READ: Jn. 17:20–23: … that they may be one just as We are one … that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.
The call “that they all may be one” is often used in opposition to church division, as in ecumenical movements or broad church cooperation. The real problem, however, is often a lack of commitment to the truth (cf. v.17).
This same phrase is then used to defend plural cooperation in which Reformed churches bypass true unity, even though the confessions call us to such unity (Belgic Confession, art. 27–28; Apostles’ Creed; Nicene Creed).
For what kind of unity does Jesus pray? First, He prays for the Church’s preservation in His Word. He connects this to the request that believers—both disciples and all who accept the gospel (v.20)—will show unity. This unity flows from God’s keeping His Church in the truth.
It is not merely recognizing one another while staying separated, with occasional cooperation. Christ Himself wants a deep unity among true believers, reflecting His unity as Mediator with the Father. This unity is absolute in love and obedience.
When Jesus prays for a “perfect” unity (v.23), we must obey! Unity begins with holding and obeying the truth; from that must flow heartfelt unity under Jesus and the Father. This must be visible in the congregation as Christ’s body and in the wider church fellowship (Gal. 3:28; Eph. 4:4–6; 1 Cor. 12:12f; Belgic Confession art. 28).
There can be no place for multiple true churches in one region or country. As our Saviour Jesus has given up His glory for the unity of His own body, the church. It is a command we must take seriously!
What does the last sentence (v.23) mean for us?
Sing: Hymn 40:2 (1984) / 52:2 (2014)