A Close Look at John 17 and Being One in Christ

livingwaters (56)in #christian-trail • 7 years ago (edited)

The Critical Importance of Content and Context

God's word has a study rule written right into it. When this rule is applied it clarifies and confirms the interpretation of a subject. Consider this, Jesus said: "Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and He will shew you things to come."John 16:13

When we are studying the word prayerfully in Christ, He teaches us. This is confirmed in several instances within the Bible itself.

Here are just a few examples that witness to the above verse.

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye."Psalms 32:8

"But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ."Galatians 1:11

"If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:"Ephesians 4:21

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:20-21

Scripture Interpreting Scripture

I think that one of the best examples of this involves the prayer that Jesus prayed for those who followed Him, and for those who would follow Him, (you and I).

In this prayer, Jesus prayed that we would be one in Him.

"Neither pray I for these 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."John 17:20-21

What Does the Bible say in regards to, being "one"?

I've heard all kinds of different takes on this, and some of these "ideas," that are being taught today do not line up with the scriptures. One example of this, is that some teach that everyone is "one with God," even without being saved by Jesus. Which is impossible, because flesh and blood will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, and even a carnal mind is not subject to the laws of God, it's simply not possible.

This is why we come to the Jesus, who saves through His redemptive power, cleanses us and makes us whole.

"Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."John 3:3

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."John 1:12-13

This is imperative. It's not just a suggestion is an absolute necessity.

"For 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

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism,"Ephesians 4:5

And we know that Jesus Himself said, that we must be born again.

The scriptures often use the example of our natural marriages to the "bride of Christ," which is the Church as a whole.

"For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh." Ephesians 5:31

The bride of Christ is a spiritual concept, being born again is a spiritual concept.

In a natural marrage, Paul wrote, "and they two shall be one flesh." They walk together because they are in agreement. "How can two walk together unless they are in agreement"? (Amos 3:3)

In this world, when we partake in "holy matrimony," This is a full agreement, quite simply put, it's a covenant. This does not make the husband and the wife the same person.

In the Kingdom of Heaven, JESUS is seated on the throne. He said of us, that we would be like the angels in heaven.

"For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven."Matthew 22:30

We do not become HIM, but we are being changed into His image in that as we mature, we will walk in complete agreement with HIM.

There is no other name under heaven by which a man or woman must be saved. Only JESUS saves.

"He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. And what he hath seen and heard, that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony.
He that hath received his testimony hath set to his seal that God is true. For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him."John 3:31-34

"For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."Colossians 2:9

As for the body of Christ, (The Church) each part is given a gift of the spirit in measure.

"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;" Ephesians 4:11-14

When carefully read, the passage above speaks about the gifts of the spirit, involving the body as a whole. Each gift that is given whether it be the gift of teaching, the gift of pastoring, the gift of evangelizing, whatever the gift may be, it is from God, and it is meant to edify the entire body of Christ. (the church).

We do not become Jesus, we are made new in HIM, and the gifts given to the members of the body by measure is for the edification of the entire body, which is why coming together in HIM is so very valuable. We cheat ourselves out of edification by being an "island unto ourselves."

In heaven Jesus is seated on the throne, He's the light of Heaven, He gives us the light of understanding He is our all in all.

No human being can ever wear HIS shoes. He is the Son of the Living God, our Lord, and Savior. We are to take up our cross and follow HIM.