How Important is “One”?
One is a very important number. It is likely the first number we learned as children. When children are taught to count, the parent or sibling begin with the first positive number. It represents a single entity and is commonly regarded as the fundamental unit of counting and measurement. Without it, where would we start to quantify items or events? Without this foundation, could society have possibly advanced to its present state?
God, in His creation of all things, knew the importance of where “one” needed to be applied. In Genesis 1:9, God gathered the waters into one place to allow dry land to appear. God created man and knew man has a multiplicity of ribs. In Genesis 2:21, God knew man could live and exist with one less, and took a rib from Adam. Then in Genesis 2:22 we see that God took this one rib and made one woman, gave her to man to be with him. It is interesting that Adam recognized the significance of this. We read his proclamations of Genesis 2:23-24 which is God’s pattern for all time. Notice they became “one flesh” in accordance with God’s plan. Can “one” human procreate?
God also decided when “one” was applicable in the forming of man, and when multiples were needed. For instance, there are appendages or organs, within or upon the human body that are single. In creation, God decided we only need “one” head with one brain. Upon that one head, He formed one mouth, attached it to one esophagus, leading to our one stomach. Within our body cavity we have other “single” organs, all which have a specific function and purpose. He also determined we only needed one heart.
God also knew when “more than one” is important. Would the hand be the great device we know today with only one digit? Would we be as mobile as we are now if we only had one leg? Or could we have the dexterity we presently enjoy with only one arm with one hand? The answer to each of these is ONE BIG NO!
The number one also represents oneness or unity. This is apparent in the statement of Christ in John 10:30. He said: “I and my Father are one.” Christ and the Heavenly Father are obviously two specific beings, in that God was in Heaven while the Christ was on the earth. This is obvious as Jesus prayed to God the Father in John 17. John 17:11 gives us part of that prayer as well as the means by which the apostles could be separate individuals, while at the same time be “one”. Throughout this prayer, Christ prayed that his apostles be “one” as He and His Father are “one”. This means they are united in purpose, as well as their dedication to see that God’s purpose is carried out.
That purpose, according to Ephesians 3:11 is an eternal purpose in Christ and in John 3:17 we see the reason Christ was sent. It was: that the world through him might be saved. That this was to take place in God’s time is what we read in Ephesians 1:10. Notice from this verse we are told there was to be unity in that “he might gather together in one all things in Christ”. We are told in Romans 3:24 that redemption is “in Christ”. Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that “in Christ” are where all spiritual blessings exist. We are also reminded in Romans 12:5, we who are Christians are “one body in Christ.” Why would any not desire to be a part of it? Unfortunately, many claim to be a part of the one body, yet are not united. How can this be?
One is so important that God saw fit to include it seven times in three verses in the New Testament. In Ephesians 4:3-6, we also see the “unity” we are to be a part of in Christ. Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Could it be possible that those who are not united in obedience to God are part of the “one” body? Surely not! That would be the opposite of unity. It would be confusion. This does not come from God. 1Corinthians 14:33 tells us that God is not the author of confusion.
What is not confusing is God’s one plan for Salvation. This is important because you only have one soul. It is up to you to determine where that soul will spend eternity. Those who desire to be united in Christ, and become part of the one body will willingly submit to that one plan. This one plan is clearly outlined in God’s New Testament Word. 1) Hear the gospel – John 6:44-45 2) Believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God – John 8:24 3) Repent of your sins – Acts 17:30 4) Confess before men that Christ is the Son of God – Matthew 10:32-33 5) Be baptized into Christ – Acts 2:38. This is God’s “one plan” for the Salvation of a soul. When these things have been participated in, a person is saved from past sins. Then a person is to focus on and dedicate him/her self to one thing. 6) Remain faithful until death – Revelation 2:10 & 1Corinthians 9:27.
There are but two more “ones” I wish to mention. There is but one Hell, which awaits all disobedient and unfaith. There is one Heaven, which is reserved for those who obey God in accordance with His Word. It is one of these places where your soul will spend eternity. How you live your life, and what you do with it will determine how your one soul fares for eternity. How Important is one? You know the answer. Do something about it today. Obey the gospel before it is too late. Then remain faithful to God from then on.
Dennis Strickland – Mooresville church of Christ
