Several blog posts have been dedicated to the seven “one’s” of Ephesians 4:4-6. The unity of the church has been created by the Holy Spirit. The basis of this unity rests in truth and in the Godhead. “There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).
Ephesians 4:7 presents a contrast. There is unity in the body, but there is also diversity. There is one body of Christ united in the same truth and same Godhead. There are also differences within the body. This is not a contradiction. There is unity in the body, but this unity is not uniformity.
“But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift” (Ephesians 4:7). Within the united body of Christ, each one has received grace. This grace is according to a predetermined measurement. Each one has received a certain measure of grace. In context, this is not speaking of initial salvation (see Ephesians 2:4-9). This is referring to serving grace. Christ has given each one enablement to serve Him and His body.
What is the purpose of this enablement? The purpose of Christ giving this grace to each one is to build up the body in unity, intimate knowledge of Jesus, and maturity (Ephesians 4:12-16).
Why have we been given this grace? God has created us in Christ Jesus for good works, which He planned in advance for us. Each believer has received a calling from God to do specific works. If you are reading this and are believing in Jesus Christ for salvation, you have been called into salvation from sin to serve God. God has predetermined works for you to do. Each one has a different function and grace to perform that function.
This calling is absolutely impossible in our own strength. You and I cannot save ourselves from sin. Only God can do that by His grace (Ephesians 2:8-9). Jesus Christ has died in the place of sinners, facing all the wrath of God against sin for all who will trust in Him (Ephesians 1:7, 1 John 2:2). He has come back to life again. For all who are in Christ, God gives mercy and grace. He withholds the wrath that we all deserve for sin (mercy). He gives us all spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, which we do not deserve (grace). He saves us based in His great love for us not based on our merit. You and I do not deserve this salvation. It is all of grace.
The work God has given us to accomplish is also impossible in our own strength. Just like you and I cannot save ourselves, we cannot serve God in our own strength. Jesus gives each of us the enablement to serve Him. He calls you and I to serve Him. He then gives us the enablement to serve Him.
The grace in Ephesians 4:7 is clearly referring to what we call spiritual gifts. Each one has received grace from Jesus to enable us to serve. This is clear in the word “given” and “gift” in Ephesians 4:7 and “gifts” in Ephesians 4:8. Jesus has given each one a predetermined measure of grace. This grace has been given to enable us to serve Him and His body. Each one has received varied grace (1 Peter 4:10-11). Different amounts of grace are given to different saints for different works. There is unity, but there is also diversity.
This diversity is not an accident. It is also not man-made. This diversity is God-ordained. Paul makes this clear in 1 Corinthians 12:7 and 11: “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good… All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” Ephesians 4:7 says Jesus has given each one a gift of grace. Each one has received this grace to serve Christ and His church. Jesus is the sovereign Lord who has intentionally given serving grace to each one in His body.
Are you trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins? Have you turned from sin and trusted in Jesus? He has died in the place of sinners for their sins and has come back to life again. Turn to Him and trust in Him!
If you are in Christ, God has work for you to do. Not only has He given you work to do, but He has also given you the enablement to serve. All the work from beginning to end is a work of His grace! Where has He called you to contribute to the body of Christ? Whatever work He has called you to, He has also provided the enablement. Serve, trusting in the Lord Jesus who has given enabling grace. Build up the body of Christ in unity, in the knowledge of Jesus, and in maturity as you serve in God’s grace.
Thankful for His Enabling Grace,
Bill Whittington
Notice: Unless otherwise noted: “Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.” https://www.crossway.org/permissions/
Bible Living Blog 