“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling: one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through, and in [you] all”
(Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV)

the united blessings we have in Christ

Seven terms summarize the united blessings we have in Christ.

1. One body: identified as the church in Ephesians 1:22-23. Jesus is the head of His church. This is not a denominational union (none existed as Paul wrote). This is not a Jewish body or a Gentile body, but ONE body composed of both (Ephesians 2:16-18). Some thank God that He gave us many denominations to choose from. In fact, God did not give us many churches. He gave one.
2. One Spirit: by the Holy Spirit we enjoy access to the Father, Ephesians 2:17. He has revealed everything we need to go to heaven (John 16:13).
3. One hope: all who are called by the gospel have one ultimate goal: to spend eternity with our Lord. In Colossians Paul identifies it as “...the hope which is laid up for you in heaven…” (Colossians 1:5).
4. One Lord: Paul prays for grace upon all who “love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity” (Ephesians 6:24). Paul is the “prisoner of the Lord” (Ephesians 4:1). We must find what is acceptable to Him (Ephesians 5:10).
5. One faith: used in two ways: (1) our belief in Him, Ephesians 1:15; this faith gives us confidence (Ephesians 3:12); (2) a synonym for the gospel: Paul preached the gospel (Galatians 1:11) which is also called the faith (Galatians 1:23). Faith is not based on our whims, our desires, or our personal opinions, but solely upon the word of God. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
6. One baptism: at one time John’s baptism was in effect (Matthew 3:5-6); no longer (Acts 19:1-7). Only the apostles (Acts 1-2) and the household of Cornelius (Acts 10) received Holy Spirit baptism. As Paul writes Ephesians, there is only one baptism; he refers to it in Ephesians 5 – Jesus gave Himself for the church, “that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word” (Ephesians 5:26).
7. One God and Father of all: Paul bowed his knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Ephesians 3:14. He is above all, through all (His influence everywhere effective), and in all (united with all His people). Let us always appreciate and maintain this exalted relationship.

– Rick Duggin