A one-of-a-kind item is often considered very valuable. A precious stone or handcrafted piece is very valuable to the investor/collector. One is exclusive of everything else. The 1960’s pop song declared “one is a lonely number,” and it can be. While the world relishes oneness in many ways, unique, exclusive, etc., the oneness of the gospel is not always regarded in such a way. In Ephesians 4:4 there’s to be only one Spiritual body, as there is one Spirit and only one hope of our calling. The goal for every Christian is stated just prior in verse 3; “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Exclusive? Yes indeed it is. God calls every man, woman, boy and girl to His one-of-a-kind, exclusive, priceless calling in Christ Jesus.
What is the meaning of one body? Well, earlier in the letter to the Ephesians, the one church is said to be the one body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23). There is neither one body and many heads, nor is there one head with many bodies—that is not right. One spiritual body preaching five different gospels that is not unity, and isn’t acceptable to God (Gal. 1:6-10). How can there be ten different churches and one body? That can’t be (Col. 1:18). Jesus prayed for the oneness of believers (John 17), and the Spirit of God declared it to be the only way acceptable before God (Eph. 4:4).
In the Godhead there is perfect oneness. All that God has done is done in complete unity. When God made the world and all that in it is, they [Godhead] acted as one—“Let us make man in Our own image” (Gen. 1:26). In revealing the Truth to man, the Spirit spoke the will of the God exclusively (II Pet. 1:20-21). God was not divided, and was not influenced by mankind. Jesus said when the Spirit of Truth would come, “He would not speak of Himself” but would speak the words of God (John 16:13). A chapter before Jesus said the “Spirit of Truth from the Father” would testify of Him (John 15:26). No division, selfish ambition, independence or arrogance, rather complete unity —God. It is unity that is appealed to in writing the church at Corinth, instructing the Christians there to “speak the same things” (I Cor. 1:10).
The understanding of the one calling can be achieved by many recorded examples. It is a “heavenly calling” (Heb. 3:1). It’s a “holy calling” (II Tim. 1:9). It is a “high calling” (Phil. 3:14), and it is a unique calling of God (Rom. 11:29). The calling of the gospel of Christ is the one and only calling from God. Any other calling is false, and if followed will separate one from the fellowship of God (II John 9-11). This is why it is so important to get the gospel message right. Some deal loosely with the Word of God. How sad it is to observe. Following God by and through Jesus Christ is serious business and not to be taken lightly! It is the oneness of believers that offers strength needed to convert the world. Without it comes confusion and God is not the author of such (I Cor. 14:33).
There are some who find it off-putting to declare such an exclusive gospel. Why? Doesn’t it make perfect sense that an exclusive God would demand exclusive affection? Wouldn’t it be right to understand that the exclusive maker of all would know the only way to salvation? The Gospel should be understood for what it is.
The exclusive plan for man’s salvation is priceless (Matt. 16:26). Have you appraised your faith, lately? Do you know the meaning of one?
David Hill