Chapter 203—Creates Unity in Diversity
I ... beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are
called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing
one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace.
Ephesians 4:1-3
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Paul urges the Ephesians to preserve unity and love.... Divisions in the
church dishonor the religion of Christ before the world and give occasion to
the enemies of truth to justify their course.
A union of believers with Christ will as a natural result lead to a union
with one another, which bond of union is the most enduring upon earth. We
are one in Christ, as Christ is one with the Father.... It is only by personal
union with Christ, by communion with Him daily, hourly, that we can bear
the fruits of the Holy Spirit.... Our growth in grace, our joy, our usefulness,
all depend on our union with Christ and the degree of faith we exercise in
Him.
The word and Spirit of truth, dwelling in our hearts, will separate us
from the world. The immutable principles of truth and love will bind heart
to heart, and the strength of the union will be according to the measure of
grace and truth enjoyed.
The vine has many branches, but though all the branches are different,
they do not quarrel. In diversity there is unity. All the branches obtain their
nourishment from one source. This is an illustration of the unity that is to
exist among Christ’s followers. In their different lines of work they all have
but one Head. The same Spirit, in different ways, works through them. There
is harmonious action, though the gifts differ.... God calls for each one ... to
do his appointed work according to the ability which has been given him.
We have a character to maintain, but it is the character of Christ. Having
the character of Christ, we can carry on the work of God together. The Christ
in us will meet the Christ in our brethren, and the Holy Spirit will give that
union of heart and action which testifies to the world that we are children of
God....
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