The phrase “One Lord, One Faith” comes from Ephesians 4:5, where the Apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. This verse is a reminder that true Christianity is built on a single foundation-faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
In a world filled with religious diversity, denominational differences, and conflicting doctrines, the message of “One Lord, One Faith” remains essential. It calls believers to focus on what truly matters: the supremacy of Christ and the unshakable truth of the gospel.
This topic explores the meaning of “One Lord, One Faith”, why it is important for Christian unity, and how believers can live according to this divine truth.
1. Understanding “One Lord, One Faith”
One Lord: Jesus Christ as the Only Savior
The Bible is clear that there is only one true Lord-Jesus Christ. The early church boldly proclaimed that salvation comes through Him alone:
- John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
- Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Many worldviews propose different paths to God, but the Bible teaches that Jesus is the only way. Accepting Him as Lord and King is the foundation of Christian faith.
One Faith: The Unchanging Gospel
The “one faith” that Paul speaks of refers to the core truths of Christianity. The gospel message does not change, no matter how much culture or society shifts. Key aspects of this faith include:
- The divinity of Christ (John 1:1).
- His death and resurrection for the forgiveness of sins (1 Corinthians 15:3-4).
- Salvation by grace through faith, not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Christian faith is not about religious traditions or personal interpretations-it is about believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.
2. The Importance of Unity in Christ
Why Christian Unity Matters
Paul’s declaration in Ephesians 4:5 is a call for unity among believers. Despite denominational differences, true Christians share the same core faith.
Unity is important because:
- It reflects God’s nature – Just as God is one, His people should be united (John 17:21).
- It strengthens the church – Division weakens believers, but unity brings strength (1 Corinthians 1:10).
- It is a testimony to the world – When Christians are united, they show the love of Christ (John 13:35).
Avoiding Division Over Minor Issues
Unfortunately, many divisions arise over secondary doctrines, traditions, and personal preferences. While theological discussions are valuable, believers should focus on the essential truths rather than allowing disagreements to cause division.
Paul warns against arguments that lead to strife (2 Timothy 2:23-24). Instead, Christians should emphasize love, humility, and a commitment to the gospel.
3. Living According to “One Lord, One Faith”
1. Submitting to Christ as Lord
Recognizing Jesus as “One Lord” means fully submitting to His authority in all aspects of life:
- Obeying His commands (John 14:15).
- Seeking His will in prayer and study (Matthew 6:33).
- Living as a reflection of His love and righteousness (Galatians 2:20).
A true disciple does not just acknowledge Jesus but actively follows Him.
2. Holding Firmly to the True Faith
The “One Faith” that Paul speaks of requires believers to stand firm in biblical truth. This means:
- Rejecting false teachings that distort the gospel (Galatians 1:8-9).
- Trusting in God’s Word as the ultimate authority (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
- Defending the faith with wisdom and love (1 Peter 3:15).
In a world filled with spiritual confusion, believers must stay rooted in the unchanging truth of Scripture.
3. Promoting Unity Among Believers
Since Christians serve the same Lord and share the same faith, they should actively work toward unity rather than division. This includes:
- Encouraging one another in faith (Hebrews 10:24-25).
- Serving together for God’s glory rather than personal gain (Philippians 2:3-4).
- Forgiving and loving one another despite differences (Colossians 3:13-14).
Unity does not mean compromising on truth, but it does mean prioritizing love and fellowship.
4. Challenges to “One Lord, One Faith”
1. The Rise of False Teachings
Throughout history, false teachings have threatened the unity of the church. From legalism (adding human rules to salvation) to prosperity gospel (teaching that faith guarantees wealth), many distortions exist.
Jesus warned about false prophets who would lead people astray (Matthew 7:15). Christians must be discerning, testing every teaching against Scripture.
2. The Influence of Cultural Relativism
Modern culture promotes moral relativism, where truth is seen as subjective. However, Christianity teaches that God’s truth is absolute.
Believers must stand firm in their convictions, even when facing:
- Persecution for biblical beliefs (2 Timothy 3:12).
- Pressure to compromise on moral standards (Romans 12:2).
Standing for “One Lord, One Faith” means remaining faithful even in a world that rejects God’s truth.
3. The Danger of Division Within the Church
While different denominations exist, division often arises from pride, personal ambition, and lack of love. Paul urged the church to be of one mind and spirit (Philippians 2:2).
True Christian unity requires humility, grace, and a focus on the gospel rather than personal preferences.
5. The Future Fulfillment of Christian Unity
The Promise of Ultimate Unity
Though Christians today struggle with divisions, God’s ultimate plan is to bring all believers together in perfect unity. This will be fulfilled when:
- Jesus returns to reign as King (Revelation 19:16).
- All nations and tribes worship together (Revelation 7:9-10).
- The church is presented as a pure bride to Christ (Ephesians 5:27).
This glorious future should motivate believers to pursue unity and faithfulness today.
The phrase “One Lord, One Faith” is a powerful reminder of Christian unity and devotion to Jesus Christ. It teaches that:
- Jesus alone is Lord and Savior.
- True faith is based on the unchanging gospel.
- Christians must strive for unity while standing firm in truth.
In a divided world, believers are called to remain faithful to Christ, work together in love, and proclaim the one true faith to all nations. Living by this truth brings strength, peace, and the assurance of eternal life in Christ.