Meaning: The quote you provided is from Charles Hodge, a prominent 19th-century American Presbyterian theologian known for his conservative views and his influential role in shaping American Protestantism. In this quote, Hodge reflects on the unity of the Christian Church, emphasizing its oneness as a body, family, fold, and kingdom. He highlights the unifying role of the Holy Spirit, which brings believers together as one.

Hodge's assertion that "The Church is everywhere represented as one" is rooted in biblical teachings, particularly in the New Testament. The concept of the unity of the Church is a recurring theme in the writings of the apostles, such as Paul, who frequently emphasized the spiritual oneness of all believers in Christ. This unity is not merely a superficial or organizational unity, but a deep, spiritual bond that transcends cultural, ethnic, and societal divisions.

The imagery Hodge employs in the quote underscores the multifaceted unity of the Church. Describing it as "one body" emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of believers, each playing a unique role in the overall functioning of the Church. This metaphor draws from passages in the New Testament where Paul compares the Church to a body, with Christ as its head and individual believers as its various members.

Additionally, Hodge refers to the Church as "one family," evoking the idea of a close-knit community bound together by a shared faith and common purpose. This familial imagery reflects the nurturing, supportive, and loving relationships that should characterize the interactions among believers within the Church.

Furthermore, Hodge's use of "one fold" and "one kingdom" underscores the idea of the Church as a single, cohesive entity under the lordship of Christ. The fold imagery invokes the pastoral care and protection provided by the Good Shepherd, while the kingdom imagery emphasizes the sovereignty and rule of Christ over His people, who are united in their allegiance to Him.

The pivotal role of the Holy Spirit in unifying the Church is a central theme in Hodge's quote. He emphasizes that believers are "baptized into one Spirit," referencing the spiritual union that occurs at the moment of conversion and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. This spiritual baptism into the body of Christ signifies a shared identity and a common faith that transcends individual differences.

Hodge's emphasis on the oneness of the Church carries implications for the way believers are called to relate to one another. It underscores the importance of mutual love, support, and understanding within the Christian community. It also serves as a reminder of the shared mission and purpose that unites all believers, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and experiences.

In conclusion, Charles Hodge's quote encapsulates the biblical teaching on the unity of the Church, emphasizing its spiritual oneness as a body, family, fold, and kingdom, all pervaded by the unifying presence of the Holy Spirit. This concept of unity is foundational to the Christian faith and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness and shared identity of all believers in Christ.