Unity can only be achieved with a plan. God’s plan includes just one body, the ultimate symbol of unity. That one body is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23). There is only one Holy Spirit to give members of the body life and peace through His message. Following that message will result in all followers of Christ having one hope, eternal life in Heaven with God. The hope of Heaven serves as an anchor during life’s storms and is the Christian’s means of remaining steadfast (Ephesians 4:4; Hebrews 6:19).
Real unity is only achievable when all submit to one Master. The Master of the church is the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:36; 10:36, 43; Romans 10:12; 1 Peter 3:22). The Savior’s life on earth points believers to God’s Word and His will (John 4:34; 6:38; 7:16; 7:25-29; 9:4). The entirety of God’s will comprises the sum of all that Christians believe and is the one faith. Actively following the singular faith will result in being added to the one body through being baptized with the Lord’s one baptism (Ephesians 4:5; 1 Corinthians 12:13). Baptism in the name of Jesus, the one Lord, gives one remission of sins and begins the walk of a new life (Romans 6:3-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
The unifying “ones” come from the mind and active will of but one God, the great Creator Who is over all things. Nothing exists without Him, nor is anything outside of His authority. He rules in the entire universe, and we are sustained through His power (Colossians 1:15-17; Acts 17:24-28). Christ’s disciples have a special relationship to the Father through the sacrificial death of His Son. It is clear to see through the previous “ones” that the Almighty dwells in the lives of His purchased people (Ephesians 4:6; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
May the family of God always follow God’s plan for unity. May we always remember we are one body united in one Lord honoring one Father through yielding to the inspired words of one Spirit.
