Although “one” can mean individual or singular, it also refers to a group that is completely unified.

As followers of Jesus, thinking about both definitions of “one” can help us understand the mystery of the body of Christ. First, we must accept that there is only one God and only one way to come to Him. Paul focuses on this idea in this part of his letter to the Ephesians.

One Lord. The one true God created the world. God calls us to acknowledge Him as the ruler of the earth and ruler of our lives.

One hope. Human beings’ greatest need — a restored, eternal relationship with God — is the one hope we desire. Nothing else can satisfy the longing of our souls.

One faith. Only by believing that Jesus’ death makes us right with God and His resurrection ensures eternal life for us, will we experience that hope.

One Spirit. God’s Holy Spirit dwells inside all believers, giving us the power to live holy lives.

These singular elements: one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, produce a united body with a sole focus. Unity flows out of singularity.

One body. Distinct individuals with different stories, different weaknesses and different gifts become joined together, unified as Christ’s body, to reveal God’s love to the world. Because we serve the same God, because we have the same hope of eternal life, because we share the same faith in Jesus Christ, we who are different, can be one.

Heavenly Father, I acknowledge you as the One true God and Jesus as my One and only Savior. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who fills every believer. May I, as part of your church, the unified body of Christ, reveal you to the world. Amen.

Go Deeper — Today as you go about your day, meditate on (say over and over in your mind) the “ones" from these verses: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all. Ask God to reveal Himself to you through these concepts.



Tags: The Body Ephesians 4