Last week we looked at (Ephesians 4:1-3). I am continuing with Ephesians 4 today. Let's read verses 4-6.

(Ephesians 4:4-6) 

4 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. 

Our ability to get along with one another in the Church is not the foundation of our unity as the Church. The common elements that we have as members of Christ's body provide the basis for our unity. All the ingredients mentioned by Paul in these verses (Ephesians 4:4-6) are a free gift from God. They are the result of our union with Him. These factors contribute to the possibility of unity within the church. The idea that is so important for us as Christians to know about Christian unity is that each of the three members of the Trinity is involved in bringing the church unity, not us or our good deeds. So, I want to talk to you today about that source of unity.

1.     Christian unity is based in God the Spirit

Take note of what He provides for us to enjoy unity in the Lord. “There Is One Body"—This alludes to the worldwide church, which is made up of all believers from all generations. When a sinner is regenerated and saved, this person is incorporated into Christ's body. Paul discusses this process more in (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). You are joined with all Christians in Christ, no matter what position you hold within the body.

"There is one Spirit." The Spirit of God came to live within our hearts when we were saved, (Ephesians 2:19–22). (1 Corinthians 6:19–20) says that we have essentially become the "temple of God." The Holy Spirit, who placed us in the Body of Christ and took up residence in our hearts, is the same Spirit. The Holy Spirit's presence within us provides us with the ultimate assurance of our salvation. This implies that we are more connected than just being members of the same body. The same Holy Spirit that lives in you also lives in me and every other believer.

"There is one Hope." In the Bible, the term "hope" implies " a deep-seated confidence based on a clear word from God." In other words, when the Lord saved us by His grace and called us to Himself, He gave us all a similar "hope."

2.     Christian unity is based in God the Son

Not only is the Holy Spirit involved with the unity of the Church, but the Son is as well. Here are the aspects of this truth. "There is one Lord." We all as Christians serve the same Master, whether we acknowledge it or not. The Pastor, the Deacons, or some other powerful family or person are not the church's leaders. Most certainly, in the local church, there is a leadership structure that we should follow. But the Head of the body of Christ, the Lord Jesus Christ, is the single Lord over that body. The only route into the one body is through this one Lord, (John 14:6) (Acts 4:12). We are brought under His Lordship over our lives once we are in Christ, and He is a gracious, loving Lord who is worthy of our service.

"There is one Faith." All believers in the Lord are bound together by one set of doctrinal truth. This does not imply that we must all hold the same viewpoint on every topic. But it does imply that certain unchangeable facts must be accepted if we are to be labeled a true believer. How you act is determined by your beliefs. The "one faith" Paul refers to is what we learn from the Bible and practice in our daily lives. This implies that we need a solid relationship with God's Word. It is expected of us to read, believe, and live it. That is the will of God for His church!

"There is one Baptism." When we are saved, the word "baptism" indicates our unity with Christ or our baptism into Him. It does not only relate to water baptism. Water baptism can take multiple forms. Some faiths pour, others sprinkle, while we immerse ourselves. While immersion is the way outlined in the Bible, all forms of baptism have one flaw: none of them can save a person's soul. As a result, water baptism enables us to openly identify with the Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit's baptism, which we all share, enables Him to identify Himself with us. This Spirit baptism allows us to feel His presence, power, and guidance as we live out our "one faith" for our "one Lord."

3.     Christian unity is based in God the Father

The Spirit and the Son aren't the only ones who contribute to the Church's unity. Also involved is the Father. Take note of what Paul says about the Father and His role. "One God." This concept of "one God" lies at the heart of what we are and believe. The person of the "one God" we recognize, and worship is the source of our unity. God also loves us, cares for us, protects us, provides for us, hears our petitions, and secures us in His love and salvation as our "Father." He has taken entire responsibility for us, our lives here, and our final path to Heaven as our "Father."

Our God is "all-powerful." No force can defeat Him. He is unstoppable by any regime. No one can stand in His way. From the topmost heights of Heaven to the burned floors of Hell, he is God "above all." Every star follows the path He has set for it. Every molecule in the universe follows its instructions. He is in charge of everything." Through all," says our God. This implies that God is at work in everything to fulfill His eternal goals. He understands exactly what he's doing. He is well aware of his destination. He has a plan that will result in the perfect fulfillment of His eternal objectives. “In you all," says our God. We already know that the Holy Spirit is within us, but we are also told that the supreme God who created and controls the creation resides within His children. He brings us together by His power, His purposes, and His presence.