Christ's Prayer

"What can I present before my brethren and sisters in Christ, that is more important for their study and practice than the Saviour's prayer for His disciples? The entire seventeenth chapter of John is full of marrow and fatness." Bible Echo, April 23, 1894.

"I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou has sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." John 17:14-23.

Christ's last prayer was for His followers to be united together as one, just as He and the Father are united together as one. But was this prayer for oneness and unity among Christ's followers only for the disciples, or only for the churches of the past--including the Adventist church? Or is it especially for those who have separated from all churches in obedience to Christ and His loud cry message of Revelation 18?

"Oh read the prayer of Christ for unity, 'Keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are' (John 17:11). The prayer of Christ is not only for those who are now His disciples [back in Christ's day], but for all those who shall believe on Christ through the words of His disciples, even to the end of the world. Jesus...looks down the lines two thousand years to His church which would be in existence in the last days, before the close of this earth's history." 1MR 355.

God's last day church are those chosen Remnant who are not defiled with, or connected to, corrupt women or churches (see Revelation 14:4); those who have followed Christ out of all the churches in obedience to Revelation 18! We are to be in unity with Christ and with one another! But can this really be true that God's separated people are to be in complete unity with one another? What is the work that God's people are to cultivate today?

"Please read this chapter [John 17] with careful, prayerful attention, and practice the petition which Christ made to His Father. Mark the twentieth to the twenty-third verses. This unity it is our work to cultivate. Even our thoughts are to be brought into captivity to Christ, that we may bind them about, and think no evil of our brethren." 1888 Materials, p 1150.

"John 17:21 quoted. All true laborers for God will work in harmony with this prayer. In their efforts to advance the work, all will manifest that oneness of sentiment and practice which reveals that they are God's witnesses, that they love one another." 7T 156-57.

"In order successfully to carry forward the work to which they had been called, these disciples, differing so widely in natural characteristics, in training, and in habits of life, needed to come into unity of feeling, thought, and action. This unity it was Christ's object to secure....[John 17:21 quoted]." CC 288.

"Christ says that unity and Christian fellowship were necessary to the cause of God, therefore He enjoined it upon His disciples. And the history of Christianity from that time until now proves conclusively that in union only is there strength." 4T 19.

"Yes, the religion of Christ is a system of the truest politeness, and its triumphs are complete when a world may look on a people professing godliness with a united front, believers showing habitual tenderness of feeling and kindness of deportment and sincere regard for the reputation of each other. We may not look for the approval of God unless we work to the point of habitual kindness, acting upon the principles of the gospel." 15MR 128.

Therefore we cannot fulfill God's work, or be His disciples, or be true laborers or witnesses for God, or successfully carry forward God's work in winning souls to Jesus, or be truly converted to God, or reach perfection of character, or really be looking forward to our Lord's soon return, or have the sick healed often among us, or receive the approval of God, or be close to God, or to honor or please God, or be in harmony with God, or be connected to heaven, or be of the Philadelphian church, or even be one of God's true separated Remnant people today -- unless we are united with one another. And so you can easily see that we will never make it to heaven unless we are brought together into unity.

Thus you can clearly understand, that if we do not become united with each other in brotherly love, then we are lost! You can also clearly see that fulfilling Christ's prayer in John 17 should be the number one object of every separated brother and sister in our Home Churches. That is why John 17 "are the credentials" that we have the true Gospel of Christ (TDG 120). That is why John 17 "is the convincing evidence of the divine character of [our] mission" (Counsels to Writers and Editors, p 74). And that is why John 17 "is to be our church creed" (3SM 21).

"If we draw nigh to God, individually, then don't you see what the result will be? Can't you see that we will draw nigh to one another? We cannot draw nigh to God, and come to the same cross, without our hearts being blended together in perfect unity, answering the prayer of Christ 'that they may be one' as He is one with the Father. And therefore we should seek in spirit, in understanding, in faith, that we may be one, that God may be glorified in us as He is glorified in the Son; and that God shall love us as He loves the Son." 7BC 937.

Others believe and teach that the unity for which Christ prayed is only to be a spiritual unity, and thus it is not necessary to see a visible unity among God's people today. But what does God say? Is there to be a visible unity that is to be seen among God's separated people and Home Churches?

