Meaning: The quote comes from John Darby, a 19th-century clergyman and one of the founders of the Plymouth Brethren movement. The quote reflects Darby's belief in the unity of Christians as one body, as described in the Scriptures. Darby's teachings emphasized the idea of the universal church composed of all true believers, regardless of denominational affiliations. This concept of the "gathering together of God's children" reflects the belief that the church is not confined to a specific building or denomination but is a spiritual entity encompassing all true believers in Christ.

The phrase "This truth of the gathering together of God's children is in Scripture seen realised in various localities" suggests that the unity of believers is not limited to a single geographical location or congregation. Instead, Darby emphasizes that this truth is evident in different places where Christians gather. This reflects the idea that the universal church is not bound by physical boundaries or organizational structures but is united by a common faith in Christ.

Darby's assertion that "in each central locality the Christians resident therein composed but one body" underscores his belief in the essential unity of the church. Regardless of the diversity of local congregations, Darby maintained that all Christians in a particular area should be united as one body. This idea aligns with the biblical concept of the church as the body of Christ, with each member playing a unique but interconnected role in the larger spiritual organism.

The statement "Scripture is perfectly clear on that head" indicates Darby's conviction that the biblical texts unequivocally support the idea of the unity of believers as one body. Throughout his teachings, Darby frequently referenced various passages from the New Testament to support his views on the unity of the church. He often cited verses such as 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, which describes the church as a body with many members, each with a distinct function but all interconnected and essential to the whole.

In summary, John Darby's quote encapsulates his belief in the universal unity of the church as one body, as articulated in the Scriptures. His teachings emphasized the spiritual interconnectedness of believers across different localities and denominations, highlighting the universal nature of the church as a gathering of God's children. Darby's ideas continue to influence certain Christian traditions and have contributed to ongoing discussions about the nature of the church and the unity of believers across diverse expressions of the Christian faith.

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