In The Power of Unity, part of the In Christ series, Scott Wiens opens Ephesians 1:9-12 to show that the “mystery” God revealed in Jesus is bigger than individual salvation—it is God’s plan to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and on earth. Scott traces Paul’s language to Romans 16:25 and Galatians 4:4 to explain that this mystery, set in motion at “the fullness of time,” was never in jeopardy. Christ’s redemptive work was the Father’s sovereign purpose from the beginning, and through it we gain not only forgiveness and an inheritance, but a shared identity as one body.
Scott presses into Paul’s consistent use of we, us, and our in Ephesians to expose a modern contradiction: claiming to follow Christ while rejecting His church. He acknowledges the reality of church hurt and the imperfection of God’s people, yet he warns how the enemy exploits offense and unrealistic expectations to isolate believers. Using John 13:35 and Romans 12:5, he shows that our love for one another is the visible proof of discipleship and that we are many members, yet one body in Christ.
From there, Scott offers three compelling reasons God calls every believer into meaningful connection with the church. First, true fellowship: the family of God celebrates, grieves, serves, shares, learns, and encourages together (Ephesians 4:1-3). Second, accountability: contrary to modern sentiment, accountability is freedom. Secrets thrive on shame and the whispers of the enemy, but confession and prayer—James 5:16; Proverbs 28:13—break the grip of sin and open the door to mercy and healing (Ephesians 4:25). Third, spiritual growth: apart from the body, stagnation and spiritual vulnerability set in, but together we grasp “with all the saints” the vastness of Christ’s love and are filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14-19).
Scott’s most piercing analogy makes the point plain: saying “I love Jesus but don’t need the church” is like saying “I love marriage but don’t want to be with my spouse.” As the world grows darker and “the Day” draws near, Hebrews 10:24-25 calls us to meet together, to stir one another up to love and good works, and to encourage one another all the more.
If you’re ready to trade isolation for the joy, freedom, and growth of being united in Christ with His people, watch and be strengthened.

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