Here is an intriguing question: When the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write Ephesians, how much of that letter did He consider “one faith”? He devoted Ephesians chapters 1, 2 and 3 mainly to matters of salvation. The rest, Ephesians chapters 4, 5 and 6, gave practical training in the “walk” worthy of the Gospel, including unity’s attitudes and behaviors. Did the Holy Spirit intend a break, a division between the two sections, such that only the salvation section is “one faith”? Or does the practical section continue that same “one faith”?
Which part of Ephesians is the “one faith”?
Such elementary questions should not be necessary. But they are raised by today’s confusion. Christendom now has over 40,000 distinct denominations. Each group has its own idea of “one faith.” Some groups are very strict, excluding all who disagree with their brand of strictness. Other groups are so loose as to be universalists, believing that all enjoy God’s full favor, with or without faith in Jesus. Between the two extremes is an entire range of varied beliefs that cater to every religious taste—all in Christ’s name, of course. Those on the stricter end of the spectrum require a strict Jesus. Those on the looser end need a loose Jesus. Thus, each group invents its own version of Jesus. Each bases its “one faith” on suitable Bible texts while ignoring other texts, even within the same apostolic letter.