Ephesians 4:5 – “One Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

Extended Explanation

This verse is part of Paul’s teaching on unity in the body of Christ. He highlights three key aspects of Christian belief that all true followers of Jesus share: one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.

• One Lord – This refers to Jesus Christ. He is the only true Lord and Savior, and there is no other way to God except through Him (John 14:6). All believers, no matter their background, worship and follow the same Lord.
• One Faith – This is the common belief in the gospel—the truth that Jesus died for our sins and rose again, offering salvation to all who trust in Him. While Christians may have different traditions and practices, the core of their faith remains the same.
• One Baptism – This likely refers to the spiritual baptism that happens when a person is united with Christ at salvation (1 Corinthians 12:13). Water baptism is an outward sign of this inward reality, symbolizing the believer’s identification with Christ’s death and resurrection.

Paul is emphasizing that there is no division in true Christianity. There is only one Lord to follow, one faith to believe, and one baptism that marks a person as belonging to Christ. This unity is essential for the health of the Church.

Historical Context

Paul wrote this letter around A.D. 60–62 while imprisoned in Rome. The church in Ephesus, like many early churches, was made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers. There were tensions between these groups because they came from very different religious backgrounds.

Jewish believers had been raised with the Old Testament law and rituals, while Gentile believers came from a variety of pagan traditions. Some Jewish Christians believed that Gentiles needed to follow the Jewish laws to be saved, but Paul taught that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone (Ephesians 2:8–9).

The Roman Empire was also filled with many religions, gods, and competing philosophies. Paul’s statement that there is only one Lord was radical. Many people in that time worshiped multiple gods, and the emperor was often considered divine. But Paul boldly declares that Jesus Christ is the one true Lord, and all believers are united in Him.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches the exclusive nature of Christianity. Paul is not saying that there are many different “lords” or many different “faiths” that lead to God. He is saying there is only one way to salvation: through Jesus Christ.

• One Lord – Jesus is not just one religious teacher among many; He is the only Lord and King. To be a Christian means to submit to Him and follow His commands.
• One Faith – There are not multiple paths to God. True faith is believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Any teaching that contradicts this is false.
• One Baptism – All believers share the same baptism into Christ, whether they are Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, male or female. Baptism represents a person’s new identity in Christ.

This verse also highlights the importance of unity in the Church. If there is only one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, then believers should not be divided by secondary issues. Instead, they should focus on what unites them: Jesus Christ and His gospel.

Literary Analysis

Ephesians 4:5 is part of a series of statements in verses 4–6 that emphasize Christian unity. Paul repeats the word “one” seven times to stress the completeness and oneness of the Christian faith.

The structure of this verse is simple but powerful:

• One Lord – The focus is on Christ.
• One Faith – The shared belief that unites all Christians.
• One Baptism – The symbol of belonging to Christ’s body.

This short but profound statement serves as a foundation for Christian unity. The Church is not meant to be a collection of isolated individuals but a single body under one Lord.

Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 8:6 – “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”
• Acts 4:12 – “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
• Galatians 3:26–28 – “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
• Romans 6:3–4 – “Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds modern believers that Christianity is not just one option among many. It is the only true way to God. In a world that promotes religious pluralism—the idea that all beliefs are equally valid—Paul’s words stand firm: there is one Lord, one faith, and one baptism.

It also calls Christians to unity. There are many denominations and styles of worship, but every true Christian shares the same Lord, the same faith in Jesus, and the same baptism into His body. This should encourage believers to focus on what truly matters rather than letting small differences divide them.

Furthermore, this verse challenges Christians to ask: Who is Lord over my life? To acknowledge Jesus as “Lord” means to submit to Him in everything—not just in words, but in actions.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is shown in the oneness of His plan for salvation. He does not leave people to wander in confusion, trying to find their own way to Him. Instead, He has provided a clear path—through Jesus Christ.

God’s love also brings unity. He does not play favorites; He welcomes all who believe in Jesus into His family. Whether someone is rich or poor, educated or uneducated, from one nation or another, all are equal before Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is at the center of this verse:

• One Lord – Jesus is the risen King who reigns over all (Philippians 2:9–11).
• One Faith – Faith in Jesus is the only way to be saved (John 3:16).
• One Baptism – Baptism symbolizes our union with Christ in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–4).

Jesus Himself declared, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:5 echo this truth—salvation is found in Christ alone.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to have Jesus as the one Lord in your life?
2. How does “one faith” challenge the idea that all religions lead to God?
3. Why do you think Paul emphasizes “one baptism”? What does baptism represent?
4. How can understanding this verse help Christians be more united today?
5. How can you live out the truth that there is only one Lord, faith, and baptism in your daily life?