One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

EPHESIANS 4:5KJV
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Ephesians 4:5 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 4:5 mean?

Ephesians 4:5 states that there is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, highlighting the unity that should exist among all believers. The verse emphasizes that followers of Jesus share the same foundation and are united by their relationship with Him.

Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus, encouraging them to live in harmony and not be divided by differences. In the context of the letter, Paul is urging the believers to remember what unites them: their shared commitment to Jesus (the one Lord), their common trust in Him (one faith), and the single act that marks their entry into the Christian community (one baptism).

The Greek behind Ephesians 4:5

  • "One" (εἷς, heis; G1520 and μία, mia; G3391): The repeated use of the word for "one" stresses the idea of unity and exclusivity—there is not a variety of lords, faiths, or baptisms, but a single, shared reality for all believers.
  • "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios; G2962): This word refers to Jesus as the master or ruler, underscoring that all Christians serve the same Lord, not different leaders or gods.
  • "Faith" (πίστις, pistis; G4102): The Greek term here means trust or belief, pointing to the shared conviction and trust in Jesus that binds Christians together.
  • "Baptism" (βάπτισμα, baptisma; G908): This word refers to the act of being immersed in water as a sign of joining the Christian community, symbolizing a common entry point for all believers.

Why Ephesians 4:5 matters

  • Ephesians 4:5 clears up the idea that Christianity is meant to be fragmented or divided by different leaders, beliefs, or rituals; instead, it calls attention to the core unity at the heart of the faith.
  • The verse helps explain the larger theme of Ephesians 4, where Paul urges believers to live in unity and peace, grounded in what they share rather than what separates them.
  • By naming "one Lord, one faith, one baptism," Paul is reminding the church that their identity and belonging come from these shared realities, not from personal preferences or backgrounds.

Where else these words appear

“baptism” Greek G908 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 3:7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
  • Mark 11:30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men? answer me.
  • Acts 13:24 When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

“one” Greek G3391 · used in 70 verses

  • Matthew 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
  • Luke 14:18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused.
  • Galatians 4:24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.