ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM

ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:1-6

Key Verse: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.” — Ephesians 4:5 (KJV)

Supporting Texts: Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:6; Acts 2:38-42; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Corinthians 8:6; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:26-28; Colossians 2:12; Jude 3.

Description: This message explains the central truths that unite believers in Jesus Christ: one Lord whom we serve, one faith through which we receive salvation, and one baptism that identifies us with Christ and His people.

INTRODUCTION

The Christian faith is built upon the person and work of Jesus Christ. Although Christianity includes believers from different nations, tribes, languages, denominations and backgrounds, the true Church is united by one Lord, one faith and one baptism. These three truths are essential to our identity as followers of Christ and to the unity we are commanded to maintain in the body of Christ.

In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul appeals to believers to walk worthy of their calling, with humility, meekness, longsuffering and love. He then emphasises the spiritual realities that bind Christians together. There is one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism and one God and Father of all. Paul teaches that Christian unity is not merely an organisational arrangement; it is rooted in the truth of who God is and what He has accomplished through Jesus Christ.

Today, the Church must return to these foundational truths. Divisions, pride, false teachings and unnecessary disputes can weaken our witness when we allow secondary matters to overshadow the gospel. Understanding that there is one Lord, one faith and one baptism will strengthen our devotion to Jesus, establish us in the truth of the gospel, and help us live in unity with fellow believers while remaining faithful to the Word of God.

1. THERE IS ONE LORD

The declaration that there is one Lord establishes the supreme authority of Jesus Christ over the Church and every believer. Jesus is not merely a religious teacher, a prophet to be admired or an example to be followed; He is the Lord whom God has exalted and whom every believer is called to obey. Our Christian identity begins with recognising His lordship.

Calling Jesus Lord must go beyond the words of our mouths. It requires surrender, obedience, loyalty and a willingness to allow His Word to govern our decisions. When Christ occupies His rightful place in our lives, our ambitions, relationships, ministries and daily conduct must come under His authority.

a) Jesus Christ Is Lord Over All (Philippians 2:9-11)

Philippians 2:9-11 teaches that God has highly exalted Jesus and given Him a name above every name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

The lordship of Jesus is not limited to the walls of the church or the hours of a worship service. He is Lord over our families, careers, finances, relationships, plans and future. No earthly authority can rival His ultimate sovereignty. Every believer must therefore honour Him in every area of life.

When you acknowledge Jesus as Lord, you stop treating His commandments as optional suggestions. You begin to seek His will above personal convenience and submit your choices to His truth. His lordship brings direction, discipline and spiritual stability.

b) Jesus Must Be Lord of Our Hearts (Romans 10:9-10)

Romans 10:9 declares that salvation involves confessing with the mouth the Lord Jesus and believing in the heart that God raised Him from the dead.

Christianity is not merely the acceptance of religious ideas; it involves a personal response to Jesus Christ. Genuine faith recognises Him as Saviour and Lord. We cannot rightly claim to follow Christ while deliberately refusing His authority over our lives.

Making Jesus Lord of your heart means allowing Him to confront sin, correct your attitudes and transform your character. It means choosing His approval above the applause of people and His truth above the opinions of society.

c) We Must Obey the Lord We Confess (Luke 6:46)

Jesus asked in Luke 6:46, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?”

This question exposes the difference between verbal confession and practical obedience. It is possible to sing about Jesus, preach about Jesus and call upon Jesus while refusing to obey His Word. True devotion must be demonstrated through a life that increasingly reflects His commands.

Obedience does not purchase salvation; rather, it is the proper response of a heart that has received God's grace. We obey because we belong to Christ and desire to please Him. A believer who honours the lordship of Jesus will pursue holiness, forgive others, speak truthfully and act with integrity.

d) The Church Must Belong to Christ Alone (Colossians 1:18)

Colossians 1:18 identifies Christ as the head of the body, the Church, and declares that He has pre-eminence in all things.

