A Simple Explanation for Everyone
Ephesians and Unity: What Does It Mean?
The letter to the Ephesians is one of the books in the New Testament of the Bible. One of its biggest themes is “unity”—how people from all backgrounds, cultures, and social classes can come together as one community through their faith in Jesus Christ. This idea might seem simple, but back in those days, it was truly extraordinary. Imagine people who were once bitter enemies, coming together peacefully because of their shared beliefs.
The Sevenfold Oneness
In Ephesians 4:5, the Apostle Paul talks about seven things that unite Christians: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all. These ideas aren’t just random; they represent both the visible things we do together and the deeper spiritual bonds we share.
· One body: The Church as a whole group of believers.
· One Spirit: God’s presence that lives within believers.
· One hope: The shared expectation of eternal life and salvation.
· One Lord: Jesus Christ.
· One faith: Trust and belief in Jesus.
· One baptism: The act of joining the Church.
· One God and Father of all: God, who created and cares for everyone.
Breaking Down the Threefold Unity
Let’s focus on three of these: the Lord, faith, and baptism. These help us understand how Christians are united, even though they might be very different in other ways.
1. One Lord
The “one Lord” means Jesus Christ is the center of the Christian faith. He’s not just a good teacher or a historical figure—He’s seen as God who came to earth and the one who brings people together. No matter your background, if you follow Jesus, you’re part of this unity. It’s like everyone is drawn to the same “magnet”—Jesus—who holds all the different pieces together.
2. One Faith
“One faith” isn’t just about agreeing on a set of beliefs or rules. It’s a deep, personal trust in Jesus. Think about it as putting your whole self—your mind, your feelings, your decisions—into believing that Jesus is real and that He loves you. People might disagree about smaller points, but this faith in Jesus is what truly connects Christians. It’s like the roots of trees that might look far apart on the surface, but deep down, they’re connected in the same ground.
3. One Baptism
Baptism is the simple act of being dipped in water to show you’ve decided to follow Jesus. In Paul’s time, this was done for every new believer. It didn’t make you special or give you extra power, but it marked you as part of the community. Baptism is important, but it’s not the main thing—what matters most is your faith and your character. Even today, different churches might have different ways of doing baptism, but the heart of it is the same: it’s about joining the one body of Christ.
Why Does Unity Matter?
Paul wanted Christians to remember that, even when they disagreed about other things, they were united by Jesus, faith in Him, and the shared experience of baptism. This unity was (and still is) meant to show the world a picture of peace, love, and togetherness—a group of people from all walks of life, living as one family.
In a world where differences often divide us, Ephesians reminds us that what’s most important is what we have in common: our connection to Jesus, our trust in Him, and the symbol of baptism that brings us into the family of believers.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 