Scripture Text: Ephesians 4:5b
Unity in the bond of peace has been the repeated subject of our portion at the beginning of Ephesians 4. It was shown clearly in this epistle of apostle Paul for the believers in Ephesus that, that keeping unity in the bond of peace is not just the responsibility of each believer but is necessary to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which all genuine Christians are called to. The newness of life in Christ is accompanied by the reality that we are embarked in the task to promote unity in the body of Christ which was created by the Spirit. Again, by far, we have seen how this holy duty is further solidified by the apostle’s further discussion which serves to be the foundation of this glorious task of keeping the unity in the bond of peace, created by the Holy Spirit. Again, these are declaratory and confessional statements that provides firm exhortation for unity: First, there is one body (v.4a); second, one Spirit (v.4b); third, one hope (v.4c); fourth, one Lord (v.5a); and now [fifth out of seven], one faith (v.5a).
In continuation, the apostle Paul puts it this way: “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 (vv.4-5b)”. The reason why the apostle Paul urges the believers in Ephesus (and us as well), is because of this one faith. This speaks of the same belief, assurance, and conviction. The mention this of one faith is also the mention of the special grace granted by God to those whom He has chosen in His Son and this can never be discussed and understood separately. This one faith speaks of having the same author (and perfecter) and object which springs forth or comes from the same cause – the unmerited favor of God. It is also the set of beliefs distinguished from all manmade religion, even Judaism. Therefore, this also speaks of the one gospel kept from generation to generations, containing the good news about God which all the believers must never be ashamed! For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Dear saint, remember that is only by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. And this faith that you have obtained through the gospel is the same faith that all the servants of the Lord have, which means having the faith of equal standing with them by the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. And so, dear saint, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. Don’t ever forget that this reality is a sure foundation for your drive in promoting unity among and together with the believers! For there is no better way of promoting unity than by being reminded that you and all the genuine Christians is one body and one Spirit, possessing the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord who is the Lord over all, and one faith who is set to Him alone who is the founder and perfecter of our faith.
May your heart, dear saint, be truly captivated by this blessedness that you have in Him, and because of Him! May you find yourself, together with the psalmist, acclaiming, bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits! who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
Ultimately, the enjoyment of God in Christ is the only joy and happiness with which our souls can be truly and magnificently satisfied.
Desire to know Him more, who has loved you unconditionally and eternally! Thirst and long for Him! Be in awe of Him—the darling of Heaven! He is all yours… He is all-perfect, all-holy, all-glorious!
Hear this then, dear saint: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Christ is all that we have! Christ is all that we need!
Take heart, dear saint!
Reflect
Are you living a life worthy of the calling with which you have been called to as a believer of the Lord?
Is your life marked by eagerness to maintain unity and peace with your brothers and sisters in the Lord?
Do you continue to grow in need of His grace?
Do you desire and long to love Him more, as you ought to be?
Remember
Every blessing from God and our Father are means to keep us back to our chief end—to glorify God and enjoy Him forever! Live your life therefore for the praise of His glory, and continue to live out your blessedness in Him!
Pray
Father in heaven, I come before You in the name of Your Son, in prayer, to thank You once more, for it is You who is keeping me for Your Son, my Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for Your grace, from through it I am saved through faith. And may this humbling reality keep me from failing to walk in a manner worthy before Him, who gave His life for me. Father, in Your mercies, please teach me to embrace this truth with such assurance and conviction, that I may continually learn to strive for unity with my co-believers, to whom I am sharing the same faith, having the same founder and perfecter – Your Son, my everything and all, and in His name I pray. Amen.
コメント