Why Ephesians 4 Matters for Christians Today
If you’ve ever felt confused about all the different beliefs, practices, and opinions within Christian circles today, you’re not alone. Many people wonder whether what they see in modern Christianity lines up with the heart of the faith described in the Bible. At the core of this concern is a simple but powerful phrase from Ephesians 4:5: “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” In this post, let’s break down what this means, why it matters, and how it calls believers everywhere to unity, humility, and hope.
Understanding “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism”
Let’s start with the basics. The phrase comes from a letter the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Ephesus. He wanted them—and us—to remember what truly unites those who follow Jesus. Here’s how Paul sets the stage in Ephesians 4:1-6:
· He urges believers to live in a way that honors their calling as Christians.
· He highlights qualities like humility, gentleness, and patience.
· He points out that Christians share “one hope,” “one Lord,” “one faith,” “one baptism,” “one God and Father of all.”
So, what does “one Lord, one faith, one baptism” mean in everyday language?
· One Lord: There’s only one true leader and Savior for Christians—Jesus Christ. He’s the center of our faith.
· One Faith: This means all believers trust in the same message of salvation: that Jesus gave Himself for us, and through Him, we are made right with God.
· One Baptism: Paul isn’t just talking about getting dunked in water. He’s pointing to a deeper, spiritual reality.
Spiritual Unity: What Brings Christians Together
Paul wanted Christians to understand that faith isn’t just about rituals or labels—it’s about being united in Christ. When he says “one Lord, one faith, one baptism,” he’s reminding believers that the most important thing is their shared relationship with Jesus. This bond is stronger than any differences in worship style, church traditions, or personal opinions.
Spiritual unity means:
· We belong to the same family, no matter where we’re from.
· We share the same hope and future in Christ.
· We’re called to treat each other with love, respect, and patience.
Spiritual vs. Water Baptism: What’s the Difference?
Baptism often brings up questions. Some wonder if Paul is talking about water baptism—being physically immersed as a public sign—or something else. Here’s a simple way to understand it:
· Water Baptism: This is an outward symbol. Many Christians are baptized in water to show their commitment to Jesus.
· Spiritual Baptism: This is the real heart of the matter. It means being united with Christ by faith, “immersed” in His life and Spirit. When you trust Jesus, you become part of God’s family—no matter how or where you were baptized in water.
Paul focuses on spiritual baptism because it’s what truly connects Christians. Water baptism is important, but it’s the inward reality—being joined to Christ—that matters most.
The Foundation for Unity: Humility, Gentleness, and Patience
In Ephesians 4:1-6, Paul describes what unity among Christians should look like. It’s not forced sameness or ignoring differences. Instead, it’s about sharing the same hope, and showing humility, gentleness, and patience toward one another. These qualities are the building blocks of true Christian unity.
· Humility: Recognizing that we all need God’s grace, and none of us has it all figured out.
· Gentleness: Treating others kindly, even when we disagree.
· Patience: Bearing with one another’s shortcomings, trusting that God is at work in each of us.
When Christians focus on what truly matters—their shared Lord, faith, and baptism—they can overcome divisions and reflect God’s love to the world.
Conclusion: Embracing True Christian Unity
Modern Christianity can sometimes feel like a maze of opinions, traditions, and disagreements. But the message of Ephesians 4 is clear: Christians are called to be united by their relationship with Jesus, their shared faith, and the spiritual reality of being joined to Him. By living with humility, gentleness, and patience, believers can rediscover what it means to be the Body of Christ and offer a powerful witness of hope to the world.
Let’s set aside what divides us and focus on what truly unites us: one Lord, one faith, one baptism. That’s the foundation of real Christian unity—and it’s good news for all.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2025
afrancinegreen.com 