We are continuing our discussion regarding the Triangle of Unity. Unity based in Jesus, but realizing that we are not independent or self-sufficent. We are dependent and our sufficiency is in Christ alone. It is tough in this world to give up our self-defined independence.
This prophetic chapter in Psalm describes those who are going to struggle against God and Messiah. But they still have to operate in a world God created, as so we will witness their struggle. We see this as a backdrop to move into Paul’s letter to the people at Ephesus
There is one body as defined by a connection to Jesus Christ. Not one denomination. We are only alive, in body and Spirit, in Him. And our faith is not blind faith. It is a faith that God has told us that he is our Father, with all the things He brings to that relationship, and he wants us to faithfully enter that relationship he offers and believe him.
By saying “one Lord, one faith, one baptism”, Paul is telling the people of Ephesus that there is only one path that has been defined by the living God. We know that Ephesus was a port city that was exposed to multiple religions. It was also home to a temple of to a fertility goddess whose image cannot be appropriately described. Everyone there was exposed to this.
Just as today we are exposed by various religions and belief. But the one true God has given us his grace and mercy and provided one faith and baptism in Jesus. And when we enter into that relationship, we are now connected to anyone else who enters. That His acceptance through Jesus is our unifying foundation that is over all, through all, and in all who have faith in Him.
2:1 Why do the nations rage
and the peoples plot in vain?
2 The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,
3 “Let us burst their bonds apart
and cast away their cords from us.”
4 He who sits in the heavens laughs;
the Lord holds them in derision.
5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath,
and terrify them in his fury, saying,
6 “As for me, I have set my King
on Zion, my holy hill.” (ESV)
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— (ESV)
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (ESV)