Articles
How Important Is Unity? (4)
How Important Is Unity? (4)
Greg King
Unity among believers is obviously important to God and critical for those who desire to please God. God’s word says in Ephesians 4:3, “eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” God provided a platform upon which this unity can be built. As verse three states it is something we are eager to do because it is God’s desire for His children. Some versions use the word “strive” instead of “eager”. The instruction continues and the platform for unity is given in Ephesians 4:4-6. “There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Clearly just as there is one Lord there is one body. We know what the body is because he previously states at the end of chapter one that the body is the church! The one body means there is only one organization. We must be a part of the Lord’s church. Ephesians 2:16 “we are reconciled to God in one body”. Denominationalism destroys this unity!
The one Spirit provides us with one revelation. It is a revelation that can be understood and provides a pattern from which believers of all ages can be united.
We have been given one hope. Meaning one purpose and goal. That hope comes from obeying God and keeping His commandments. All believers are working toward the same goal and should strive to help others.
We have one Lord. Meaning there is one source of authority. Ephesians 1:20-23, “that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.” Matthew 28:18, “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