Therefore, God has declared that unity is to be seen among our separated people and Home Churches. Hence the unity which God desires to take place among us is to be a visible unity and not just a spiritual union with Christ! We are also told that "both separation and unity will be seen in our ranks" (6T 400-01). And other testimonies on unity being seen among us can be found in 6MR 235; RC 219; 5T 206; 2MR 19.

"When Christ abides in the hearts of believers, unity will be seen. Love will flow from them to others in a strong current....Their unity will testify in a most powerful manner that they are children of God. It will have an irresistible influence upon the world, showing that man in his humanity may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." ST May 2, 1900.

Brethren, in these last days in which we live, we will either promote a visible unity in our Home Churches that will be seen, or we will promote a visible division, difference, and dissension among us that will be seen. Which will you work for and achieve? Those who work to hinder a visible unity from being achieved among God's separated Home Churches and people will continue in division and dissension. And by so doing they will plainly show that they are not chosen by the Lord!

"Difference and dissension will be seen among those who are not chosen by the Lord, but let it not spring up and bear fruit among those who profess to be representing Christ. There is no work more sacred for Christians than to maintain peace among themselves. Then they present to the world the unity that Christ prayed might exist, and bear witness that God sent Christ into the world to redeem the world." 6MR 24.

"When the Testimonies came, 'they made of no account the words of reproof given to them. By precept and example they were filled with their own doings, and counteracted the work to be done. They would not concede to right,: they would not consent to correct wrongs, and to walk in the light. Self, self, self, was their center. No unity was seen, but disorder and dissension was manifested.'" Pam #146, p 18.

Others believe and teach that all we have to do is to individually work for Christ, and then unity will come without any direct effort put forth by us to achieve it. But what does God say about this? Are we to actively strive for this visible unity among us today, or not?

Some will admit that this visible unity is God's highest ideal for His people, but will just as quickly admit that it will never be attainable. So is this visible unity really something that the people of God can have today if they strive for it? Yes!

"Jesus did not pray for that which was not attainable by us, and if this unity is possible, why do not those who are professed followers of Christ strive more earnestly for this condition of grace?...Through the Holy Spirit this unity may be attained, and love for the brethren will abound, and men will take knowledge of us that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him. Our life will be a reflection of His holy character." 15MR 88.

In fact, those who follow their own selfish desires, and who do not put forth any energies to strive for this visible unity among our people and Home Churches, clearly show by their lack of action in this area that they are not united with or bound up with Christ!

"When church members are imbued with Christ's Spirit, they will be able to fulfill His commission. But unless they strive with all their capabilities to answer the prayer, 'Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on Me through their word, that they all may be one, as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee,' they are not bound up with Him. The spirit developed by the natural character will not lead us to work as Christ worked. There can be no unity while this spirit is cherished." 5MR 370.

If we are not striving for true unity among our separated people and Home Churches, then we are building our characters with wood, hay, and stubble (see RH Feb 14, 1899). If we do not individually add our voices to try and achieve this unity among us, then we will work to make ourselves, or our own particular work or Ministry, the great center of influence and ignore others who are involved in the work of God!

"...I am praying for you, that the enemy will be defeated. The Lord would have his people labor for unity, and to answer the prayer of Christ. Here is our greatest hindrance....Until the Holy Spirit is accepted and allowed to do its office work upon the heart, each individual will strive to become a center of influence for himself. But we know in our experience, that harmonious subordination to the Spirit of God is rest, and peace, and joy. Then think of the positive necessity of coming under this molding, transforming power, in order to enjoy heaven in this life, and eternal blessing in the future life." General Conference Daily Bulletin, Feb 22, 1897.

"John 17:21 quoted. All true laborers for God will work in harmony with this prayer. In their efforts to advance the work, all will manifest that oneness of sentiment and practice which reveals that they are God's witnesses, that they love one another." 7T 156-57.

"In every word and act, kindness and love will be revealed; and as each worker fills his appointed place faithfully, the prayer of Christ for the unity of His followers will be answered, and the world will know that these are His disciples." RH Feb 21, 1907.

