Eph. 2:18 is not yet the one body, but both Jew and Gentile are together before the Father in communion, and this is "the unity of the Spirit." It begins here, but from this it goes a great deal farther.
The three great principles of the unity of the Spirit are: (1), one new man; (2), access to the Father by the Spirit; (3), builded together for an habitation.
It is the power of the Spirit which keeps saints in the realization of the whole of the relationships in which they exist in one body. This secures the manifestation of the one body on earth.
The unity of the Spirit is gone- was in Acts 5; 6, but the power for the manifestation of it is here.
It is an abstract idea, and the difficulty comes from making it an absolute fact.
It is when your mind and mine go on together with the mind of the Spirit. Where we do not see together, it is not realized, but one could not say it was broken.
If you and I are quarreling, are we doing it in the unity of the Spirit?
But, apart from all ecclesiastical ideas, I am to go on with you, and if you are naughty, I am to forbear with you in love. Then the unity of the Spirit is kept on my part, whatever it is on yours.
Two godly Baptists might be morally endeavoring to keep it, but they have broken it by being strict Baptists.
Taking it in its completeness, you cannot separate it from the one body.
There are three unities in John 17 (1), apostolic"one as we," one thought and purpose; (2), "one in us," like 1 John 1:1-4- the true fellowship of saints- is the unity of the Spirit viewed practically; (3), entirely future- unity in glory- "perfect in one." J. A. T.
Croydon, September, 1882. G. H.