Jesus emphasized the central role of God’s Word when He prayed for unity among His first followers. Christ’s call for unity in John 17:11 is nestled among several references to God’s Word and truth (see verses 6, 8, 14, 17, and 19).
This observation reveals two important issues related to Scripture and unity:
- Unity is only meaningful when the perimeters of biblical truth are in focus. If there are no lines of distinction, then how do Christians know where to unite?
- There is an organic link between Christ’s truth and unity among His followers. Since Believers submit to the authority of the teachings of Jesus, their focus on Scripture unites them in their common commitment to Christ (Jude 3). The importance of unity is also discussed by other biblical writers.
Paul emphasized the central role of Scripture in terms of both salvation and sanctification in 2 Timothy 3:14-17. Every true Believer has embraced the truth of God’s Word by faith (verses 14-15), and as noted previously, this common bond unites them together. Furthermore, all genuine Believers desire to live daily according to God’s truth. Thus, the fully-orbed power of Scripture guides God’s servants to live in ways which honor Him (verses 16-17).