"Jesus would impress upon the church the fact that they are his brethren, that they are to unite with him as laborers together with God. They are to be a brotherhood for the saving of humanity. Christ expects a very different work from the churches than that which has been given to him. The people of God will not answer the expectation of Christ until they are converted and prepared to obey the commandment of Christ. He says, 'A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.' Again he says, 'By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.' When this commandment is obeyed, envy, evil surmising, vile thinking, and evil speaking will be banished. In the character of those who love God, these evils will have no part. Love means spiritual growth after the divine model. Christ has given us a pattern in his own example. He would bind his followers to one another and to himself. Their oneness with Christ makes them love one another; for love is the sure fruit of unity with Christ. Christ declared that their love one for another was a sure badge of their discipleship. He is the root, his disciples are the branches." The Home Missionary, Aug 1, 1896.

"'That they all may be one,' Christ continued; 'as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.' These words hold out before us wonderful possibilities. Shall we not individually seek to answer the prayer of Christ? Shall we not strive for the unity which he prayed might exist among his followers? What is this unity to do?--It is to show the world that God sent his Son to save sinners. Since it is to have so blessed a result, should not the followers of Christ do all in their power to obtain it?" Southern Watchman, March 1, 1904.

"That we may unite with Christ in this work we should place ourselves under the molding influence of His Spirit. Through the power thus imparted we may co-operate with the Lord in the bonds of unity as laborers together with Him in the salvation of souls. To everyone who offers himself to the Lord for service, withholding nothing, is given power for the attainment of measureless results." 7T 30.

My separated brothers and sisters, what great and limitless possibilities are before us! Shall we not grasp these precious promises through faith and then go to work to fulfill Christ's prayer for unity among us? In being united with Christ and with one another, we become God's representatives; we become His witnesses and disciples, and God will work with power which enables us to exert a telling influence in the world showing them that God indeed sent His Son to save sinners--thus we will attain measureless results! But without unity among our separated people and Home Churches, not one of these promises will be fulfilled among us! Then let us all work, through pen, voice, and life to obey a "Thus saith the Lord" and not allow self, or our own feelings and desires, to work to destroy this visible unity from being seen and achieved.

"We are not to strengthen any evil work. Let those who have used their talents of influence in doing this, do so no longer. Let them not by pen or voice act on Satan's side of the question. In obedience to a 'Thus saith the Lord,' let unity of action be seen." RH Aug 6, 1901.

But one of the greatest enemies towards obtaining this visible unity among our separated people and Home Churches is one in which each must battle individually--it is the battle against unsanctified independence! Many believe that we are all to be independent of one another, united only to God, responsible only to God, and to only follow the Spirit's guidance. But is this a true position to hold to?

"For many years I have been instructed that you are in danger of looking at things in a wrong light....You have traits of character which need to be entirely changed, else you will be a hinderance to the work, leading some to entertain suspicions, and to strike out in independent lines of action. Such a course of action is surely a mistake, and if followed will bring difficulties not easily managed....your temperament is such that it is hard for you to work in Christian union with your brethren....There are some who unless things appear right to their human judgment, draw apart from their ministering brethren. Thus God is dishonored....Give your mind up to unifying rather than to drawing apart." 1888 Mat 1757-60.

There is an ever widening confusion and growing misunderstanding among our separated people over this issue of "INDEPENDENCE." There is, of course, a true sanctified independence which is approved of heaven, as well as there being an unsanctified independence which is condemned of God. And the lack of a clear distinction between these two forms of independence has allowed Satan to create all kinds of trouble among our people and Home Churches worldwide!

True sanctified independence which heaven approves is briefly stated in the following principles: That we are an independent agent who is responsible to God for our own actions and spiritual life--no one else can be blamed if we lose heaven. We are responsible to God to do our own personal study--no one else is to study for us. We are responsible to think for ourselves--we are not to be the shadow or rubber stamp of any person. We are responsible to help ourselves--no one else is required to help when we are able. We are responsible for the performance of the work given us to do--no one else can be blamed if it does not get done. We are responsible for our own daily maintenance and living--no one owes us anything. We are responsible to maintain our integrity, moral righteousness, and obligations in the various affairs of life. And we are responsible to stand for God, His honor, and His truth regardless of the consequences. It can be clearly seen that this sanctified independence especially centers around us as individuals, not in a selfish self-centered way, but in an unselfish manner which does not adversely affect others.

