Maintaining Divine Unity

by L.H. Taylor, Romford | Category: General | Nov 1968

The Scriptures indicate that in this age the maintenance of divine unity in earthly testimony rests upon two main structures - individual loyalty and faithful obedience to Christ, who is Son over God's house, and a resolute contending for the truth of God for our day.

A major test of loyalty came to the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ when He spoke to them concerning the true meat and the true drink which were His own flesh and blood (John 6). Some were unable to understand what the Lord said and failed to appreciate both who He was and the fact that His words were spirit and life. In such circumstances they turned back and followed Him no longer. What grief must have filled the heart of the Lord as He saw their failure to grasp the true significance of His glorious Person and work. True love abandons doubt and seeks for a further appreciation and deeper knowledge and acquaintance of the Lord Jesus Christ. "If a man love Me, he will keep My word: ... he that loveth Me not keepeth not My words" (John 14.23,24).

The Lord's question, so full of pathos, is put to the twelve to test their loyalty, "Would ye also go away?" (John 6.67). The joy which Peter's reply gave to the Master cannot be assessed; but it revealed the true cause of his allegiance and was an acknowledgement of the Lord's claim of divine authority. "Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life" (v.68). Here lies the beginning of true unity in testimony. When the response came from the people of Israel in a past day, "All that the Lord bath spoken we will do" (Exodus 19.8), then, and only then, could a covenant relationship be established. When the claims of the Son of God are acknowledged, spiritual discernment will mark out the steps which lead to the place outside the camp where He is. Divisive elements such as faction and vainglory always originate from the assertion of self in one form or another and mar divine testimony. What is the antidote? "If any man would com after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (Mark 8.34).

Failure to identify the Son of God in His true character, and our individual relationship with Him, will lead to failure to discern His relationship to the people of God in collective witness. The New Testament Scriptures reveal, as in type the tabernacle of old showed so beautifully, that Christ permeates every aspect of the divine purpose for those who are obedient to the call of God and are in subjection to His will. There are amongst others, three fundamental concepts which are provided by God to enable divine unity to be maintained amongst the churches of God-a divine pattern or plan revealed in the apostle's teaching, a united elderhood and the unity of the Spirit.

The prayer of the Lord in John 17 contains a specific burden in regard to the continuance of divine unity (20,21). This could not refer to the Body of Christ which was to be an inviolate whole, and the omniscient Lord could not be accused of praying for the unity of that which would be perfect "one". The reference must be to the "one thing" or whole which was to be the house of God on earth, having a world-wide composite character and testimony - "that the world may know" (23). The forty days spent by the Lord with His disciples after His resurrection were a period of instruction in revealing to them the plan which was later to be developed by them from the day of Pentecost onwards. This pattern of divine unity was also revealed miraculously to Paul and was perfectly consistent with that previously given to the other apostles. Thus the plan was implemented. The first church of God was formed in Jerusalem there were planted and each joined together as a united testimony. "Each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord" (Ephesians 2.21). Our position is clear - to follow the divine pattern and retain the landmarks of truth set out so clearly in the teaching and practice of the apostles as received from the Lord Himself.

It was in the foreknowledge of God that His people might fail in the fulfilment of their obedience to His commandments. The kingdom of God, therefore, must have rule and that rule was to be exercised in churches of God by the constitution of a united elderhood or presbytery. Finding its expression in oversight of the local church, it was designed to reach out to a Fellowship-wide responsibility. 1 Peter 5 indicates a united responsibility to rule, tend and feed the little flock. Divine principles of government are seen to be carried out by a divinely organized company of elders fitted for the guidance and care of the flock. These principles can be seen being put into practice in the first working out of the divine plan.

Acts 14.23"And when they had appointed for them

elders in every church, and had prayed

with fasting, they commended them to

the Lord, on whom they had believed."

Acts 15.6"And the apostles and the elders were

gathered together to consider of this

matter."

Acts 16.4,5"And as they went on their way through

the cities, they delivered them the decrees

for to keep, which had been ordained of

the apostles and elders, that were at

Jerusalem. So the churches were

strengthened in the faith, and increased in

number daily."

This is the corrective for doctrinal error or any other element which could lead to division. How grateful we should be that in a return to the pattern of the New Testament position the circle of government as ordained by God has been reformed, and the desire must surely be that it should continue until the Lord comes again. "Remember them that had the rule over you, which spake unto you the word of God; and considering the issue of their life. imitate their faith" (Hebrews 13.7).

What motivated the apostles in their implementation of the divine plan? What gives assurance when arriving at a judgement or agreement in matters affecting the maintenance of unity in the churches? Nothing less than the overruling, leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit. The Lord's initial promise was crucial - "Howbeit when He, the Spirit of truth, is come, He shall guide you into all the truth" (John 16.13). One of the most delightful experiences of oversight work is to discern the working of the Spirit in brethren subjecting themselves to one another in the fear of the Lord. The teaching of Ephesians 4.1-7 emphasizes the need of diligence in seeking to preserve the unity of the Spirit which is shown to be oneness in doctrine. One in doctrine and exhibiting the qualities of the vital Christian life provides a harmony of condition and position. What could be more pleasing to God and more fertile ground for the growth of the powerful working of the Spirit of God? Spiritual unity is pleasing to God because it is honouring to the Son. The unity of the Spirit shows itself in the place given to the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Much is heard today of ecumenical union. Compromise, expediency and the submerging of principle are heralded as tokens of success. May God help us to distinguish between spurious union and divine unity based upon conditions set out by the Lord Him self in the word of God. There is a heritage of truth that needs defending and maintaining. Towards the close of another year, by God's grace, may we be found faithful, contending "earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints".

"Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children

walking in the truth" (3 John 4).

L.H. Taylor, Romford | Nov 1968
General