In the Bible, “one” signifies unity and the oneness of God, as expressed in verses like Deuteronomy 6:4, which proclaims the Lord as the one true God. It also represents the unity of believers in Christ, as emphasized in passages like Ephesians 4:4-6, which calls for maintaining the unity of the Spirit.
Scripture
24 Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.
25 And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.
Biblical Significance of “One”
The biblical significance of “one” encapsulates profound themes of unity, identity, and divine sovereignty. In Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema states, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” This declaration underscores monotheism, affirming the singular nature of God and establishing the foundation for Jewish and Christian belief systems. Such oneness emphasizes not only God’s unique position but also His call for His people to be united in purpose and faith, serving as a reminder of the covenant relationship between the divine and humanity.
Furthermore, the New Testament expands this concept of unity through the body of Christ. In Ephesians 4:4-6, Paul exhorts believers to “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace,” highlighting that there is “one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” This passage emphasizes the importance of collective identity within the body of believers, where the idea of “one” serves to remind Christians that despite their diverse backgrounds and gifts, they share a common faith and purpose in Christ. The larger narrative of the Bible thus invites believers to reflect on the significance of oneness—both as a reflection of God’s nature and as a mandate for communal harmony and witness in the world.
In the biblical narrative, the concept of “one” also takes on significant meaning in the context of relationships and marital union. In Genesis 2:24, it is proclaimed that a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This foundational statement about marriage suggests that the union between a husband and wife transcends mere physical connection; it symbolizes a deep bond of love, commitment, and mutual devotion. The sacramental view of marriage as a “one flesh” relationship reflects God’s design for unity and intimacy, embodying the sacredness of the marital covenant and serving as an analogy for the relationship between Christ and His Church.
Additionally, the concept of “one” is echoed in the call for believers to demonstrate love and oneness in their communities. In John 17:21, Jesus prays for His followers, asking that they may all be one, just as He and the Father are one. This prayer emphasizes that the oneness among believers reflects the divine relationship within the Trinity and serves as a testament to the world of God’s love and truth. The call to unity is not merely a call to coexist but to engage in a profound relational understanding that bears witness to the transformative power of Christ. The recurring theme of “one” within the scriptures invites believers to seek harmony and understanding, recognizing that their unity is a manifestation of God’s presence in their lives and community, urging a collective pursuit of peace, love, and sanctity in all interactions.
Unity in the Body of Christ
The concept of “one” in the Bible often emphasizes the unity of believers as part of the Body of Christ. This unity transcends individual differences, backgrounds, and cultures, highlighting the idea that all members are interconnected and work together for a common purpose. The notion of being “one” encourages harmony and cooperation among believers, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support within the Christian community.
The Oneness of God
The significance of “one” also reflects the nature of God as singular and unique. This oneness underscores the monotheistic belief central to the faith, affirming that there is only one true God who is sovereign over all creation. This understanding of God’s oneness invites believers to worship Him exclusively and to recognize His authority and power in their lives, reinforcing the idea that all aspects of life should be aligned with His will.
The Call to Love
The biblical emphasis on “one” extends to the call for believers to love one another. This love is not merely an emotional sentiment but a commitment to act in the best interest of others, fostering a spirit of compassion and kindness. The call to be “one” in love encourages believers to overcome divisions and conflicts, promoting reconciliation and understanding within the community. This unity in love reflects the character of Christ and serves as a powerful witness to the world.
How to Achieve Unity and Oneness in Christ
Achieving unity and oneness in Christ is a beautiful journey that begins in our hearts and extends into our relationships with others. As we immerse ourselves in prayer and the Word, we cultivate a deeper understanding of Christ’s love, which is the foundation of our unity. It’s essential to approach our fellow believers with grace and humility, recognizing that we are all part of the same body, each with unique gifts and perspectives. Engaging in open, honest conversations and actively listening to one another fosters an environment where love can flourish. Remember, unity doesn’t mean uniformity; it’s about celebrating our differences while being anchored in our shared faith in Jesus. Let’s commit to serving one another, bearing each other’s burdens, and seeking reconciliation when conflicts arise, for it is in these acts of love that we truly reflect the heart of Christ and draw closer to one another.
Bible References to the Significance of “One”:
Deuteronomy 6:4-5: 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
Psalm 133:1-3: 1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!
2 It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes!
3 It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12: 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.
10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!
11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone?
12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.
John 10:30-33: 30 I and the Father are one.
31 The Jews picked up stones again to stone him.
32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?”
33 The Jews answered him, “It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.”
John 17:20-23: 20 “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
21 that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
22 The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
23 I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Romans 12:4-5: 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function,
5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.
1 Corinthians 10:16-17: 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?
17 Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread.
1 Corinthians 12:12-14: 12 For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.
13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.
14 For the body does not consist of one member but of many.
Ephesians 2:14-18: 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility
15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace,
16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.
18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.
Ephesians 4:1-6: I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—
5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism
6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Philippians 2:1-2: 1 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy,
2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.
Colossians 3:14-15: 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
1 Timothy 2:5-6: 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.
James 2:19-20: 19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder.
20 Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless?

Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.