Knowing that we will spend eternity alongside all of Christ’s people should encourage us to pursue greater unity now. So, as you gather with your church this Lord’s Day, remember your shared story, your shared purpose, and your shared future. Remember and rejoice, for all of this is yours in Christ.

Abstract

Brad Wetherell encourages Christians to consider the corporate aspect of our union with Christ. Being united to Christ by faith is not merely a personal matter, for we are united to all God’s people. And though the church still has to deal with sin and division, we should be motivated to pursue greater unity based on our shared story, purpose, and future in Christ.

The other night I went to fill up a glass of water before bed when disaster struck. My aim was off as I reached toward the water dispenser on our fridge and the lip of the glass knocked awkwardly against the door. This caused me to lose my grip and drop the glass on the floor. My kitchen floor is mercilessly hard, so what happened next was inevitable. The glass shattered into a thousand pieces around my feet. I was stunned. It all happened so fast.

Over the past several years, many Christians have felt stunned by how quickly division can enter the church, shattering bonds that once kept believers close. We’ve seen it on macro levels as movements and institutions fracture and fray. We’ve seen it on micro levels as members leave and relationships rupture. Sometimes, we look back and recognize that the break was inevitable. But always, we grieve as brothers and sisters who once enjoyed fellowship now express hostility.

Division is not a new challenge for churches. Writing to the believers in Corinth, Paul says with a heavy heart, “I hear that there are divisions among you” (1 Cor. 11:18). As long as we live in this fallen world, unity will not come easily. But unity is possible as we “walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which [we] have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:1–3).

The question is: in this divided world, how can we foster this kind of unity within the church? And one answer is: by remembering our union with Christ.

Union with Christ refers to the believer’s position in Christ established at conversion, experienced in all of life, and enjoyed forever. It is a profoundly personal doctrine. But it is not merely a personal doctrine. God has united all his people together with Christ, and remembering our shared story, purpose, and future in Christ will strengthen our unity.

Our Shared Story in Christ

Consider some idyllic small town in America on the Fourth of July. The members of the community, often isolated in the busyness of everyday life, come together for a morning parade. They smile and cheer for their school band and their veterans. Throughout the day, neighbors, friends, and families gather for backyard barbeques. And that night, everyone is together again for the fireworks. What’s causing this unusual display of camaraderie? A shared story. July Fourth is not just America’s Independence Day—it’s their Independence Day.

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