Saturday Before Easter: More on Christian Unity

I thought it might be good, on this day between Good Friday and Easter, to explore a little further what Jesus prayed for in John 17:22-23: Christian unity. I wrote about this topic at some length back in 2011:

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/06/some-thoughts-on-christian-unity-from.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/06/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/06/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_25.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/06/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_27.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/07/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/07/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_03.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/07/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_08.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/07/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_24.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/07/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_31.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/08/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/08/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_20.html

http://soapypetesbox.blogspot.com/2011/08/christian-unity-and-boundaries-in_21.html

Summing it all up briefly (but barely scratching the surface), there is much common ground among Christians, and there are definite boundaries. The immediate context of the verses cited above confirm that there are boundaries - this Christian unity pertains to those who truly are Christian believers. Members of other religions are not bound by Jesus' teaching. That doesn't mean Christians should be hateful or rude to them; the command to love others applies. "Garage Christians" - those who say they are Christians because they attend church but don't really believe in Jesus or what He taught - are not bound by this either, but are to be loved by Christians.

BUT with other Christian believers, I believe Jesus' meaning is that I am obligated to accept and fellowship with another believer to the degree possible. Put another way, the limits should be the circumstances in which we meet and limits set up by the other believer. In practice, at the outset I ask and listen, and I observe. Does a person say that they believe in Jesus? What do they say that means to them? From what can be seen of their behavior and speech, are those consistent with what they say they believe? I don't do it like a lawyer questioning a witness in court, but just in the normal course of conversation and getting to know the person.

What kinds of things would lead me to conclude some one claiming to be a Christian is not, or would preclude or limit fellowship?

• Some one who claimed to be a Christian but rejects the basic teachings of Christianity is not a Christian, and there is no basis for Christian fellowship. As noted above, that's no reason to be hateful or rude; it's just an honest assessment. Depending on circumstances, I may, lovingly, try to share the Gospel with them.
• A person claiming to be a believer, but is unrepentantly living a lifestyle contrary to the basic morals taught in Christianity is some one with whom I cannot fellowship. I may try (with the same qualifications as above) to show them from the scriptures how their lifestyle is contrary to Christian belief and practice and their need for repentance (and possibly for genuine faith).
• The beliefs of a person from a group that believes they are the only true Christians prevent me from having Christian fellowship with them. They think I'm not a Christian. I may try to show them from scripture that all believers, regardless of denomination or affiliation, are Christians.
• The beliefs and pride of a person from a group that believes they are a spiritual elite or in some way better than or superior to believers not in the group place limits on our ability to fellowship. I may try to show them that their feeling of elitism is contrary to scripture.
• The beliefs of a person from a group with peculiar (i.e. special, not necessarily weird) teachings may impose, “don't go there,” or, “go there carefully and respectfully,” limits, but I try to focus on the core that we have in common.

The bottom line for me is that unity and fellowship with fellow Christian believers is not an if-I-feel-like-it option, it's an obligation. Boundaries are where scripture places them; limitations should not originate in me.