Although we may differ in how we interpret some biblical passages, we all 'defend the faith that God has entrusted once for all time to his holy people.' (Jude 3). We hold to one faith as taught in the Holy Scriptures. “There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism.' All true Christians believe that Jesus alone is Lord. All Christians hold this truth, but then again, so do many other religions. 'There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all' (v6). Let's look at these three spheres in a little more detail. For example, both non-Christians as well as Christians may subscribe to 'one God,' but only true Christians are members of the body of Christ and have the indwelling Holy Spirit. To better appreciate these essential ingredients for our unity in the Spirit, take a look at this diagram:Īlthough all seven aspects of our unity are essential (they’re all contained within the largest sphere), as we move from the outer sphere towards the center we come closer to the 'heart' of unity. There is a sevenfold oneness to our unity. In verses 4-6 we have the basis or the ground of our unity in the Spirit. We can’t add to the unity that God has already formed. There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, in all, and living through all.”įirst of all, notice that verse 3 does not say 'make every effort to form the unity of the Spirit.' Why not? Because the unity of the Spirit is already formed. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future.

Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love. So what is this unity? And how are we to show it in our lives? A closer look at Ephesians 4:2-6 will help answer these questions.Įphesians 4:2-6 – “Always be humble and gentle. Ephesians 4:3 tells us to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit. The responsibility is that our unity must be seen in our lives. The truth is that we are one in the Spirit. But wait a minute… isn’t that a contradiction? Why should we pray for unity to be restored if we’re already one in the Spirit?Īctually, these words express both an insightful Christian truth and a significant Christian responsibility. A popular worship song from many years ago began with the lyrics, 'We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord.' Perhaps you remember it, or maybe you’ve heard the recent remake by the artist, “For King and Country.” In any case, the lyrics continue with a prayer for the restoration of our unity.

One body one spirit lyrics