Brief Answer

The Bible teaches that there is only one true God, who is eternal, sovereign, and the Creator of all things. This truth is central to Christianity and distinguishes it from polytheistic beliefs. While false gods and idols exist in various forms, they hold no real power or divinity. The one true God is revealed in Scripture as a triune being-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-united in essence yet distinct in persons.

Understanding the Oneness of God from a Biblical Perspective

The belief in one God is foundational to biblical faith. Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” This verse, known as the Shema, emphasizes the uniqueness and unity of God, setting Israel apart from the surrounding polytheistic nations.

Key Attributes of the One True God:

• Creator of All: God created the heavens and the earth, sustaining all life (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 24:1-2).
• Sovereign and Eternal: He is self-existent, unchanging, and sovereign over all creation (Isaiah 44:6; Malachi 3:6).
• Holy and Just: God’s nature is perfectly holy, righteous, and just (Leviticus 19:2; Psalm 145:17).
• Loving and Merciful: He demonstrates steadfast love and offers salvation to humanity through Jesus Christ (John 3:16; 1 John 4:8).

Biblical Affirmations of One God:

• Old Testament: The prophets consistently proclaim God’s uniqueness, contrasting Him with idols (Isaiah 45:5-6; Jeremiah 10:10).
• New Testament: Jesus and the apostles affirm the oneness of God while revealing the triune nature of God (John 10:30; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6).

Historical Context

The ancient world was dominated by polytheistic religions, where people worshipped many gods representing various aspects of life and nature. In stark contrast, Israel’s monotheistic faith proclaimed one supreme God.

God’s Revelation to Israel:

• Abraham’s Call: God revealed Himself as the one true God to Abraham, establishing a covenant with him and his descendants (Genesis 12:1-3).
• Exodus Deliverance: God’s power over the Egyptian gods demonstrated His supremacy (Exodus 7-12).
• Prophetic Witness: The prophets denounced idolatry and called Israel to worship the one true God (1 Kings 18:21; Isaiah 44:9-20).

This belief in one God laid the foundation for the Christian understanding of monotheism, which was further clarified through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Practical Implications

For Worship:

• Worship is reserved for God alone. Jesus taught, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only” (Matthew 4:10).
• Idolatry, in any form, is a rejection of God’s rightful place in our lives (Exodus 20:3-5).

For Faith and Trust:

• Belief in one God provides assurance of His control over all circumstances.
• Christians can rely on God’s promises, knowing He is unchanging and faithful.

For Relationships:

• Understanding God as Creator reminds us of the inherent value of every person.
• Loving God with all our heart, soul, and strength is the foundation for loving others (Matthew 22:37-39).

Theological Depth and Insight

The Trinity: One God in Three Persons

While God is one, He exists eternally as three distinct persons-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery of the Trinity is revealed in Scripture:

• Father: The Creator and sustainer of all (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 68:5).
• Son (Jesus Christ): God incarnate, who redeems humanity through His life, death, and resurrection (John 1:1-14; Colossians 2:9).
• Holy Spirit: God’s presence within believers, guiding and empowering them (John 14:16-17; Acts 1:8).

The Trinity does not contradict the oneness of God but rather enriches our understanding of His relational nature and His work in salvation.

God’s Supremacy Over False Gods

Throughout Scripture, God’s superiority over false gods is evident:

• In Egypt: The plagues demonstrated God’s power over the Egyptian deities (Exodus 7-12).
• On Mount Carmel: Elijah called on God to prove His power against Baal, leading to fire from heaven (1 Kings 18:20-39).
• In Paul’s Ministry: Paul preached against idolatry, emphasizing the futility of worshipping man-made gods (Acts 17:22-31).

Broader Biblical Themes

God as Creator and Redeemer:

The one true God is both the Creator of the universe and the Redeemer of humanity, uniting the themes of creation and salvation throughout Scripture.

God’s Covenant with Humanity:

From the Old Testament covenants to the new covenant in Christ, God reveals His commitment to relationship and redemption.

The Call to Exclusivity:

God calls His people to exclusive worship, rejecting idolatry and false allegiances (Joshua 24:15; Revelation 22:13).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit affirms the truth of God’s oneness in the hearts of believers:

• Illuminating Scripture: The Spirit helps us understand and apply God’s Word (John 14:26).
• Empowering Worship: The Spirit enables believers to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
• Convicting of Idolatry: The Spirit reveals areas where we may place other “gods” before Him (1 John 5:21).

Relevance for Today’s Christian

In a world filled with distractions and competing “gods” (wealth, power, pleasure), the biblical truth of one God reminds Christians to focus their hearts on Him alone. This truth:

• Strengthens Faith: Knowing God’s sovereignty brings peace in uncertain times.
• Guides Priorities: Exclusive worship of God shapes how we spend time, resources, and energy.
• Promotes Witness: Proclaiming the one true God invites others to experience His love and salvation.

Connection to Jesus Christ and God’s Love

Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation of the one true God. He declared, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9) and “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). Through Jesus, God’s love is made personal and accessible, offering salvation to all who believe.

Bible Characters

• Abraham: Called to leave polytheism and follow the one true God, Abraham became the father of faith (Genesis 12:1-3).
• Moses: Led Israel to worship God alone, receiving the Ten Commandments that emphasized monotheism (Exodus 20:1-3).
• Paul: Boldly proclaimed the supremacy of God to Gentile audiences steeped in idolatry (Acts 17:22-31).

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does the truth of one God shape your understanding of worship and daily life?
2. Are there “idols” in your life that compete with your devotion to God?
3. How does the triune nature of God deepen your relationship with Him?
4. In what ways can you share the truth of the one true God with others in a loving and respectful manner?

Believing in one God is at the heart of Christian faith, offering hope, purpose, and salvation. By understanding and living out this truth, Christians glorify the Creator and Redeemer, sharing His love with the world.