This kind of noble heavenly independence can be traced back to the two great and foundational principles of God's 10 commandments--an independence which places God first and foremost in our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and our neighbors as ourselves. This independence, founded upon love to God and love of one another ahead of self, heaven highly approves of and which we are right to manifest and adhere to at all times as it will lead to complete sanctification and eternal life. The fruits borne by this kind of unselfish independence are love, trust, confidence, fellowship, harmony, unity, order, and peace. And it is clearly seen in the unity, oneness, and functioning of the Godhead. Yet, there is another kind of independence which is unsanctified and extreme.

This unsanctified independence which heaven condemns is briefly stated in the following principles: That we are responsible to God alone--no responsibility needs to be shown toward our fellow brethren. We are responsible to God alone for our actions--no one can hold us responsible, or correct, or censure, or discipline us for what we do--even if our actions adversely affect our fellow brethren. We are responsible to spiritually unite with God alone--no one is to visibly unite with one another in church or in working capacity. We are responsible to believe and teach what we want to--regardless of what our fellow brethren agree is truth. We are responsible to follow our own way--regardless of the counsel of our brethren. And we are responsible to God alone and must center our interests in our own work--regardless of the work and interests of our brethren. It can be clearly seen that this unsanctified independence especially involves our relationship to others, not in an unselfish way, but in a selfish self-centered manner which adversely affects others.

Such unsanctified independence may be thought of as loving God supreme, but in reality it breaks God's law because it esteems self and places it first and foremost in our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and our neighbors last or unthought of. This kind of independence heaven highly condemns, and which we are not to manifest or adhere to as it will lead to complete corruption and eternal destruction. The fruits borne by this selfish independence are hate, distrust, envy, jealousy, dissension, division, disorder, strife, and rebellion.

The devil was not content to keep this unsanctified independence to himself, but spread these same corrupt principles throughout the heavenly hosts, and it deceived and leavened 1/3 of all the heavenly angels. These then started a warfare in union with Satan against God's will and were cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:4, 7-9)! Satan was still not content, and brought this same rebellious independent spirit down to earth.

Satan's original lie to Eve was based upon these same principles of unsanctified independence (see YI July 1, 1897). But it did not stop there either. Not only was this rebellious independence manifested by Lucifer, 1/3 of the angels, and Adam and Eve, but was also manifested by Cain (ST Dec 16, 1886), Pharaoh (YI Nov 30, 1893), king Saul (ST June 1, 1888), the king of Babylon (YI March 28, 1905), the prodigal son (see ST Jan 29, 1894), Judas Iscariot (ST June 5, 1884), and by Laodiceans (RH April 1, 1890). And it will continue to be manifested by, and cause the fall of, many of our separated people until they wake up and clearly distinguish between the true and this false independence!

Those who follow this unsanctified independence are especially against any call for, or movement towards, a full and complete visible unity of each separated believer with each other. But can we be connected with Christ and really be working towards furthering His kingdom of righteousness if we exhibit this unsanctified independence? NO!

"'He that is not with Me is against Me,' Christ declares, 'and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth abroad.' God has given to every man his work. He expects every follower of His to exert an influence that will tell for the upbuilding of His kingdom. He who is not actively engaged in promoting love and unity and equity is exerting an influence that is opposed to Christ." Series B#2, p 44.

It is our visible unity with each other that shows to the world that we are indeed the children of God! Thus our visible unity is the indicator and proof that we are indeed united with God! We can loudly claim that we are united with God all we want to, but until we prove it by achieving this visible unity with one another, we are but showing that we are just hypocrites!

Whether we be laymen or ministers, whether we work at a job or have Ministries to attend to, may we all give up self and our unsanctified independence and seek for true unity with one another so that it may be seen, and no longer continue to dishonor our Redeemer!

If these unsanctified independent individuals, be they lay-people or ministers, do not repent and obey God's will in seeking for true visible unity with their true separated brethren, they will receive the curse of Meroz, their candlestick will be removed, and another will take their crown!

"Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man's being independent....In order that the Lord's work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together." Gospel Workers, p 487.

"There will be, among the remnant of these last days, as there were with ancient Israel, those who wish to move independently, who are not willing to submit to the teachings of the Holy Spirit of God, and who will not listen to advise and counsel. Let such ever bear in mind that God has a church upon the earth, to which He has delegated power. Men will want to follow their own independent judgment, despising counsel and reproof; but just as surely as they do this they will depart from the faith, and disaster and ruin of souls will follow. Those who rally now to support and build up the truth of God are ranging themselves on one side, standing united in heart, mind, and voice in defense of the truth." 3SM 23.

