Christian Unity is Christ-Centered

The apostle Paul says something to the Romans that distinguishes our unity as Christians from the various kinds of unity being sought after and achieved throughout the world: “If, because of one man’s trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:17 ESV).

The entire human race is united in the sense that they are created in the image of God. We are united as sinners because everyone descends from Adam, which is why, death reigns in our race. We are united in our scorn of God and hatred of Jesus Christ.

For Christians, however, there is real hope. Another man, Jesus Christ, entered into the world and prevailed where Adam failed. He lived a sinless life. Then He died a sacrificial death in the place of sinners. On the third day He rose from the grave in power so that all who repent and trust in Him will receive “the free gift of righteousness.” Through faith we receive righteousness from Him. We receive salvation through Him. A Christian is someone who is in Christ, and so our unity with one another is based upon the reality that we are in Him together. 

If the church of Jesus Christ is anything, it is certainly not a club. Chess does not bring us together. A common interest in birds, or camping, or football is not the unifying factor. Nor is it a political party, a collective of likeminded sociopolitical activists. Seeing a particular social or political agenda emerge victorious is not the reason we gather. 

The church is not an alliance, a temporary agreement to combine forces in order to defeat a common enemy. Alliances achieve a specific goal and then disband. The church is not a commune that huddles together to promote and protect our personal interests over and against external pressures. What we must see is how the unity of the church is founded upon something quite different. It is founded upon the person of Jesus Christ. He is the basis for our unity.

Consider what this means. Keeping Jesus Christ as the reason for our gathering, the person of focus, the object of our adoration is monumentally important. Making sure our prayers, songs, and teaching fixes upon and exalts Him cannot be understated. In our relationships with brothers and sisters we need to talk about Him, reflect upon His Word, and follow Him together. Otherwise, we will become just another club, another temporary and fleeting alliance that fades away once a greater object of infatuation comes along.