The Revelation of the Oneness of the Church
Oneness with God The Father - John 10:30, John 14:10, John 15: 4-5
Objective
To help believers establish a better understanding of their identity as children of God and their participation in the oness shared between the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit, and the Church.
Introduction
The Case of Our Identity
“I and My Father are one.”” John 10:30 NKJV
- The image of Jesus is an image of the Father
- Confirming His relationship with the Father
- Establishing a claim that He came to fulfill the Father’s purpose
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.” John 14:10 NKJV
When this was spoken, the audience alluded to Deut 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one!”
Commentary: John’s presentation of Jesus as Messiah and Son of God blends the imagery to the point where belief in Jesus as Messiah cannot be separated from belief in His status as Son of God.
Body
The Case of Misidentification
Genesis 1:26 - make man in our image, according to Our likeness
- The formation of a creature who was to be God’s representative,
- clothed with authority and to have dominion
- A reflection of His character and rule in creation.
Genesis 3:5 - you will be like God
The fall introduced confusion about identity. Humanity sought independence from God rather than fellowship with Him.
The Case of Re-Identification: Establishing Oneness
John 1:3-4, 14
vs. 3: Everything was established through Him
vs. 4: There is life and light through Him
vs. 14: Dwelleth among us, full of grace and truth. His glory was exactly like the Father
Through Christ, humanity’s true identity is restored.
Oneness produces faith and love, security, obedience, growth
I. Security:
- Psalm 91:1“He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalms 91:1 NKJV
- Security is found through abiding in God.
- God’s protection is promised to those who dwell in Him
- vs. 14-16
- God reciprocates the love and trust for dwelling in Him
II. Obedience:
- Philippians 2:5-11
- Jesus is God manifested in the flesh
- He bears The Name above every name
- He demonstrated perfect obedience
- He serves as a model for us.
- 2 Cor. 5:19
III. Growth:
- John 15:4-5, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me. “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:4-5 NKJV
- Mutual indwelling
- We can only grow when we are in Him
- Fruitfulness is evidence of God’s life within us
- We are nothing, and can do nothing without God
IV. Faith:
- Ephesians 3:17-19, “that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:17-19 NKJV
- Collective comprehension. Understanding God’s love is a collective experience among believers
- Grounded or rooted in a common foundation (Christ Jesus)
- We share in the fullness of God
- The Mystery revealed: Ephesians 3:5-6
V. Love:
- Romans 8:28-29
- God works all things together for good
- God is the Active Agent accomplishing His divine purpose
- Believers are being conformed to the image of Christ
Conclusion
How can I partake in this Oneness?
The invitation to oneness is open to everyone. Through Christ, God has made a way for us to be restored to relationship with Him and united with His family.
You need to:
- Open your heart to Christ
- “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Revelation 3:20 NKJV
- Need to believe
- “So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”” Acts 16:31 NKJV
- Accept Christ as your Lord and personal Savior
- “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.” Romans 10:9-10 NKJV
- Abide in Him daily through faith, prayer, and obedience
Finally
- Ephesians 2:19
It is the Father’s desire that we live in the same love, unity, and fellowship that He shares with the Son.
In Summary
- Oneness with God provides safety, confidence, and assurance.
- Our oneness with God is expressed through humble obedience and submission to His will
- Our connection to Christ is the source of all spiritual growth and productivity
- Faith unites us into one body and one family in Christ.
- Love is both the foundation and evidence of our oneness with God.
Our prayer needs to be:
"Lord, make a move with me. Draw me closer to You, make me more like You, and let my life reflect Your glory."
