Unity
Unity as a philosophical term, signifies oneness. Aristotle makes it the element of number, and defines it as indivisibleness. In the Kantian philosophy it is defined as "that mental representation in the understanding by which the manifold is thought of as linked together." It is by the same authority classified as anatlytic, or unity of a logical connection; and synthetic, or unity of intentions in the concept of an object. As a theological term, unity is employed to signify a oneness whether of sentiment, affection, or behavior (Ps 133:1). The "unity of the faith" is an equal belief of the same great truths of God, and the possession of the grace of faith in a similar form and degree (Eph 4:13). The "unity of the spirit" is that union between Christ and his saints by which the same divine spirit dwells in both, and they have the same disposition and aims; and that unity of the saints among themselves by which, being joined to the same head, and having the same spirit dwelling in them, they have the same graces of faith, hope, love, etc., and are rooted and grounded in the same doctrine of Christ, and bear a mutual affection to each other. When Christian unity is spoken of in the New. Test., it generally means the unity of dispensation for the various classes of converts. It is expressive of the great principle that all were to be under one fold and one Shepherd.
