Gospel Motivated Unity

The Total Life Transformation of the Gospel

As we look into these verses, one thing that is abundantly clear is that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings total life transformation. The more you study Scripture and understand the gospel, the more you recognize it is not content with changing only portions of your life.

Imagine your life as a house with different rooms, each representing areas like school, work, friendships, or relationships. The gospel is not a change confined to one room, like shifting from studying evolution to creationism in your office while leaving other areas untouched. No, the gospel transforms every area of your life, making you live wholly and distinctively as a believer in Jesus Christ, different from the world around you.

Ephesians 4:4-6 – There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The Gospel Creates a Community of Unity

The gospel transforms us into a community of unity. This does not mean unity only in a youth group or church building. Because the gospel transforms your entire life, you remain a member of the church in every area—whether at school, work, or elsewhere. The Bible speaks of the universal church, comprising every believer, and the local church as its visible representation.

Jesus prophesied that true worshipers worship in spirit and truth, not confined to a physical place. If you are a Christian, you are unified with other genuine Christians in every area of life. Your views and values do not change based on context—school, workplace, or friendships. You do not deny God by your actions or hold differing beliefs about the gospel in different scenarios.

Granted, there are those who claim the name Christian but are not genuine. Unity is with true believers, which requires knowing what it means to be a Christian.

One Body, Unified in Theology and Gifts

Paul transitions to how we live worthy of our calling: humble, gentle, loving—personal holiness leading to community unity. The gospel motivates us to active service using the gifts Christ has given.

Ephesians 4:7-10 – But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Therefore it says, “When He ascended on high, He led captive a host of captives, and He gave gifts to men.” (Now this expression, “He ascended,” what does it mean except that He also had descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is Himself also He who ascended far above all the heavens, so that He might fill all things.)

Each person matters in the body of Christ. You are a vital piece; without you functioning, the body is incomplete. Even the smallest part, like a pinky finger, has purpose. Inactivity among believers makes the church—the body of Christ—appear paralyzed, negatively impacting perceptions of Jesus.

People may hate Christ for His offensive message, confronting sin and self-righteousness. But we must not add to that hatred by living inconsistently, showing no difference from the world. What reason do we give for repentance if our lives mirror unbelievers'?

Notice the unity and uniqueness in these verses: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. These correspond to the Trinity—three persons, unified in essence—modeling our unity as distinct yet one in Christ.

That same Holy Spirit who empowered Old Testament figures, Pentecost apostles, and Paul dwells in you, guaranteeing your salvation and conforming you to Christ’s image.

One Lord, One Faith: Rejecting Privatized Christianity

In our postmodern age, many act as if there are many lords or they themselves are lord, claiming direct words from God apart from Scripture. The consistent way to hear God is through His Word. Subjective "voices" lead to unbiblical conclusions, like divorcing for unbiblical reasons because "God wants me happy."

There is one faith, one way: Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." One God and Father, over all, through all, in all—His Word gives everything for life and godliness. We lack nothing when we obey Scripture.

Gospel Motivation for Service

Paul recounts the gospel: Christ descended to the grave, ascended victorious, giving gifts. Ephesians reminds us: God elected us unconditionally, we were dead in sin, enslaved, facing wrath. Christ freed captives from sin's misery and judgment.

Without gospel motivation, service is obligation—laborious, joyless, burnout. But with gospel understanding, service becomes privilege: "I get to serve the God who saved me from wrath."

Undeserved privilege breeds gratitude and desire to please the giver. The gospel is the ultimate privilege. Even mundane tasks like cleaning the church become joyful when motivated by removing distractions for the gospel's advance. Every believer preaches the gospel, sharing free eternal life with empathy: "Repent and believe in Jesus Christ."

Theology Fuels Unity and Service

Theology matters. Ephesians 4 assumes the Trinity; without it, unity makes no sense. Doctrine foundations enable unity beyond mere affection—shared beliefs about God.

You will never serve without gospel motivation, grasping what Christ saved you from. God’s love sent His Son to die for your sins—homosexuality, drunkenness, all—redeeming you for better. Grasp this, and you contribute joyfully to the body and gospel advance, avoiding compromise.