So then, this divinely-established unity was never in the hands of mortals to make or unmake. Those who are in “the unity of the Spirit” can maintain and nurture it. But they cannot break it. They may grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 5:19). They may rebel against the Spirit (Acts 7:51; Hebrews 10:29). By going too far, they remove themselves from His unity. Their loss is sad, but it does nothing to change the Spirit. Neither does their loss change the Spirit’s relationship with those who continue to enjoy His perfect unity.
The Corinthian congregation illustrates the principle well. They are beset with the problems of immaturity, including a tendency to form factions. But they still believe, and they are still willing to follow where the one Lord leads. Therefore, they still belong to the one God and the one Lord, as Paul affirms in opening his letter.
To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2).
The Corinthian believers share a vertical unity with the Godhead. That is, God above fully accepts them as “sanctified”—holy, set apart as His special possession. That vertical relationship also leads to a horizonal relationship, that is, to unity with God’s entire family. They are called “together with all” God’s holy “saints.” They certainly cannot communicate or actively coordinate with saints “in every place” around the globe. Geographical distance alone makes direct contact impossible at a human level. So, this togetherness is from God and never limited by earthly barriers such as distance or culture or language. Their unity with all true believers is a spiritual reality created by God Himself.
“Their unity with all true believers is a spiritual reality created by God Himself.”
As you read further in 1 Corinthians, look for the words “in” and “into” when used of the believer’s relationship with Christ. Here are samples, just from the first chapter:
To those sanctified in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:2).
The grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:4).
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord (1 Corinthians 1:9).
Were you baptized in [literally, into] the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:13)
No one may say that you were baptized in [literally, into] my name (1 Corinthians 1:15).
Because of [God] you are in Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:30).
The definition of perfect unity is the Father in the Son, the Son in the Father, the Son in His followers, and His followers in Him (John 17:21-23). The Spirit’s favorite phrase, as given through Paul, is “in Christ” or “in Him.” All spiritual blessings are found “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3). Those blessings include the Spirit-given blessing of unity. However, failure to follow Christ’s leadership severs the relationship with Christ and therefore with His people (Colossians 2:19; Galatians 5:2, 4).
You shall listen to [Christ the Prophet] in whatever He tells you. And it shall be that every soul who does not listen to that prophet shall be destroyed from the people (Acts 3:22-23).
Unity is never promised for those who follow other authorities, those who listen to other voices, those outside Christ. But for those who abide “in Christ,” unity is heaven’s reality to be reflected and maintained on earth.