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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 201

"One Lord, one faith, one baptism…"

Text: Ephesians 4:5

ONE FAITH (“pistis”)

How should we look at the word “faith” in this text? There are two ways in which we may understand this word.

1. Objective Faith

If this is an objective reference, then the words of Paul in another epistle may be borrowed to explain its use here.

Through Him we have received grace and apostleship
for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name.
ROMANS 1:5

The word “faith” would refer to the body of doctrines that make Christianity stand out from other “faiths”. The following doctrines were highlighted in the immediate context:-

a) The Holy Scriptures, of which the Gospel was an integral part (Romans 1:1-2)
b) The central role of the Lord Jesus as the Messianic Son of David (Romans 1:3)
c) Jesus as the Son of God, risen from the dead (Romans 1:4)
d) The role of the Spirit of God as revealed in the Scriptures (Romans 1:4)

2. Subjective faith

This word may refer to the act of believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour. Paul certainly used this word in the following texts.

In Him you also trusted (literally “to believe”- “pisteuo”),
after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation;
in whom also, having believed (“pisteusante”), you were sealed
with the Holy Spirit of promise.
EPHESIANS 1:13

 

For by grace you have been saved through faith,
and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
not of works, lest any one should boast.
EPHESIANS 2:8-9

A COMBINATION OF BOTH IDEAS

What did Paul have in mind as he wrote this word? Since Paul placed such a high value on the word “faith” as a unifying factor, it is entirely possible that he had both aspects in mind when he used this word. That which binds all believers must be the doctrines taught in the Scriptures. That which would help strengthen the bonds of believers would also be that subjective element called “faith”- for through the exercising of faith in the grace of God, salvation is obtained. Faith must be applied consciously to strengthen the sense of unity in the Church.