Unity in God's Plan

The concept of unity is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's desire for harmony among His creation. From the beginning, God established unity as a fundamental aspect of His design. In Genesis 1:26, God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness," indicating a divine unity within the Godhead itself. This unity is further exemplified in the creation of humanity, as male and female were created to complement and complete one another (Genesis 2:24).

The call for unity is reiterated throughout Scripture, particularly in the New Testament. Jesus Christ, in His high priestly prayer, expressed His desire for unity among His followers: "I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one" (John 17:22). This prayer underscores the importance of unity as a reflection of the divine relationship within the Trinity.

The Apostle Paul also emphasized unity within the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:3-6, he urged believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" . This passage highlights the theological foundation for unity, rooted in the oneness of God and the shared faith of believers.

Inclusivity in God's Plan

Inclusivity is another key aspect of God's plan, as evidenced by His desire to bring all people into a relationship with Him. The Old Testament contains numerous references to God's inclusive nature, such as His covenant with Abraham, which promised that "all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3). This covenant foreshadowed the inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan.

The New Testament further expands on this theme, particularly through the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus consistently reached out to those marginalized by society, including Samaritans, tax collectors, and sinners. His interaction with the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) and His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrate His commitment to breaking down ethnic and social barriers.

The early church grappled with the issue of inclusivity, as seen in the Jerusalem Council's decision to welcome Gentile believers without requiring them to adhere to Jewish customs (Acts 15:19-20). The Apostle Paul championed this inclusivity, declaring, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28). This statement affirms the equal standing of all believers in the eyes of God, regardless of their ethnic, social, or gender distinctions.

Unity and Inclusivity in the Church

The church is called to embody both unity and inclusivity as a reflection of God's plan. The early church in Acts demonstrated this by sharing resources and caring for one another, regardless of background (Acts 2:44-47). This model serves as a blueprint for contemporary believers, who are called to live in harmony and extend the love of Christ to all people.

The Apostle Peter, in his epistle, exhorted believers to "love one another deeply, from a pure heart" (1 Peter 1:22), emphasizing the relational aspect of unity and inclusivity. The church is to be a community where differences are celebrated and where every individual is valued as a unique creation of God.

In summary, unity and inclusivity are integral to God's plan, as revealed in Scripture. These principles are not only theological ideals but practical imperatives for the church, which is called to reflect the unity of the Godhead and the inclusivity of the gospel in its life and mission.