The phrase "in one accord" refers to unity of purpose and action. Both the Old and New Testaments use the phrase or describe the concept. In the Old Testament, the phrase often refers to unity in completing a particular action. An example is found in Joshua 9:2 when the pagan kings acted in one accord to attack the Israelites. Similarly, Psalm 83:5 outlines another attack by enemies of God’s people. But Zephaniah 3:9 presents a more positive view of being in accord: a prophecy of hope about believers calling upon the name of the Lord and serving Him in one accord. In the New Testament, the phrase "one accord" often refers to an internal state, being of one heart and one mind. An example is the elders and apostles being in one accord in choosing Barsabbas and Silas to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:22–25). The early believers are often described as acting in accord regarding worship and care for each other (Acts 1:14; 4:32). Paul and Peter encouraged believers to be unified in worship of the Lord and in spreading the gospel (Romans 15:6; 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Peter 3:8). Our truest calling as believers is to live in one accord with Christ (John 17:20–26; Ephesians 4:1–6).
Just like everyone, Christians have different opinions on a variety of subjects—from inconsequential personal tastes to personal convictions over specific behaviors (Romans 14) to public policies and even to secondary matters of theology. Believers look different, like different foods, and speak different languages. But on the most important subject—the truth of the gospel and our salvation through Christ—Christians agree. We are one in Christ. As Galatians 3:27–28 says, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” We’re all citizens of heaven, under one Lord and Savior (Philippians 3:20). That commonality is more powerful than any superficial disparities. It is based on that reality that believers are encouraged to live in unity (John 17:20–26).
Though it is often difficult to live in unity with those who are different from us, our similarities in Christ far outweigh our differences. We are called to live as His people, at peace with one another and unified in His truth and for His purposes (Ephesians 2:11–22). Paul told the Ephesians, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:1–6).
We shouldn’t allow our varying opinions to tear down the unity we have in Christ. Unless the disagreement is about essential Christian doctrine, we would do well to remember that it is our “glory to overlook an offense” (Proverbs 19:11). As believers, our greatest calling is to live in one accord with Christ, firm in His truth, abiding in His love, and living out His purposes in the world (John 15:1–17). We do this as individuals and together as the diverse body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12). Surface differences pale in comparison to the beautiful unity and peace we have in Christ—both with Him and with one another.
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