"God does not design that His workmen shall stand apart as independent atoms....I pray that you may now, as never before, both ministers and church members, come up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty powers of darkness. Study prayerfully the 17th chapter of John. This chapter is not only to be read again and again, but its truths are to be eaten and digested.

"Are these words, of such import to us, to be always neglected? God calls upon those who claim to be His children to study these words, to eat them, to live them. Seek for unity and love, else the candlestick will be removed out of its place." Pam #156, p 12-14.

Why is it that we have so many problems in our ranks? Is it because God is trying to keep our people in their Home Churches from being united together? Or is it because many of our separated brethren do not want to be united together in obedience to God's will? What is the real cause of the troubles in our separated ranks?

"The cause of the trouble it is not difficult to determine. The workers have been independent threads, when they should have regarded themselves as threads that must be woven together to help form the pattern. These things grieve the Holy Spirit....Unsanctified independence places us where He (God) cannot work with us." 7T 197.

So the great majority of all the problems among our separated people and Home Churches is because we have not followed God's will and are not yet united together as one under one faith in Christ. And to make it even worse, when those who desire to do God's will try to awaken our people to the necessity of coming together in a visible unity under one faith in Christ so that Satan, along with these problems and false teachers, may be eliminated from our ranks, many rise up and declare: "This is popery! This is hierarchy! Do not unite together as one or stand together under one faith because God wants us to be solely united with Him in a spiritual union, but not united together with each other in a visible union!" But God has already warned His people that just such a cry as this would be leveled against this true call for unity!

"Satan well knows that success can only attend order and harmonious action. He well knows that everything connected with heaven is in perfect order, that subjection and perfect discipline mark the movements of the angelic host. It is his studied effort to lead professed Christians just as far from heaven's arrangement as he can; therefore he deceives even the professed people of God and makes them believe that order and discipline are enemies to spirituality, that the only safety for them is to let each pursue his own course, and to remain especially distinct from bodies of Christians who are united and are laboring to establish discipline and harmony of action. All the efforts made to establish order are considered dangerous, a restriction of rightful liberty, and hence are feared as popery. These devoted souls consider it a virtue to boast of their freedom to think and act independently. They will not take any man's say-so. They are amenable to no man. I was shown that it is Satan's special work to lead men to feel that it is God's order for them to strike out for themselves and choose their own course independent of their brethren.

Do not let any separated Ministry, minister, or lay-member try to lead you to believe that God desires His people to remain divided, disorganized, and independent from one another in faith and work and fellowship, even if they do quote a testimony from Sister White which seems to substantiate their position, because they are only twisting the quote to say something which Sister White never intended! So says Sister White herself:

God does not want His separated people to be enlisted in the ranks of Satan's army, to advocate his erroneous doctrines, manifest his unsanctified independence, and mislead souls to division and destruction. But Christ wants all of His true separated people to enlist in the ranks of His army, to advocate His pure doctrines, to manifest His sanctified character, and to lead souls to Jesus and unity and eternal life.

"An army would be demoralized if they did not learn to obey orders of the captain. Each soldier must act in concert. Union is strength; without union efforts are meaningless. Whatever excellent qualities a soldier may possess, he cannot be a safe trustworthy soldier if he claims a right to act independent of his fellow comrades. This independent action cannot be maintained in the service of Christ.

"Self-restraint is essential to be exercised by every Christian if they answer the prayer of Christ. He is not a good soldier who will not submit his own judgement and his own ideas to preserve unity of action....The meekness and lowliness of Christ always leads to unity and hence to strength in united action." 5MR 373-74.

"Those who belong to Christ's army must work with concerted action. They cannot be faithful soldiers unless they obey orders. United action is essential. An army in which every part acts without reference to the other parts, has no real strength. In order to add new territory to Christ's kingdom, his soldiers must act in concert....He calls for a united army, which moves steadily forward, not for a company composed of independent atoms." 4BC 1146.

"In spite of all the good qualities a man may have, he cannot be a good soldier if he acts independent of those connected with him....Take a strong team of horses. If, instead of both pulling together, one should suddenly jerk forward and the other pull back, they would not move the load, notwithstanding their great strength. So the soldiers of Christ must work in concert, else there will be a mere concourse of independent atoms....In union is strength. A few men and women who unite together, having the glory of God in view, will be growing in strength and wisdom, and gaining new victories." ST Sept 7, 1891.

