[Sidenote:  Unity a practical reality]

According to the New Testament standard, unity of believers is more than an invisible, intangible, spiritual fellowship.  They are “members one of another” as well as members of Christ.  That unity was designed to be visible and to form a convincing sign to the world of the mighty power of Christ.  This stands out prominently in that notable prayer of our Lord recorded in John 17, which was uttered on the most solemn night of his earthly life.  First he prayed for his immediate disciples, then for all believers, in these words:  “Neither pray I for these [twelve] alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; THAT THEY ALL MAY BE ONE; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us:  THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE that thou hast sent me” (verses 20, 21).

Such unity is a real standard.  It will convince the world.  The practical force of this last scripture can not be lessened by reference to those other words of Jesus, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another” (John 13:  35), for Jesus taught the inseparable nature of love and unity.  Love, as an inward affection, produces deeds and results, and is measured thereby.  Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:  23).  And just as love to God invariably produces union with God, so also true love to man will result in unity.  “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).  Carnal divisions can not exist where true love reigns.

[Sidenote:  Christ died for unity]

For this visible unity Christ prayed—­“That they all may be one,... that the world may believe.”  More than this, he died that unity might be effected.  John 11:52 clearly shows that one purpose of Christ’s death was that “he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.”  Therefore unity of believers is a sacred truth resting on the solid basis of the atonement.  That this unity is more than that general union resulting from the personal attachment of separate individuals to Christ as a common center, is proved by the fact that it is designed to gather together in one the scattered children of God.  Jesus himself said, “Other sheep I have [Gentiles], which are not of this [Jewish] fold:  them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and THERE SHALL BE ONE FOLD [flock] AND ONE SHEPHERD” (John 10:16).

[Sidenote:  Jew and Gentile united]