
The passage emphasizes that God reveals His grace through the gospel and displays it visibly through the unity of the church. Drawing from Ephesians 1–4, it explains that believers have received a multifaceted salvation: chosen, adopted, forgiven, redeemed, and given hope in Christ. God’s plan is to bring all things together in Christ, creating a new humanity from Jews and Gentiles. This supernatural unity is meant to display God’s manifold wisdom to the world and even to the heavenly powers.
Because of this calling, Paul urges Christians to “walk worthy” by practicing humility, gentleness, patience, and loving forbearance—virtues that preserve unity. Unity is fragile and constantly threatened by pride, selfishness, and spiritual attack; therefore believers must make every effort to maintain it. The church’s unity serves as a visible picture of the gospel, proving to the world that Jesus was sent by God.
Ephesians 4:4–6 grounds this unity in seven unchanging truths: one body, Spirit, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God the Father. A church faithful to these essentials avoids dividing over secondary matters and displays a supernatural community unlike anything in the world. Ultimately, the church’s loving unity reflects the unity of the Triune God and brings praise to His glorious grace.
Pastors & Leaders Conference 2019