UNITY

While the term "unity" is rare in the English Bible (Psa. 133:1; Eph. 4:3; 4:13), the idea prevails profusely in a variety of contexts. (a) Unity is that oneness that obtains perfectly among the members of the divine Godhead -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These holy Persons are "one" (Dt. 6:4; Jn. 10:30; Jas. 2:19). They share the same essence (combination of divine traits), they are one in purpose, and they function in perfect union in the interest of humanity. (b) There is a unity with the marriage relationship when a man and woman are joined to one another in harmony with the sacred will of God (Gen. 2:24; Mt. 19:5-6). Only death or sexual infidelity can break that unity. (c) In the divine scheme of things, there was to be a unity among all believers in Christ, in terms of faith and practice. Jesus established only "one" church (cf. Mt. 16:18; Jn. 10:16; 11:52; 1 Cor. 12:20; Eph. 2:16; 4:4). The model church was of "one heart and soul" (Acts 4:32). Division is condemned (1 Cor. 1:10ff; Rom. 16:17; Gal. 5:20). Today's multitude of differing denominations reflects a digressive development that was ominously foretold (2 Thes. 2:1ff; 1 Tim. 4:1ff; 2 Tim. 4:1ff), and is contrary to the expressed will of Jesus (Jn. 17:20-21). (d) In Ephesians 4:13, the "unity" of "the faith" (gospel system) most likely refers to the conclusion of the revelatory process by which the "in part" process (cf. 1 Cor. 13:8ff) was brought to fulfillment by the completion of the N.T. canon, which constitutes a unified body of truth. The unity of the biblical documents is a powerful evidence of their divine origin. See CONTRADICTION.