Key Verse: “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 CSB)
There’s a Latin saying, “In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas.” Some have attributed this to Augustine of Hippo, but its origin is likely from someone else. The expression suggests that there should be unity on essential matters, freedom on what is uncertain, and charity or love at all times.
It’s not bad advice, particularly for us as Christ-followers who tend to be a very divided bunch. Everywhere we turn, Christians seem to be disagreeing and dividing over all sorts of matters. If you’re not convinced, go on social media and see what we’re arguing about this week!
Jesus’ heart though for the church is not contention and division, but rather unity and love. “May they all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you” (John 17:21), Jesus prayed. To be one doesn’t mean that we are all the same in every point of doctrine or in how we express our faith in Jesus. But it does mean that, even in the midst of our diversity, we seek to be united about what is most essential to our faith.
So what is it that matters most? What are the essentials on which we ought to stand as one? The Apostle Paul wrote that, “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope at your calling – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all” (v.3-6). These statements, which may have been part of an early Christian creed, represent for us the foundation of our unity together in Christ Jesus.
Paul tells us that we are “one body” (v.4). Like a physical body that is made up of various parts, every Christian is a part of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27). Even in our rich diversity, we are united together in this way. This is possible, only through the “one Spirit” (v.4) who has worked in the hearts of those who truly belong to Christ. Paul wrote, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Because we all have the Holy Spirit, we also are united together in “one hope” (v.4) The Spirit is the guarantee of our inheritance” (Ephesians 1:14). So we all share in the certain hope of what’s to come.
One of the other things we have in common is that we have “one Lord” (v.5) For first-century Christians, to declare Jesus as Lord meant to declare that Caesar was not Lord. This could be a very costly stand to take. Yet, this is essential to our faith. “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9).
The Bible teaches that to be saved means to be spiritually united with Jesus. This is likely what Paul is referring to when he speaks of “one baptism” (v.5). “For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ. There is no Jews or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:27-28).
Finally, what is most essential and at the foundation of our unity is that we have “one God and Father of all” (v.6). We are part of the family of God, whether we like our brothers and sisters in Christ or not. Together, we live under our Heavenly Father’s sovereign authority and loving care, because we belong to Him.
Take time today to thank God for the diversity of His kingdom. As you do, invite Him to help you pursue Christ-centered unity on the things that matter most to Him.
Prayer: God, I praise you for all that I have in common with every Christian throughout history. Guard my heart from becoming contentious and divisive. Help me to pursue Christ-centered unity with my brothers and sisters in the faith on the things that truly matter most. Grant me humility, grace and love at all times. Amen.
Author: Jonathan Miller has served in pastoral roles for more than 13 years in churches in Barrie, Oakville and Burlington, Ontario. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Prison Fellowship Canada, a ministry that mobilizes and equips local churches to engage in the restorative work of prisoners, ex-prisoners, their families, and victims across Canada. Jon holds degrees from McMaster University and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. He and his wife Adrienne have been married since 2004, and live in Burlington, Ontario with their 4 children. Jon’s greatest passion is to know Jesus and to see lives transformed by Him and for Him.
