Topical Bible: Union: Advantages of

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The concept of union, particularly within the context of Christian fellowship and community, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. Union, in its various forms, is portrayed as a source of strength, encouragement, and spiritual growth. The advantages of union are manifold, as illustrated in both the Old and New Testaments.

1. Strength and Support: One of the primary advantages of union is the strength and support it provides to individuals. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 states, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor. For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up." This passage highlights the practical benefits of companionship and mutual support, emphasizing that individuals are more effective and resilient when united.

2. Unity in Diversity: The New Testament underscores the importance of unity within the body of Christ, despite the diversity of its members. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 , Paul writes, "For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though many, are one body, so also is Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." This metaphor of the body illustrates how diverse members contribute to the overall health and function of the church, each playing a unique role while maintaining unity.

3. Spiritual Growth and Edification: Union within the church fosters spiritual growth and edification. Ephesians 4:15-16 states, "Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ Himself, who is the head. From Him the whole body, fitted and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, through the work of each individual part." This passage emphasizes that spiritual maturity and growth are achieved through the collective effort and unity of believers, each contributing to the edification of the whole.

4. Witness to the World: The unity of believers serves as a powerful witness to the world. In John 17:21 , Jesus prays, "that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." The unity of the church is a testament to the truth of the Gospel and the divine mission of Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of God's love.

5. Peace and Harmony: Union brings about peace and harmony among believers. Psalm 133:1 declares, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" This verse celebrates the beauty and joy of harmonious relationships, which are a direct result of unity and mutual love among God's people.

6. Collective Wisdom and Guidance: Union allows for the sharing of wisdom and guidance among believers. Proverbs 11:14 states, "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety." The collective wisdom of a united community provides guidance and protection, helping individuals make sound decisions and avoid pitfalls.

In summary, the advantages of union as depicted in the Bible are numerous and profound. Union provides strength, fosters spiritual growth, serves as a witness to the world, promotes peace, and offers collective wisdom. These benefits underscore the importance of unity within the Christian community, as believers are called to live in harmony and support one another in their faith journey.

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Proverbs 15:22
Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established.
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Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor.
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Library

After this He Continues: "Their Union is the More Wonderful...
... After this he continues: "Their union is the more wonderful, the more it can ... And
yet rebellion is a substantial reason, as well as the advantages which accrue ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xiv after this he.htm

Church Union.
... VIII. CHURCH UNION. Missionary work in its initial stage has only to do with
first principles. ... What advantages in independence? What perils? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/fagg/forty years in south china/viii church union.htm

Temporal Advantages.
... These considerations on the extreme danger of possessing temporal advantages, will
be greatly ... And from that time to this, never has the union of the Church ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol vii/sermon v temporal advantages.htm

Church Union (Continued).
... The exact standing of missionaries in the Union Chinese Church ... In reply to the
advantages claimed to flow from the plan advocated by General Synod, Mr. Talmage ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/ix church union continued.htm

The Difference Between Union and Rapture. What Rapture Is. The ...
... He has held it thus for a moment, the will alone remains in union with Him. ... come
to pass; if the raptures be true raptures, the fruits and advantages spoken of ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xx the difference between.htm

How the Promise of an Hundredfold in this Life is Made to those ...
... that is an hundred times greater than that which arises from the union of the ... back
to us in this world for our scorn of worldly advantages, more particularly ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xxvi how the promise.htm

Further Explanation of the Same Subject; Explains this Prayer. The ...
... 2. I think this union does not attain as far as the spiritual espousals but ... has been
made and the soul thoroughly understands what great advantages she will ...
/.../the interior castle or the mansions/chapter iv further explanation of.htm

Degrees of Enjoyment through the Glorified Senses.
... for the advancement of religion, and glorifying God with the natural advantages
He has ... because she does not possess the glory of the Hypostatic Union, which is ...
/.../boudreaux/the happiness of heaven/chapter xv degrees of enjoyment.htm

Christian Casuistry.
... the apostle teaches in the present chapter the several duties and advantages of
marriage ... from her husband." He lays down this principle, that the union is an ...
/.../robertson/sermons preached at brighton/xiii christian casuistry.htm

Whether Certain Blessings are Necessary in Order to Excuse ...
... Bona matrimonii," variously rendered marriage goods, marriage blessings, and advantages
of marriage ... Now there is a loss of reason incidental to the union of man ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether certain blessings are necessary.htm