Living Out God’s Oneness

Ephesians 4:4-6 

Amplified Bible:

Ephesians 4:4 [There is] one body and one Spirit–just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received–

Ephesians 4:5  [There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Ephesians 4:6  One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.

One.  The sublime simplicity of the Supreme!.  How deep are these verses.  Yet how simple the answer…One.  In the Garden of Eden, there was one choice.  We were deceived when we thought there was more than one.  We often look at living in this world from the standpoint of goals, visions, and steps to achieve those.  Those can be helpful, however, seeking this Oneness is Supreme.  Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (KJV)  The deceptive voice from the Garden is still urging us to be as gods IF we eat of this or that fruit.  

These verses really blow me away.  There is one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, God and Father…who is above all and living in us.  Wow!  It seems to have gotten very complicated.  I recently started reading the Upper Room devotionals on line.  They are such a simple blessing.  What has amazed me is all the comments and supporting each other in the on-line community.   Even with all the differences that we have in this world, 

I find this oneness of purpose an encouragement.  I think that it is a good example to each of us, and God must be pleased with this Oneness.  It is Oneness in Him.  People come to the community because they have read the devotional for that day.  They are full of encouraging words to the writer and to the others who ask for prayer.  They offer all sorts of help to one another.  I have been amazed and encouraged.  And, it seems that each day, the reading is just right.  The whole process just draws upon that which is good in everyone who participates.  I love the Spirit’s work in this.

Paul calls himself a prisoner of God.  He has given himself that identity.  Paul did not worry about himself, who he was, his significance, support, security, or safety.   He never thought of the impact of his doing.  Because of this, we have a fuller vision of God in him.  His Oneness with God was encouraging that Oneness in people…Jew and Gentile.  

In Romans 8:5, Paul says that those who live by the Spirit have their minds set on the things of the Spirit.  In Romans 5:5 it says: “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who WAS given to us.”  This Oneness (which includes the Spirit) is something that WAS given to us after Jesus ascended.  When we receive Christ (the Truth and the Way), this Spirit is our guarantee of being sealed  “with the Holy Sprit of promise” (Ephesians 1:3).  

The calling that we have received is full of this Oneness…body, Spirit, hope, Lord, baptism, God and Father.  This is beautiful!  We live such fractured lives in the flesh.  This call to Oneness is a great relief.  It changes our focus, minds, and behaviors.  Embrace all that we are in Christ.  Again, Paul’s message to us, I find staggering in its depth and meaning.