The Church is not the personal possession of a pastor, denomination, founder or influential member. Christ is the Head of the Church. Ministers are servants entrusted with responsibilities, and congregations are called to remain under the authority of Scripture.

When leaders and members remember that Christ alone is Lord, pride and unhealthy competition can be brought under control. We can appreciate spiritual leaders without worshipping them, honour ministries without idolising them, and cooperate with other believers without compromising biblical truth.

Biblical Example: Peter's Confession of Christ (Matthew 16:13-17)

When Jesus asked His disciples who they believed He was, Peter declared, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Peter's confession acknowledged Jesus' unique identity. Every believer must personally recognise Christ and live under His lordship rather than merely following the opinions of others.

2. THERE IS ONE FAITH

The expression “one faith” points to the common Christian faith centred on Jesus Christ and the gospel revealed in Scripture. Christians may differ in culture, language and some secondary interpretations, but the foundation of salvation remains the same: we are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own works.

This faith is more than positive thinking or confidence that things will work out as we desire. It involves trusting God's character, believing His Word and resting in the finished work of Christ. The Church must preserve this gospel faithfully and help believers grow in sound doctrine.

a) There Is One Gospel of Salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Ephesians 2:8-9 teaches that we are saved by grace through faith, and that salvation is the gift of God, not the result of works.

No human being can earn eternal salvation through good deeds, religious ceremonies, financial contributions or personal achievements. Good works are important, but they are the fruit of salvation rather than its price. Our confidence rests in what God has done through Jesus Christ.

This truth humbles the proud and gives hope to the repentant sinner. Nobody is too sinful to seek God's mercy, and nobody is so righteous that they can boast before Him. We all depend on the grace of God revealed through Christ.

b) Our Faith Must Be Centred on Jesus Christ (John 14:6)

Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

Jesus is not one of many competing saviours. He is the foundation of Christian faith and the One through whom we have access to the Father. The gospel announces His death for our sins, His burial and His resurrection.

A faith that removes Christ from the centre loses the very foundation of Christianity. Our preaching, worship, evangelism and discipleship must continually point people to Jesus and call them to repentance, faith and a transformed life.

c) We Must Continue in the Faith of the Gospel (Jude 3)

Jude 3 urges believers to contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

The Christian faith must be preserved and communicated faithfully from one generation to another. Believers should not accept every teaching merely because it sounds spiritual, attracts a crowd or promises quick miracles. Every teaching must be examined in the light of God's Word.

Contending for the faith does not mean becoming quarrelsome or insulting people who disagree with us. It means standing firmly for biblical truth with courage, humility and love. We must reject falsehood while maintaining a Christlike spirit towards others.

d) Faith Must Produce a Life of Trust and Obedience (Hebrews 11:6)

Hebrews 11:6 teaches that without faith it is impossible to please God, because whoever comes to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him.

Genuine faith influences how we respond to trials, make decisions and follow God's instructions. It enables us to trust God even when circumstances are difficult and answers seem delayed. Faith does not deny reality; it places our confidence in God's faithfulness above the apparent finality of our circumstances.

A believer who lives by faith does not abandon God whenever life becomes uncomfortable. Instead, that believer continues in prayer, obedience and hope, knowing that God remains faithful even when the full picture is not yet visible.

Biblical Example: Abraham Believed God (Romans 4:18-21)

Abraham believed God's promise even when the fulfilment appeared humanly impossible. His faith rested on God's ability to do what He had promised. His example teaches us to trust God's Word, remain steadfast in difficult seasons and give glory to God rather than surrendering to doubt.

3. THERE IS ONE BAPTISM

Paul's declaration that there is one baptism highlights the shared Christian identity of believers who belong to Christ. In the New Testament, water baptism is an act of obedience through which a believer publicly identifies with Jesus Christ, His death, burial and resurrection. It is a visible testimony of an inward response of faith.

Christian traditions differ in some details concerning baptism, but Scripture calls believers to take baptism seriously as part of Christian discipleship. Baptism must not be treated as a mere cultural event or a ceremony without spiritual significance. It points to our identification with Christ and our commitment to walk in newness of life.

a) Baptism Is a Command of Jesus (Matthew 28:19-20)

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded His disciples to make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, and teaching them to observe all that He commanded.

