Unity

What is essential to salvation? Can you identify the core beliefs that are essential to unity? Paul discusses the attitude and the foundation of unity in Ephesians 4.2-6. First, he describes the attitude of unity: 2Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Notice, we don’t create unity, we keep it. God makes us one and we maintain unity by adopting the attitudes of humility, gentleness, patience, and love. Second, Paul explains the foundation of unity. 4There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope when you were called— 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. For me, the seven ones of Ephesians 4 is the foundation of Christian unity. Christians may believe differently about disputable matters but if they have the same Father, if Jesus is their Lord, if the Holy Spirit lives in them, they are in the family of God and I am obligated to adopt a Christ-like attitude and maintain unity.