Tucked away in the letter to the church at Ephesus is this exclusive verse: Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism. The damage done by this single statement stretches far beyond our modern age. Denominations of all faiths have been deeply offended by Paul’s word to the Ephesians. The reason is apparent: Not everyone believes there is but One Lord and fewer believe in one way to be baptized. Most even consider baptism as an insignificant display or some menial public confession.
In fact, equating baptism to salvation has long since been dismissed by the majority of denominational leaders. The problem is that the Scripture states that just as Noah was saved by water, baptism saves us: 1 Pet 3:20-21 Which sometime were disobedient, when once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Peter commanded all the people to be baptized in Jesus’ name in Acts 2:38. Furthermore, when Peter saw the Holy Ghost being poured out on the Gentiles in Acts 10, he commanded them to be baptized “in the name of the Lord Jesus.” These examples further illustrate that the disciples of Jesus were a very exclusive group! They preached, taught, and demanded baptism and that it be done exclusively in the Name of Jesus!
Paul found men who were believers in Acts 19. However, when he heard that they had not been baptized in the Name of Jesus, he re-baptized them and they received the Holy Ghost and spoke in other tongues.
This “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism” is pressed upon us without regard to tradition or denominational thought. It has divided people who have decided that there are three Gods, many ways to get to Heaven, and multiple baptisms. Nevertheless, if we ignore one verse we dilute the whole.
The conclusion of that matter is that everyone must obey the Gospel of Repentance, Baptism in the Name of Jesus, and the infilling of the Holy Ghost evidenced by speaking in other tongues. At the same time we know that we will be rejected. Jesus said, Mat 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole
One response to “One Faith”
Dear Pastor Harpole,
I wholeheartedly believe the message of salvation. The revelation of Jesus Christ. There is no other way. We must repent, be baptized in His precious Name above every name, and receive the baptism of His Holy Spirit. This is the initial revelation. But, we strive continually everyday for His Word, which is revelation upon revelation, until Jesus returns! Thank you for continuing to carry the torch of True Holiness!