This Week's Message
7-Fold Unity of The Ruach
Ephesians 4:1-6
The 7-Fold Unity of the Ruach is an expression based on Ephesians chapter 4 verses 1 through 6. The 7-Fold unity of the Ruach can be viewed as the “oneness” of the Spirit of HaShem among G-d’s children.
The Hebrew word for unity is “achdut.” Another way to express unity in Hebrew is with the word “echad.” The most accurate way to understand the word “Echad” is as a compound unit. This word “echad” is also found in other places in Scripture. One such example is found in B’resheet (Genesis) 2:26 in which we are told that Adam and Eve were “one” flesh – they were “echad” – two individuals, yet spiritually one. Another example is found in Judges 20:1. There we read that “the Israelites from Dan to Beersheva . . . came out as one man . . .” – thousands of Israelites, they were “echad.” Clearly these references do not imply a singular unit but rather a compound unity of purpose, identity, goals, vision, values, etc. – intangibles that touch the spirit, heart and soul of mankind. When two or more are gathered together in the Name of Yeshua, unity is ultimate result.
What is the 7-Fold Unity of the Ruach?
In Ephesians 4:1-6 Rav Sha’ul (the Apostle Paul) writes to the Messianic Community at Ephesus:
“Therefore I, the prisoner united with the L-rd, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called. Always be humble, gentle and patient, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to preserve the unity the Spirit gives through the binding power of shalom. There is one body and one Spirit, just as when you were called you were called to one hope. And there is one L-rd, one trust, one immersion, and one G-d, the Father of all, who rules over all, works through all and is in all.”
In this passage we have in view seven (7) attributes of Spiritual Oneness with our fellow believers.
- One Body – Just as there are many functions and purposes for the different members of the human anatomy, there is a function (or functions/gifts) allotted to each individual as determined by the Ruach. The Body is not one member but many (1 Corinthians 12:14) and without enjoying the essential giftings of each member, the Body would lack wholeness.
- One Spirit – The Ruach HaKodesh has been the strength of all believers throughout history; He is our present help in times of trouble (Psalm 37:39); He is our Counselor and Teacher (John 14:16); He guides into all Truth (John 16:13). He is the Comforter (John 15:26) and He will lead us into the days that lie ahead (Romans 15:13).
- One Hope – Our hope for the future (Rom 8:25) is summarized in Ezekiel chapters 36 and 37 concerning the Final redemption of mankind. In Ezekiel 36:27 the people of Israel will be spiritually empowered to follow Adonai. All believers in all the nations of the world have that same blessed hope in Yeshua as we follow the Torah of HaShem and learn to walk according to His ways.
Today, for all those who have placed their trust in Yeshua, our redemption is a present reality. Yeshua brought hope to the nations (Romans 15:12) and a future hope to the world in which “swords will be beaten into plowshares and nations will not learn war again” (Isaiah 2:4). Titus 2:13-14 instructs all believers to continue looking for “the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great G-d and Savior, [Messiah Yeshua], who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless [Torahless] deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.” (NASB)
- One L-rd – In the book of John the divine identity of Yeshua is completely harmonious with the full counsel of G-d’s Word from Genesis to Revelation. Yeshua is “united” with HaShem (John 10:38, et. al) and in every sense of the word Yeshua and “the Father are One” – Echad (John 10:30).
- One Trust (Faith) – This involves the entire body of doctrine, the complete Word of the L-rd. “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). And if building one’s faith comes by “hearing and hearing by the word of Messiah,” then it is the Messiah Himself we are called to imitate. Yeshua is the Word made flesh. He is the perfect definition of Torah and the living example of it. Therefore, as we continue to place our faith and trust in Yeshua, we must move from the cerebral/intellectual realm, into a faith that acts upon what it believes. Our faith only comes alive when we act upon it (James 2:17).
- One Immersion (Mikveh) – We are spiritually mikvehed into HaShem’s family at the moment we surrender to Him and take that first step of faith by simply saying “Yes, L-rd, Thy will be done – not mine!”
That is the beginning of a change in your heart – it’s the moment of “transfer” from your way of doing things to G-d’s way through Yeshua (Romans 6:4). Your inner soul has said “Yes” to the Messiah of Israel and Savior of the World. Because He is “Savior” He has “saved,” but then begins the important life-long process of responding to Him as L-rd. The outward expression of this inward change is symbolized through water immersion (mikveh) commanded in the Scriptures (Matthew 28:18-20). Immersion into the Spirit is the “new birth” referred to in John 3:5-6. It is “not the removal of dirt from the body, but one’s pledge to keep a good conscience toward G-d, through the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah” (1 Peter 3:21).
- One G-d – “Shema Yisrael! Adonai Eloheynu, Adonai echad!” “Here O Israel, the Lord is our G-d, the L-rd is One!” Deuteronomy 6:4. Maimonides (Rambam) wrote, “We believe with perfect faith that the Creator, blessed is His Name, is One.” As Messianic believers, we agree with Rambam - there is no other G-d beside Adonai (Deuteronomy 4:35; 32:39; Isaiah 45:5; 12). He is the Alef and the Tav; the Alpha and Omega; the beginning and the end. And Yeshua the Messiah is the physical expression of G-d to humanity (Philippians 2:7; Colossians 2:9). In the book of Revelation, Yeshua concludes the expanded Torah (teaching/instructions) of HaShem with the words, “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am [the Alef and the Tav] the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
In closing, the Hebrew significance of the number 7 represents completion and perfection, and the 7-Fold unity of the Spirit among believers (even where particular differences and variations of doctrinal emphasis exist) – that spirit of Shalom is already in place, we are called to maintain it (Ephesians 4:3). The Scriptures promise that as we continue to obey His commands (to the best of our ability), we will remain united with HaShem and the Spirit is with us to either convict or confirm our allegiance (1 John 3:24).
If Yeshua HaMashiach tarries, this essential unity of the Spirit will continue to guide His followers into all matters of faith and practice.
To HaShem be the glory! Great things He has done!
Pat Adamson
Congregational Leader
Kehilat Mashiach
E-mail: sonofadam4@aol.com
