“But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7).
The final “one” in God’s perfect plan for unity is “each one of us” who are recipients of divine grace (Ephesians 4:7).
Each one who has been taught the one faith and immersed into Christ with the one baptism is a member of the one body. Each one of us has called upon the one Lord (Acts 22:16) and has been saved by grace through obedient faith to the one faith (Romans 1:5; Ephesians 2:8; Acts 16:31-34). Therefore, each one of us has the responsibility to function as a living, active, and healthy member of the one body.
In addition to the gracious gift of salvation for each one of us, Jesus also gave some members of His body an additional gift (and corresponding responsibility)—“He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). These additional responsibilities were not designed to puff anyone up. The proper stewardship of these gifts will equip the saints for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:12), edify (i.e., build up) the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12), promote spiritual maturity (Ephesians 4:15), increase the work capacity of each part within the body (Ephesians 4:16), and spur spiritual growth (Ephesians 4:16). In practical terms, this will join and knit together each one of the members of the whole body so that the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace prevails.
God’s perfect plan for unity includes: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God, and each one of us.
