Ephesians 4:5
One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Ephesians 4:5
Here Paul names the essential unity of belief: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” This triad underscores core Christian identity and practice. “One Lord” is Jesus Christ as the sovereign ruler of all; “one faith” refers to the shared confession of the gospel; “one baptism” signals entry into the people of God and union with Christ. In a pluralistic era, such unity of doctrine and practice is a corrective to syncretism and faction. Baptism, in particular, signals a patient transition from old life to new community, a visible sign of this unity.
The verse ties belief, allegiance, and ritual together, showing that true unity isn’t merely social agreement but doctrinal fidelity under the lordship of Christ. It affirms apostolic teaching and one representative proclamation of the gospel, shaping ethical living and church governance. Baptism is a sign of inclusion into Christ’s body and precedent for ongoing life in the Spirit.
- Ground conversations about differences in solid gospel ground: What do we teach about Jesus, salvation, and the church?
- Celebrate baptism and its stories as a communal reminder of belonging to Christ.
- When division arises, return to the “one Lord” and “one faith” as a truth that transcends personal preferences.
Cross-References: Colossians 3:11; Romans 10:9; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Matthew 28:19