Bible Question 3 (Moderators Excluded)

[nChrist]

Brothers and Sisters,

This is a Bible question that I hope many will become involved in. Moderators are excluded from participating unless things get really rough in the discussion, but I would hope there would be nothing but a friendly discussion and good exchange of Scriptures.

QUESTION 3:

What does Ephesians 4:4-6 really mean?

KJV Version
Ephesians 4:4-6 KJV  There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are 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 all, and in you all.

NASB Version
Ephesians 4:4-6 NASB  There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

Amplified Version
Ephesians 4:4-6 AMP  [There is] one body and one Spirit -- just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received -- [There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.

I realize this question is more difficult than the others. This is a short portion of Scripture that speaks volumes. Please use your Bible study tools, references, and comparisons to determine what this beautiful portion of Scripture really tells us and share your thoughts with everyone. We really hope that you enjoy participating in answering this question and have some good fellowship in discussion of the Scriptures.

[Frederic Dalton]

Permission to add the NIV, the CEV and The Message? Thanks.

NIV:

There is one body and one Spirit — just as you were called to one hope when you were called — one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

CEV:

All of you are part of the same body. There is only one Spirit of God, just as you were given one hope when you were chosen to be God's people. We have only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. There is one God who is the Father of all people. Not only is God above all others, but he works by using all of us, and he lives in all of us.

Message:

You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.

But I think that to understand what it means, you need to get it in context, by reading verses 1-3 and verse 7 as well. Basically it's telling us we need to behave like a community, and not go off and do our own thing. There's no such thing as a solitary Christian - a Christian has to be part of a church. Verses 4-6 home in on the reason why - there's one God, one faith, so we are one family, one community and one church.

But as verse 7 says, that doesn't mean we all think and act the same. We all have our own unique gifts - and yet they're all very much needed by the one church, to make it into one church. A bit like the different parts of a body, I guess. I suggest looking at 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 for a fuller explanation.

[Reba]

I don’t think it is a tuff question. The verses are simple and direct.

The foreknowing God has said to His own you are one. We just dont trust His word i believe it is because we each think the others should be like ourselfs. Our selfs as persons,or  ourselfs as a demonation.


 One body.  He is the head.  When we search out words, like  unity or one accord, we see what can happen when we act like we are one.

Man can take the scripture and wring it out force an idea or theology.  The word of God is simple. Take it for what He says. ReformBaptacostaldespypreterest....

[Allinall]

Good question!  Man, it's been a looooooooong holiday season and seems like forever since I've been here!  Good place to hop back in...

To me, you have to take the chapter as a whole to answer this.  Simply, I believe that the divisions seen are man made.  To God, we are one.  He gave many offices of men to serve in teaching this body.  We have many denominations and many viewpoints being taught by many men and women.  Each, in their own way, brings believers to "the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ," and grounds them in the faith so that they aren't "tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine."  And yet, as believers, we don't all agree as to the grounding, and in many cases attribute heresy to doctrinal disagreement.  And the basis?  Our own understanding of said doctrines.

I think Paul's approach is so unique.  He doesn't disregard doctrinal differences, but pushes us towards unifying in what does matter: Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  Regardless of what position we take on Dispensational Theology versus Covenant Theology; regardless of our views of Calvinistic versus Armenian Theology; and regardless of our own preferences, perogatives and priorities, all true believers are one in Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 

To this, we see that we are one.  To this, we see that we are all growing up into Him.  To this, we see that each different viewpoint acts in a different way to meet a different need.  No, I'm not saying that every viewpoint is right.  I am saying that in learning these viewpoints, and in considering others views as governed by the Word of God, we become grounded, and better equipped for the work of the ministry.  Which is what?  To me?  Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  We teach others as we have learned and grow in that learning never being satisified with the status quo.  Why? Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 

To me, it doesn't get any simpler than this.

Just a thought...

[sincereheart]

"The important thing is not how we worship
or what words we use,
or what tags we tie on,
but do we love our neighbors?
Are we guided by His Holy Spirit?
Do we obey Him implicitly?
Do we weep for those who do not know Christ?
Do we long to share our knowledge of Him?"

~Bilquis Sheikh
from: I Dared to Call Him Father

[airIam2worship]

since only 3 moderators are excluded does that mean the the 4th one can 

[Soldier4Christ]

It doesn't say anything about 3 moderators. It is Bible Question #3   .......    (Moderators Excluded).

 

[airIam2worship]

you spoiled my fun 

[Soldier4Christ]

you spoiled my fun 

Yep. I tried.   

[airIam2worship]

you didn't have to try too hard 

[airIam2worship]

Time for more Bible trivia Moderators EXCLUDED all 4 of them

[Soldier4Christ]

Time for more Bible trivia Moderators EXCLUDED all 4 of them

Oh boy! Another specatator sport for me. One of the best kind  ....  on the word of God.