Question:
Can there ever be true unity?
Answer:
Of course, there can be no unity with the world or the devil—not in one single thought or action—if our desire is to be saved.
“Satan is rich in this world’s goods, and he is full of cunning to deceive, and his most effective agents are those whom he can lead to take a form of godliness while they deny the power of God by their un-Christlike characters. The children of God are to stand firmly for the right under all circumstances. They are not to be deceived by those who have the mind and spirit of the world.” In Heavenly Places, 168
“Christ and the world are not in partnership. … The slightest diversion from Christ is so much influence, power, and efficiency given to the enemy.” The Review and Herald, August 23, 1892
“Satan’s deceptive workings are constantly being carried on in every place. Those who truly love God will reveal their love for Him in every and under every circumstance. … They will not be persuaded to forget the Lord at any time. …
“We must be as decidedly a peculiar people, holy unto the Lord, as the Israelites were required to be, else we cannot properly represent our wise, compassionate, glorified Redeemer.” Lift Him Up, 146
“When absolute homage is paid to the word of God in matters of doctrine and principle, there will be no easy fellowship with the world.” Manuscript Releases, Vol. 4, 412
For those who believe in God and who seek to do His will, there is unity in thought, spirit, action, and purpose.
“A Christian, as described by the Scriptures, is a person who is separated from the world in his aims and practices and is united with Christ … .” In Heavenly Places, 168
“The secret of unity is found in the equality of believers in Christ. The reason for all division, discord, and difference is found in separation from Christ. Christ is the center to which all should be attracted; for the nearer we approach the center, the closer we shall come together in feeling, in sympathy, in love, growing into the character and image of Jesus.” That I May Know Him, 99
“… if all are seeking the meekness and lowliness of Christ they will have the mind of Christ. Then there will be unity of spirit.” Last Day Events, 92
“The animating Spirit of God, working through human agencies, leads the believers to be of one mind, one soul, unitedly loving God and keeping His commandments—preparing here below for translation.” The Review and Herald, October 20, 1904