4:3
Paul has been stressing unity, especially in the latter part of chapter 2. This unity is founded in Christ, indeed He is the only source of true unity. But while unity is entirely God-based, that does not mean we have no part to play. For we are to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace”.
4:4
Paul then goes on to delineate the nature of that unity. There is one body, this is the church that is the body of Christ (Eph 1:22,23). There are not lots of little churches. We have many denominations and church groupings, this is a practical reality, but we should always keep in mind that they are purely temporary, and have no eternal value. There is only one Spirit. The Holy Spirit is essential to our identity as Christians, as followers of Christ, and there is only one Holy Spirit! And we were called to one hope. There is only one final outcome, and that is the lordship of Christ over all the earth, and our being with Him forever.
No comments:
Post a Comment