Baptism is therefore not simply a human tradition invented by the Church. It is part of the commission Jesus gave to His followers. Those who have believed in Christ should be taught the meaning of baptism and encouraged to obey His command.

The command to baptise is joined to the command to make disciples. This reminds us that baptism should be accompanied by instruction in the Word of God and continuing spiritual growth. The goal is not merely to baptise people but to help them become faithful followers of Jesus.

b) Baptism Identifies Us with Christ's Death and Resurrection (Romans 6:3-4)

Romans 6:3-4 explains that believers who are baptised into Christ Jesus are baptised into His death and are called to walk in newness of life.

Baptism symbolises our identification with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. It testifies that our old life of sin no longer defines us and that we are called to live under the power and direction of our risen Lord.

Water baptism does not give us permission to continue living in sin. Rather, it points to the new life we have received through Christ. A person who has been baptised should continually seek to put away sinful practices and demonstrate the character of Jesus in everyday life.

c) Baptism Is a Public Testimony of Faith (Acts 8:36-38)

In Acts 8:36-38, the Ethiopian eunuch heard the gospel from Philip and was baptised after responding to the message.

His experience illustrates the connection between hearing the gospel, responding in faith and taking the step of baptism. Baptism openly declares that a person has identified with Jesus Christ and desires to follow Him.

A believer should not be ashamed to confess Christ publicly. However, baptism should never become a reason for boasting or looking down on those who have not yet been baptised. Instead, it should encourage us to obey Christ and lovingly help others understand His teaching.

d) Baptism Must Be Followed by a New Life (Colossians 2:12)

Colossians 2:12 speaks of being buried with Christ in baptism and raised with Him through faith in the working of God.

The spiritual meaning of baptism reaches beyond the day a person enters the water. It points towards a life that is continually surrendered to Christ. The baptised believer is called to grow in holiness, practise forgiveness, love fellow believers and bear witness to the gospel.

We must not confuse the outward act with the inward transformation it signifies. Baptism should accompany genuine faith and a commitment to follow Christ. The continuing evidence of discipleship is a life increasingly shaped by the Word and Spirit of God.

Biblical Example: The Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-39)

The Ethiopian eunuch listened as Philip explained the Scriptures and preached Jesus to him. When they came to water, he expressed his desire to be baptised, and Philip baptised him. His response demonstrates the importance of understanding the gospel, responding personally and obeying Christ in baptism.

4. ONE LORD, ONE FAITH AND ONE BAPTISM ESTABLISH OUR UNITY

Christian unity is not achieved by pretending that all believers have identical personalities, backgrounds or opinions. It is established through our common relationship with Jesus Christ and our shared commitment to the truth of the gospel. Our differences should not destroy the fellowship that God has established among His people.

The Church must therefore distinguish between the essential truths of the Christian faith and matters on which sincere believers may differ. We must never sacrifice the gospel for the sake of popularity, but neither should we create unnecessary divisions over personal preferences, cultural practices or matters that Scripture does not make conditions of salvation.

a) We Belong to One Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)

First Corinthians 12:12-13 compares the Church to one body with many members, united by one Spirit.

Every member has a place in God's family. Some preach, some teach, some serve, some give, some encourage and others exercise different gifts. These differences are not intended to produce rivalry but to enable the Church to function effectively.

We must learn to appreciate the gifts of others without feeling threatened by their success. A church becomes stronger when its members work together in love and use their gifts for the glory of God.

b) We Must Reject Unnecessary Divisions (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)

Paul appealed to the Corinthian believers to speak the same thing and avoid divisions among themselves. He challenged the tendency to identify themselves primarily with different human leaders.

Church members can honour their pastors and appreciate the ministries through which they have been blessed. However, no minister should take the place that belongs to Christ. Our loyalty to spiritual leaders must never become a reason to despise other genuine servants of God.

