Do Christians primarily find oneness (henosis) in Christ or in the body of believers?
In the Christian tradition, the concept of oneness, or henosis, is deeply rooted in the relationship between believers and Christ, as well as among the believers themselves within the body of Christ. This dual aspect of oneness reflects both a vertical and a horizontal dimension of Christian unity.
Oneness in Christ
The primary source of oneness for Christians is found in their union with Christ. This is a profound spiritual reality that signifies a believer's intimate connection with Jesus, which goes beyond mere association or affiliation. It is a mystical union where, through faith, Christians are "in Christ" and Christ is in them. This union with Christ is the foundation of a Christian's identity, salvation, and sanctification. As described in the search results, being "in Christ" means that everything Christ is and has that can be shared will be shared with the believer, except for His deity and its unique attributes[1]. This encompasses grace, redemption, and justification, among other aspects of salvation and Christian life[1].
Oneness in the Body of Believers
The concept of oneness also extends to the collective identity of Christians as the body of Christ. This is where the horizontal dimension of unity comes into play, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers with one another. The New Testament frequently uses the metaphor of the body to describe this relationship, highlighting how diverse members are united into one entity through their common connection to Christ[1][2][3]. This unity is not just an ideal but a spiritual reality that reflects the oneness within the Godhead itself—the Trinity. Jesus prayed for His followers to experience such unity that the world would recognize the truth of His mission and the love of the Father[2].
The Interplay of Vertical and Horizontal Oneness
The vertical and horizontal dimensions of oneness are inseparable and mutually reinforcing. The union with Christ (vertical oneness) is the basis for the unity among believers (horizontal oneness). As believers grow closer to Christ, they are drawn closer to one another, reflecting the unity and diversity found within the Trinity itself. This unity among believers serves as a testimony to the world of God's reconciling work in Christ[2][5].
Conclusion
Christians primarily find oneness in Christ, as it is through their union with Him that all other relationships and identities are defined and find their ultimate meaning. This vertical oneness with Christ is foundational for the horizontal oneness experienced in the body of believers. Together, these aspects of oneness serve the purpose of glorifying God and manifesting His kingdom on earth, as they reflect the unity, diversity, and love inherent in the nature of God[1][2][5].
Citations:
[1] https://www.desiringgod.org/messages/we-though-many-are-one-body-in-christ
[2] https://bibletolife.com/resources/articles/the-significance-of-oneness-for-christians/
[3] https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1133&context=books
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/TrueChristian/comments/o4pmod/who_else_is_oneness_believers/?rdt=60513
[5] https://www.gotquestions.org/all-one-in-Christ.html
[6] https://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1957/september-2/oneness-with-christ.html
[7] https://sacredstructures.org/general/what-does-the-bible-say-about-oneness/
[8] https://www.onebody.life/benefits-and-results-of-oneness
Which is more severe, therefore, excommunication from communion with Christ or excommunication from the body of believers?
Excommunication from communion with Christ is more severe than excommunication from the body of believers. The reason for this is that communion with Christ is the source of eternal life and the ultimate relationship for which Christians are called. While fellowship with other believers is important for spiritual growth and accountability, it is secondary to one's personal relationship with Christ.
In the New Testament, excommunication is presented as a form of church discipline, intended to bring about repentance and restoration of the individual to both Christ and the church community. The Apostle Paul, for instance, discusses the need to remove an unrepentant individual from the fellowship of the church so that they may become aware of the severity of their sin and hopefully be restored (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)[2]. However, this disciplinary action does not equate to cutting someone off from salvation, as salvation is through Christ alone, not church membership.
The Catholic Church views excommunication as a medicinal penalty, aiming to correct the individual and bring them back to righteousness. It is not primarily punitive but is intended to awaken the individual to their wrongdoing and encourage repentance (Canon Law 1312)[7]. The excommunicated person is still considered a member of the Church by virtue of their baptism and is encouraged to repent and seek reconciliation[3][7].
Therefore, while excommunication from the body of believers is a serious matter, it is a remedial measure within the context of church discipline. Excommunication from communion with Christ, on the other hand, would imply a separation from the source of salvation and grace, which is of eternal consequence. The goal of any form of excommunication is always the restoration of the individual to full communion with Christ and His Church[1][2][3][7].
Citations:
[1] https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05678a.htm
[2] https://www.evidenceunseen.com/bible-difficulties-2/nt-difficulties/romans-2/1-cor-51-13-does-this-passage-teach-excommunication-from-the-church/
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Excommunication_in_the_Catholic_Church
[4] https://www.gotquestions.org/excommunication.html
[5] https://www.puritanboard.com/threads/what-are-the-implications-of-excommunication.4967/
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_excommunicable_offences_in_the_Catholic_Church
[7] https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/excommunication-its-not-what-you-think
[8] https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/what-is-excommunication-and-should-churches-practice-this.html
[9] https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/excommunication-10797
[10] https://heresthejoy.com/2017/08/the-problem-of-excommunication-a-response-to-desiring-god/
[11] https://opc.org/OS/html/V3/1e.html
[12] https://fatima.org/news-views/excommunication/
[13] https://www.christianity.com/church/what-is-excommunication-is-excommunication-biblical-or-just-mean.html
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