Ephesians 4:1-6 describes a basis for our unity as Christians. Jesus prayed for His followers to be unified in John 17. Paul relates that desire of our Lord by writing, “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called… endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1,3). He indicatesa the way that unity can be attained, by lowliness, gentleness, longsuffering and love (2). But, the unity is not merely a “getting along”! It is something that has a basis, a standard that all adhere to. Unity would not be obtainable without this commonality. Verses 4-6 describe that standard.
- One Body. This body is the church of Christ, He being the head (cf. Ephesians 1:22-23). This not only affirms the uniqueness of the institution of the Lord, but clearly denies the current view of denominationalism that pervades religious thinking.
- One Spirit. The Holy Spirit. The giver of all inspiration, (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16-17). A single voice expressing the will of God, to a humanity that could not know that will unless it was expressed to them through the word! (cf. 1 Corinthians 2:11).
- One Hope. This is the hope of our calling. The hope of reconciliation leading to life. It is the reason for our efforts to serve Him. Paul counted every physical blessing and possession as “rubbish, that I may gain Christ…if by any means, I may attain to the resurrection of the dead” (Philippians 3:8,11).
- One Lord. Only one who has authority in this New Covenant. The Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, the Son of the Living God, was given by Him all authority “in heaven and on earth” as He declared to His disciples in giving them the Great commission in Matthew 28:18.
- One Faith. In these last days, God spoke to us through His son (cf. Hebrews 1-2). This message supercedes any other communication between God and man, and is the means by which redemption is attained (cf. Romans 1:16).
- One Baptism. Although there are numerous baptisms that have been revealed in scripture, there is only one commanded for the sinner to be reconciled with God. Baptism in water as the response of faith to “wash away your sins” (Acts 22:16).
- One God. The Father, who is immanent (spelled correctly). He is intrinsic. Diffused throughout the world, which is indicated clearly in the words, the “Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (4:6).
