One Body – One Baptism: A Call for Unity in Christ
In today’s fragmented world, unity often feels elusive, especially in the context of the diverse expressions of the Christian faith. However, the Bible calls us to a different standard—a unity that transcends differences and binds believers together in one body, through one baptism. On this Ecumenical Sunday, we are reminded that regardless of our denominational backgrounds, we share a common calling in Christ and a shared identity in His Church.
1. One Body, Many Parts (1 Corinthians 12:12-26)
The Apostle Paul teaches us that the Church is like a body, and each of us is a vital part of that body. Despite our differences, whether in background, culture, or denomination, we are all united in Christ. The body does not function if one part is missing, and each part, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is essential for the health of the whole body. This image of the body shows us that there is strength in diversity—when we work together, honoring each part, the Church thrives.
Paul emphasizes that there should be no division in the body; we must care for one another and rejoice in one another’s gifts. The unity of the Church is not about uniformity, but about celebrating our diversity while recognizing that we are all members of the same body.
2. One Spirit, One Lord, One Faith (Ephesians 4:1-6)
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians reminds us of the spiritual foundation of our unity: “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.” The core of our unity is not human effort or agreement on every theological detail, but the shared faith in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world.
It is the same Spirit that lives in each of us, empowering us to live out our faith. This shared experience of the Holy Spirit is what binds us together as one people, regardless of the expressions of our faith.
3. One Baptism – The Sign of Our Unity (Genesis 17:9-14; Matthew 16:13-20)
Baptism is the outward sign of the inward grace we receive through faith in Christ. In Matthew 16, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and Jesus promises that upon this confession, He will build His Church. Baptism, therefore, becomes the sacrament through which we are brought into the community of believers. It signifies not only our personal salvation but also our inclusion in the larger body of Christ.
In Genesis 17, God establishes a covenant with Abraham, marked by circumcision. In the New Testament, baptism becomes the sign of this covenant—replacing circumcision as the mark of the people of God. This sacrament unites all believers, regardless of their backgrounds, as one people belonging to God.
4. A Call to Live in Unity (Psalm 115)
Psalm 115 contrasts the living God with the lifeless idols made by human hands. The psalm calls us to trust in the Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. As the body of Christ, we are called to demonstrate our trust in God, not through external rituals or superficial unity, but through a deep, spiritual connection to Him and to one another. Our unity is rooted in the Lord’s faithfulness and love.
5. A Future Restoration (Amos 9:5-12)
The promise of restoration in Amos points to a time when God will rebuild and restore His people. While judgment may fall on the sinful, God’s grace will preserve a remnant. This promise of restoration is not just for Israel but for all nations, as God calls them to worship Him. Just as God promises to restore the fallen shelter of David, He also promises to restore His Church, bringing all nations together under the banner of His love and grace.
Conclusion: Unity in Diversity
On this Ecumenical Sunday, we are reminded that our unity in Christ is not dependent on our agreement on every issue or our shared traditions, but on our common identity in Christ. Through one baptism, we are all made part of the one body of Christ. This is a unity that transcends denominational lines and brings together believers from every tribe, tongue, and nation.
As we celebrate our shared faith, let us also work to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). Let us love one another, care for one another, and honor the diversity within the body, knowing that we are all working together for the glory of God.
Call to Action:Let us strive to live out our calling as one body, united in Christ. May our diversity become a source of strength and our shared baptism a sign of our common mission in the world. Together, we will continue to build the Kingdom of God, united in one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.