What is the basic Protestant understanding of oneness in these Scriptures? While it is quite evident Jesus is making reference to the Spiritual realm in the following Scriptures:


  John 17:20 through 24 NKJV  "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21  that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22  And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23  I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24  "Father, I desire that they also whom You gave Me may be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory which You have given Me; for You loved Me before the foundation of the world.


What is not so obvious is exactly how we are all to come together and become one. And of particular interest is an explanation of that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

Even with the 11 commentaries that I use in my study, There seems to be no agreement on just what oneness means. They all agree and so do I that it is referring to inhabiting Heaven at some future date.

As close as I have been able to understand this is that when we are all of one common something it will prove the legitimacy of Christ.

If someone has a more complete understanding of these Scriptures I would appreciate knowing it.

Even though I am a Southern Baptist any Denominational doctrine is desired and the Catholic interpretation would also be helpful.

Thanks Bye.
According to the immediate context, the oneness of the believers with the Father and the Son in John 17 is oneness in terms of love.

John 17:11,22-24
11 And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one...
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, 23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me. 24 Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me because you loved me before the foundation of the world.

Even the greater context shows that the mutual indwelling is based on love and not on nature.

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. 1 John 4:16
Jesus answered him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.&quot; John 14:23