Christian Unity is God-Initiated

God is the origin of Christian unity, not man. This must be the case because the terms of entrance into union with one another is the regeneration of the soul through union with Christ, and only God can bring about this supernatural work. Jesus says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him; and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:44 NKJV). A little later He repeats it, “I have said to you that no one can come to Me unless it has been granted to him by My Father” (John 6:65 NKJV).

The point could not be clearer. “No one” will approach Jesus Christ in faith without the Father drawing them. “No one” is even capable of going to Jesus Christ and trusting in Him unless the Father grants the desire and ability. The repentance that leads to a knowledge of the truth is something God “grants” (2 Timothy 2:24–26). Scripture refers to the faith that saves as, “the gift of  God” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJV). This means the faith that unites us to Christ and to one another is not something we earn or figure out. The Lord takes the initiative. We receive as a gift from the Lord through salvation in Jesus Christ.

Attempts to bring unity in the world do not think this way about how it comes about. Study the myriad of efforts and organizations aiming to bring about more unity in the world and you will notice a common theme: It is a human work from start to finish. It begins with us and depends upon us. Some efforts want help from the Lord, but none of them believe true unity must be initiated by God.

In some ways, the origin of our unity cannot be fully explained. God makes us one with Himself through His Son. God makes us one with every Christian throughout the world and across history. When we enter foreign countries and encounter Christians in obscure places, we experience an immediate affinity, a complete comfort in their presence. A depth of understanding one another. We experience this bond, which up until that point, we did nothing to form, because God already created it for us.

Consider the implications. Our prayers for unity deserve greater seriousness and frequency. Our efforts at unity deserve greater humility. Our experience of unity deserves deeper thanksgiving and louder praise toward God, for He is the author and giver of it.