What kind of union does Christ asks for?

Question

Let all who speak so lightly about the union of the churches understand that the unity of the Church is a mystical gift of the divine presence. It is not something which is decided upon at conferences, but something which either exists or does not exist. No decision of men can constrain God.

Of course, externally union can come about, and all can declare -Protestants, Catholics, and Orthodox- that now we are at last one church, and we can commemorate the Pope of Rome, and the Pope of Rome can commemorate the Patriarch of Constantinople. If we all agree upon one «minimum of truth», upon one simplified creed, and if a few other issues are settled, there can be union. It will be a legally and externally valid system, but it will be a system that has no relation with the Church of Christ, even if all external appearances make it resemble the Church. «God is not mocked». When the conditions of His presence do not exist in men, God does not come to men.

The Church of Christ was never a human system. The Church was born, it was not constructed. The discussions of men can make something to which they can give the name of «Church». But this fabrication will be something with no life. The living Church will have no relation to it. …

Answer 1

To be in union with him as he is in union with his father.

Answer 2

Divisions exist because different religious groups teach things that contradict each other. Since the Bible does not contradict itself, when you have contradictory doctrine, at least one of the views must be false, contradicting the Bible.

For example, some churches teach that one must be baptized to be saved, while others teach that you are baptized after you are saved. Both of these views cannot be true. If you hold one to be true, then you are automatically viewing the other as false.
The Bible says that we should "all speak the same thing" and have "no divisions". (1 Corinthians 1:10)

If a man decided to "join" every church in town and said he was going to fully support each of their (contradictory) doctrines, we would say he is either a hypocrite or insane. So, with this in mind, is Christ a member of all of the churches? This can be answered by a simple 3-word rhetorical question from the Bible, "Is Christ divided?" (1 Corinthians 1:13) He is not!

Christ is the head of the church that teaches a doctrine that agrees with the Word of God. When we teach anything else, we are following the doctrine of men instead of God. If we teach any doctrine contrary to the one taught by Christ and His apostles, we are accursed. (Galatians 1:6 -9)

Jesus prayed that all those who believe on Him through the apostles word would be “one”. (John 17:17-21) Notice the standard for unity is the Word of God. This is how we have faith, by “hearing… the Word of God”. (Romans 10:17) Jesus said He has “all authority” and the apostles were to teach the things He had commanded! (Matthew 28:18-20) The Scriptures are useful for our doctrine, reproof, correction and instruction. Using them this way, followers of God can be completely furnished with everything they need to know to serve God! (2 Timothy 3:16-17, 2 Peter 1:3) Only when Christians accept the same standard of authority can they have unity. Only by accepting the same standard can they “all speak the same thing”!

Jesus has “all authority”, and he sent out His apostles to teach what He had instructed. He gave them the Holy Spirit to guide them in all truth. Therefore, when we follow the Scriptures, we are following the authority of God.

It is important for us to compare all religious things we are taught to the scriptures (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Colossians 3:17). The scriptures are the standard by which we know the truth and by which unity is obtained. That religion that follows this standard (speaks the same thing as the scriptures) is true. Once we establish what is true, all else is false.

Answer 3

by partaking of the Divine Nature by grace

The Excommunications of 1054 were lifted in the 1960s,so you are right: we Latins and Greeks are in a sense again one Church
but in many other ways Catholics and Orthodox have long way to go to show real unity.

Loving and appreciating each other would be a good place to start.

There is only one Everlasting Head of the Church, Jesus.

Answer 4

What seek ye?
Come and see.
Follow me.
Make not my Father's house a house of merchandise.
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

Answer 5

Jhn 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
Jhn 17:22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:
I Cr 13;8a

Answer 6

Really he wants us to be a union with each other and him.