Unity requires humility, honest communication and a willingness to resolve disagreements biblically. We should not allow jealousy, gossip, personal ambition or denominational pride to destroy the love Christ commands us to demonstrate.

c) We Must Preserve the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15)

Ephesians 4:15 teaches that believers should speak the truth in love and grow up into Christ, who is the Head.

Unity does not mean accepting every teaching as correct. Love without truth can lead people into error, while truth expressed without love can wound people unnecessarily. The Church must hold both together.

When correction is necessary, it should be guided by Scripture, humility and a sincere desire to restore rather than humiliate. We should be firm about the gospel while showing patience towards those who are learning and growing.

d) We Must Work Together for the Advancement of God's Kingdom (Philippians 1:27)

Philippians 1:27 encourages believers to stand firm in one spirit and strive together for the faith of the gospel.

The Church has a mission to proclaim Christ, make disciples, care for people and demonstrate God's love. Energy spent on needless competition is energy diverted from this mission. When believers cooperate, encourage one another and serve faithfully, their witness becomes stronger.

We may not participate in every ministry or belong to the same local congregation, but we can still pray for one another, support gospel work and rejoice when Christ is faithfully proclaimed. Our common Lord gives us a greater purpose than personal recognition.

Biblical Example: The Early Church (Acts 2:41-47)

The early believers continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine, fellowship, breaking of bread and prayers. They shared with those in need and gathered together in worship. Their life together demonstrates how commitment to the truth, devotion to God and practical love can strengthen the fellowship of believers.

5. OUR ONENESS MUST BE EXPRESSED THROUGH HOLINESS AND OBEDIENCE

The truth of one Lord, one faith and one baptism must shape our daily conduct. Biblical unity is not merely a statement we recite; it is a reality that should influence our relationships, choices, worship and service. When believers live consistently with the gospel, the world receives a clearer picture of Christ.

Our unity must also be protected from sin, false teaching, bitterness and spiritual carelessness. We cannot claim to honour the Lord while deliberately disregarding His commands. The same gospel that unites us also calls us to transformation and faithful discipleship.

a) Walk Worthy of Your Calling (Ephesians 4:1-2)

Paul urges believers to walk worthy of the calling with which they have been called, with all lowliness, meekness, longsuffering and love.

A worthy walk is not a claim that we have earned God's grace. It is a life that reflects the grace we have received. Humility helps us recognise our dependence on God, meekness controls our responses, and patience enables us to bear with others.

When believers practise these qualities, unity becomes visible in their homes, churches and communities. We must ask ourselves whether our attitudes are strengthening the body of Christ or creating unnecessary wounds and divisions.

b) Keep Your Life Consistent with the Gospel (Philippians 1:27)

The believer's conduct should agree with the gospel that he or she professes. Our private lives must not contradict our public confession. Integrity in business, faithfulness in marriage, honesty in speech and compassion towards others are practical expressions of Christian discipleship.

No believer becomes perfect overnight, but every believer should be willing to repent, receive correction and grow. When we fall, we must return to God in repentance rather than using grace as an excuse to remain in sin.

c) Grow in the Knowledge of God's Word (2 Timothy 2:15)

Second Timothy 2:15 instructs believers to study and rightly handle the word of truth.

A Church that desires unity must be grounded in Scripture. Ignorance of God's Word leaves believers vulnerable to deception, manipulation and unnecessary controversy. Regular Bible study helps us distinguish sound doctrine from teachings that distort the gospel.

We should read Scripture prayerfully, examine its context and allow it to correct our assumptions. As our understanding grows, we become better equipped to explain our faith and respond to disagreements with wisdom.

d) Let Love Be the Evidence of Your Discipleship (John 13:34-35)

Jesus commanded His disciples to love one another and declared that their love would identify them as His disciples.

Love does not mean approving of sin or abandoning biblical conviction. It means treating people with dignity, showing mercy, seeking peace and desiring their spiritual good. It enables us to disagree without hatred and correct without cruelty.