"Where there is unity there is strength. United we stand, divided we fall. It is the special, declared plan of the enemy of Christ and man, to break up the church into independent factions....He loves to see discord and want of harmonious action in the church." RH July 10, 1888.

Not one of our separated people, whether they be ministers or lay-members, will ever make it into heaven until they knowingly give up their unsanctified independence, stop opposing a visible unity and oneness among our people, and instead work towards a complete and full union with one another in one faith with Christ as our head! "A self-confident, independent spirit will never enter into the kingdom of God." 2SM 216. And why can't such make it to heaven? "You would act an independent part in heaven as you have acted on the earth." Kress Collection, p 152.

Dear separated brothers and sisters, God is trying to fit His people up in righteousness and make them ready for eternity with Him by leading them to be one in purpose, one in faith, one in work, and one in unity. But the Devil and his agents among us are determined to stop this from happening, and our separated people are caught right in the middle of this controversy! Yet God has a clear purpose in calling for His true separated people to be united together as one. God is actually desiring to perfect our characters through our coming together as one and thus to prepare us for translation! And those who oppose this visible unity are working to keep our people connected with sin and character defects, to lose out on translation, and are thereby working their own selves out of a home in heaven!

"...they should not take on an independent spirit, but as followers of Christ be subject one to another. This is the very means that God has ordained that one shall have influence over another and all be transformed and molded after the divine Pattern, that all the believers in Christ are to be sanctified through the truth." 15MR 357.

"There is order in heaven, and it is to be imitated by those upon earth who are heirs of salvation. The nearer mortals attain to the order and arrangement of heaven, the nearer are they brought to that acceptable state before God which will make them subjects of the heavenly kingdom and give them that fitness for translation from earth to heaven..." 2T 697-98.

"Satan took advantage of Brother and Sister G's lack of union with the body. They desired to take an independent course, and to lead instead of yielding to be led. Brother G has a jealous disposition, which, together with his independence, has kept him to one side; for with this spirit he could not be a true yoke-fellow with his ministering brethren....He has not possessed the spirit of the third angel's message. He shut himself away from union and sympathy with God's people...and this is one reason why he was left in such darkness." 1T 230-32.

"Follow its [John 17] teachings, and you will be brought into unity....No one is called to walk alone. In Christ life and immortality are brought to light. He has opened the way to the kingdom of heaven to those who believe in Him, but He assigns to no one a path different to that which all must travel. He calls for unity, and unity we must have." 17MR 291.

"Like the different parts of a machine, all are closely related to one another...There is to be unity in diversity. No member of the Lord's firm can work successfully in independence. Each is to work under the supervision of God; all are to use their entrusted capabilities in His service, that each may minister to the perfection of the whole." RH May 13, 1909.

"The Captain of our salvation died for the human race that men might be made one with Him and with each other....No soul can be made independent of the rest. There is to be no party strife in the family of God; for the well-being of each is the happiness of the whole. No partition walls are to be built up between man and man." Fundamentals of Christian Education, p 479.

So those who are not working and striving for and even urging this unity among God's people with pen and voice show that they are not united with Christ. And until this visible unity is achieved among our separated people and Home Churches, it indicates that we may not be united with God either!

"When the people of God are one with Him, they will be one with each other. Their unity and love will testify to the genuineness of their union with Christ. When their eyes are all fixed upon Christ, their hearts will be united in love. They will then stand shoulder to shoulder to resist the confederacy of evil, and they will have strength for a battle that cannot be seen by the natural eye. They will stay their hearts upon the Lord..." 15MR 86-87

"'Ye are not your own, ye are bought with a price' (1 Cor 6:19-20). Our owner is God....We must not think it a virtue to differ. We are in close bonds of relationship one with another. If the same vitalizing current is flowing through our minds and hearts, we shall act in harmony. In failing to do this, we deny the Source of all spiritual life." 8MR 69.

How can we claim to be the faithful followers of Christ and then dishonor Him by refusing to unite with our fellow separated brethren in this present truth? Do we want to continue to be hypocrites? How can we claim to be the unselfish disciples of Christ when we refuse to answer His prayer for unity among us? He answers our prayers, why can't we seek to answer His?

