclete], the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Does the Holy Spirit guide our theology?

I think so if we look to him for our guidance.

 

[Diamond72]

that they may be one even as we are one

I attended a church were the pastor preached over 300 sermons on scriptues that talk about how we are to have the mind of Christ and the Divine thoughts of God. It was in the love language series. I still have notes on a lot of the sermons around here somewhere.