A church may possess impressive buildings, gifted preachers and excellent programmes, but its witness is weakened when members continually mistreat one another. Let our love for Christ be demonstrated through the way we speak, serve, forgive and care for people.

Biblical Example: Barnabas and the Believers (Acts 11:22-26)

When Barnabas arrived in Antioch, he saw the grace of God, rejoiced and encouraged the believers to remain faithful to the Lord. He was a good man, full of the Holy Ghost and faith. His ministry illustrates how spiritual encouragement, godly character and commitment to the Lord can strengthen a growing Christian community.

CONCLUSION

The declaration “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” summarises essential truths of our Christian identity. There is one Lord, Jesus Christ, whom we must honour and obey. There is one faith, centred on the gospel of salvation through God's grace in Jesus Christ. There is one baptism, through which believers publicly identify with Christ and testify to their commitment to walk in newness of life. These truths unite us in the body of Christ and call us to remain faithful to the Scriptures.

Let every believer examine his or her relationship with Jesus Christ. Is He truly Lord over your life? Are you firmly established in the true gospel? Have you obeyed Christ's command concerning baptism? Are you helping to preserve the unity of the Church through humility, truth and love? Let us surrender afresh to Jesus, stand firmly in the faith, obey His Word and work together for the advancement of His Kingdom. May our lives demonstrate to the world that we belong to one Lord, hold to one faith and share one Christian calling.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to recognise and honour the lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord Jesus, strengthen my faith in Your finished work and establish me firmly in the truth of the gospel, in Jesus name.

3. Father, deliver me from every teaching that contradicts Your Word and give me discernment to recognise biblical truth, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, help me to obey Your commandments sincerely and walk in the newness of life that I have received through Christ, in Jesus name.

5. Father, remove pride, jealousy, bitterness and selfish ambition from my heart, and make me an instrument of unity in Your Church, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, teach me to speak the truth in love and to correct others with humility, wisdom and compassion, in Jesus name.

7. Father, strengthen our pastors, church leaders and members to serve faithfully under the authority of Jesus Christ, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, establish my family and congregation in sound doctrine, genuine faith, holiness and sincere love for one another, in Jesus name.

9. Father, help the Church to overcome unnecessary divisions and work together to spread the gospel and make disciples, in Jesus name.

10. Lord Jesus, let my life be a clear testimony of Your lordship, the power of the gospel and the transforming grace of God, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall grow in your knowledge of Jesus Christ, and His lordship shall increasingly govern your thoughts, decisions, relationships and daily conduct, in the mighty name of Jesus.

2. You shall be firmly established in the truth of the gospel, and no deceptive teaching shall turn your heart away from the sound doctrine of God's Word, in the mighty name of Jesus.

3. You shall grow from strength to strength in your walk with God, and your faith shall remain steadfast through trials, delays and changing circumstances, in the mighty name of Jesus.

4. You shall walk in the newness of life that comes through Jesus Christ, and your conduct shall increasingly reflect holiness, integrity, humility and love, in the mighty name of Jesus.

5. You shall become an instrument of peace and unity in your family, church and community, helping to heal divisions and strengthen the fellowship of believers, in the mighty name of Jesus.

6. You shall receive wisdom to discern truth from error, and you shall stand courageously for the gospel with grace, humility and spiritual understanding, in the mighty name of Jesus.

7. Your service in God's Kingdom shall be fruitful, and you shall use your gifts to strengthen others, build up the Church and glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, in the mighty name of Jesus.

8. Your home shall grow in faith, prayer, obedience and love, and your family shall be encouraged to follow Jesus Christ faithfully, in the mighty name of Jesus.

9. You shall not be consumed by unnecessary strife, jealousy or competition, but you shall pursue peace, practise forgiveness and contribute to the advancement of God's Kingdom, in the mighty name of Jesus.

10. You shall remain faithful to the one Lord, steadfast in the one faith and obedient to Christ's command, and your life shall bring honour to Jesus Christ from this day forward, in the mighty name of Jesus.