"When God's chosen people are of one mind, barriers of selfishness will disappear as by magic, and many, many souls will be converted, because of the unity which exists among believers....Man is to obey the word of God declared in the seventeenth chapter of John. Then of him can be spoken the words, 'Ye are complete in Him.'" 6MR 331.

"Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none effect the truth of God by causing bitterness and dissension among the Lord's people." 5T 236.

"God has expressed His will in this prayer of Christ [John 17] for the unity of His believing people. But there is an unwearied conflict kept up upon this earth, polluted and marred with the curse. Satan works to make the prayer of Christ of none effect....for where there is unity there is strength, a oneness which all the powers of hell cannot break." 18MR 366. (See also 1T 212-13, 326; SC 71; RH Nov 10, 1885; 1888 Mat 1011, SpM 383; Series B#5, p 34-35; 18MR 359-60, 364.)

"Jesus and holy angels are bringing up and uniting God's people into one faith, that they may all have one mind and one judgment. And while they are being brought into the unity of the faith, to see eye to eye upon the solemn, important truths for this time, Satan is at work to oppose their advancement. Jesus is at work through His instruments to gather and unite. Satan works through his instruments to scatter and divide." 1T 332.

Therefore those who oppose a perfect visible unity and sweet oneness among God's separated people today are really Satan's instruments and agents. Thus we can know who are Satan's agents by their fruits to prevent unity. Let us then examine some of these evil fruits so that Satan's agents among us can be clearly exposed. Then who are these agents of the Devil?

After reading through this listing of the fruits manifested by Satan's agents, most of us would find ourselves guilty of aiding the Devil and ignorantly being used by him to prevent unity from taking place among us. Yet this brings up a valid point: we would surely be lost if God treated us like we treat one another!

"We should be in a wretched state if the God of heaven were like one of us, and treated us as we are inclined to treat one another. Thank the Lord that His thoughts are not our thoughts, nor His ways our ways....If we have the love of Jesus, we shall love those for whom He has died." RH Aug 27, 1889.

But we do not need to continue to be used by the Devil any longer! Christ can free us from all self and from all sin so that we no longer are a dupe of Satan working to thwart Christ's prayer of a visible unity among His people. So for those who truly desire to follow God and fulfill His will among us, God is willing to work in you to do of His good pleasure (Philippians 2:12-13). Thus unity will by your desire and goal! As such, what is the key thing which we all need to avoid and which is Satan's most successful means of keeping God's church weak?

"God does not separate from His people, but His people separate themselves from God by their own course of action. And I know of no sins greater in the sight of God than cherishing jealousy and hatred toward brethren, and turning the weapons of warfare against them." 1888 Mat, 1011.

"Envy and jealousy are like two sisters who blend together in their workings. Envy will lead a man to desire some good which another possesses, and will urge him to use every means in his power to bring down and injure the character and reputation of one in whose place he desires to be. Falsehood, hearsays, and slanderous reports are circulated, and everything that can be made use of will be employed to place the envied man in an unfavorable light before the people. Jealousy leads a man to suspect another of seeking to deprive him of advantages and position." ST Nov 2, 1888. (See also 15MR 149.)

"It matters not how blameless the character and life of those who speak to the people the words of God; this procures for them no credit....But if a false report is circulated, if by some inference or conjecture an imputation is cast upon the character of Christ's ambassador, with what absurd credulity is it received! How many are ready to magnify and spread the slander! Such are revealing their real character." 1SM 72-73.

"He who opens his heart to the suggestions of the enemy in evil surmising and jealousy frequently misconstrues this evil-mindedness to be special foresight, discrimination or discernment to detect guilt and wrong motives in others; he regards it as a precious gift vouchsafed to him, and he draws apart from his brethren, with whom he should be in harmony. He climbs upon the judgment seat and shuts his heart against the one he supposes has erred, as though he himself were above temptation. Jesus separates from him, and leaves him to walk in the sparks of his own kindling.

"Let no one among you glory any longer against the truth by pretending that this spirit is a necessary consequence of faithfulness in righting wrongs and standing in defense of truth. Such wisdom has many admirers, but it is very deceptive and harmful. It does not come from above, but is the fruit of the heart that needs regeneration. Its originator is Satan himself....