The Unity of the Spirit

From: The Christian Shepherd: 2001

• 3 min. read • grade level: 10

Question: What does it mean to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”?

Answer: The Holy Spirit personally came down from heaven at Pentecost (Acts 2:1¹And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. (Acts 2:1)) and indwells each believer individually (1 Cor. 6:19¹⁹What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19); Eph. 1:13-14¹³In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, ¹⁴Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13‑14)). The saints indwelt by the Spirit form God’s habitation on earth where He dwells collectively in the whole assembly (Eph. 2:22²²In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)).

The Holy Spirit unites each member to the Lord (1 Cor. 6:17¹⁷But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:17)), unites each to all other members (1 Cor. 12:13¹³For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:13)), and all members to Christ the Head. This is the church (assembly) of God, the body of Christ.

This unity remains unsullied by all failures of the assembly. It can’t be destroyed, because it is the Holy Spirit Himself who is the unity of the body of Christ.

The assembly—responsible to maintain the unity of the Spirit in practical, visible oneness—has failed. However, the unity has not. It remains because the Spirit of God remains, and it remains even when public oneness of action is virtually nonexistent.

A person may have a paralyzed limb, but the limb has not ceased to be part of the body. It doesn’t function properly in unity with the rest of the body.

No matter how great the ruin of the visible body of Christ—no matter how unhealthy and confused the state of things—Scripture never suggests the impossibility of walking in the fellowship of the Spirit, maintaining the truth of God. Rather, the Spirit presupposes evil, perilous days and commands us to endeavor “to keep the unity of the Spirit.” He commands nothing that is impossible.

Though we can never restore anything to its original condition, we can walk in obedience to the Word and in company with the Spirit who enables us to hold the Head.

While we are exhorted “to keep the unity of the Spirit,” we are not told to endeavor to keep the unity of the body. To do that would prevent us from separating from any member of the body of Christ, no matter what his practice.

The key to keeping “the unity of the Spirit” is to begin with myself. I must separate myself to Christ and from everything that is contrary to Him (2 Tim. 2:19¹⁹Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. (2 Timothy 2:19)). When I do this, I find myself in company with the Spirit and with all others who separate thus. It is with these that I am to follow “righteousness, faith, charity, peace” (2 Tim. 2:22²²Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (2 Timothy 2:22)).

A walk in entire separation to Christ, practical fellowship of the Spirit, and maintenance of the truth is the truest love that can be shown towards brethren who walk as “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit.”

Those who do seek to walk in truth and unity will display an earnest desire that their brethren may be won into the truth and fellowship of the Holy Spirit. And though but a feeble remnant, there will be displayed in each personal devotedness to the Lord.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psa. 133:1¹<<A Song of degrees of David.>> Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! (Psalm 133:1)).

Words of Truth, Vol. 3 (adapted)

Ed. Note: Brother F. G. Patterson edited the periodical Words of Truth.

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