Jesus prayed for unity among believers (John 17:20-21). Paul taught that once unity is achieved, brethren must work hard to preserve it (Ephesians 4:1-3). To maintain the oneness God requires, we must know how God brings us together and makes us a spiritual family.
Three things make us one in the body of Christ.
We share core beliefs.
- There is one body (Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4). There is only one church that belongs to Jesus!
- There is one Spirit (Ephesians 4:4). There is only one Holy Spirit. He has revealed and confirmed the truth (John 16:12-15).
- There is one hope (Ephesians 4:4). Our hope is heaven!
- There is one Lord (Ephesians 4:5). The one Lord is Jesus Christ.
- There is one faith (Ephesians 4:5). The gospel is the source of faith that pleases God (Jude 3).
- There is one baptism (Ephesians 4:5). This is a reference to water baptism for the remission of sins (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21).
- There is one God and Father (Ephesians 4:6).
We share a common love.
- We love God, His word, and one another (John 13:34-35).
- The love we are to have for one another requires more than just warm fuzzy feelings of affection. Instead, it is to be active and genuine love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
- Our love is part of the spiritual glue that binds and holds us together.
We share a common hope.
- We are trying to get to heaven (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Peter 1:4-5).
- We all have the same goal and are trying to obtain the same prize (Philippians 3:13-14).
- We are trying to stay on the narrow path that leads to eternal life (Matthew 7:13-14).
- We all understand that our citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
Conclusion:
Are you part of God’s family (1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 3:26-29)?
