Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, From the beginning, the Church is constituted of all who call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. I. HOW IS THE LORDSHIP OF JESUS CONSTITUTED? Not by the suffrages of men; but by the will of God. And it is the reward of His servantship. II. WHAT DOES THIS LORDSHIP COMPRISE? Master, Teacher, Leader, Captain, Prince. In all things He is preeminent. In and over the Church He, and He only, has the right to reign. III. HOW IS THIS LORDSHIP ESSENTIAL TO THE CHURCH? The saints who form the one Body, and are actuated by the one Spirit, and are called in the hope of having one Lord, are companions in the kingdom of Jesus Christ. They are servants under one Master; disciples under one Teacher; soldiers under one Captain; subjects under one Lord. He is preeminent and paramount. And it is His Lordship that gives tone to their character, firmness to their testimony, steadfastness to their hues, and direction in all things. IV. THE PRACTICAL USES OF THIS DOCTRINE. 1. It stirs gratitude. 2. It requires obedience. 3. It promotes equity and fair play among Christians. 4. It binds together Christians in unity.There are differences of service and ministration rendered, but the same Lord is the rallying point of the whole kingdom. (J. Eadie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: One Lord, one faith, one baptism, |
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