1 Corinthians 8:6 – “Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live.”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul makes a powerful statement about the identity of the one true God. He contrasts the many “gods” and “lords” that people worship with the reality that for Christians, there is only one God and one Lord.

• God the Father is the source of everything. All things come from Him, and our lives exist for Him.
• Jesus Christ is the one through whom everything was made, and through Him, we have true life.

This verse affirms two key truths:

1. God is the Creator and purpose of life – Everything in the universe originates from Him, and our lives should be lived for Him.
2. Jesus is central to everything – The Father created all things through Jesus, and we can only have true life through Him.

This verse does not separate Jesus from God but rather shows how the Father and the Son work together. Paul presents a clear view of God’s nature—one God, yet with Jesus fully involved in creation and salvation.

Historical Context

In Corinth, many people believed in multiple gods and spiritual beings, influenced by Greek and Roman mythology. Some worshiped gods of nature, others honored the emperor as divine, and some followed mystery religions that involved secret spiritual knowledge.

Paul is addressing Christians who had been surrounded by these beliefs. He reminds them that unlike the world around them, believers worship only one true God. He also makes it clear that Jesus is not just another religious leader or spiritual figure—He is central to God’s work in creation and salvation.

This statement would have been radical. The Jewish people firmly believed in one God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and for Paul to include Jesus in that identity was significant. It showed that Jesus was not a separate deity or just a prophet—He was fully united with the Father in God’s divine work.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches foundational Christian beliefs:

1. There is only one true God – Christianity is built on monotheism. There are not many gods, as the pagans believed, but only one Creator.
2. God the Father is the source and purpose of all life – We exist because He made us, and we are meant to live for Him.
3. Jesus is fully involved in creation and salvation – Paul describes Jesus as the one “through whom” all things were made, echoing John 1:3, which says, “Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”
4. Our life is through Jesus – Spiritual life comes only through Christ, just as physical life came through Him in creation.

This verse strengthens the understanding that Jesus is not just another prophet or angel. He is divine, and our relationship with God is only possible through Him.

Literary Analysis

Paul structures this verse in a way that highlights the unique roles of God the Father and Jesus Christ:

• God the Father – “from whom all things came and for whom we live.”
• Jesus Christ – “through whom all things came and through whom we live.”

This parallel structure reinforces the unity of the Father and the Son. The Father is the source, and Jesus is the means through which everything happens. This is not saying that Jesus is separate from God but rather that He is fully involved in God’s work.

Paul is also countering the pagan view of multiple gods. Instead of many deities ruling over different aspects of life, there is only one God and one Lord who governs everything.

Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” (Paul affirms this truth while including Jesus in it.)
• John 1:1-3 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God… Through Him all things were made.” (Jesus is the Creator.)
• Colossians 1:16-17 – “For in Him all things were created… all things have been created through Him and for Him.” (Jesus is central in creation.)
• Acts 17:28 – “For in Him we live and move and have our being.” (Our life is for God, as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:6.)
• John 14:6 – Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Only through Jesus can we have true life.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse reminds us that everything in life begins and ends with God. He is the source of our existence, and our purpose is to live for Him. Many people today chase after success, money, relationships, or personal fulfillment, but Paul reminds us that we were made for God and that life only makes sense when we live for Him.

It also challenges us to recognize Jesus for who He truly is. Some view Him as just a great teacher or religious leader, but Paul makes it clear that Jesus is the one through whom everything exists. If He is that important, then knowing Him and following Him should be our highest priority.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is seen in how He created us with a purpose. We are not accidents or random beings in the universe. We were made for Him—to know Him, love Him, and enjoy Him forever.

His love is also seen in how He gave us Jesus. The same Jesus who was involved in creation is also the one through whom we receive eternal life. God did not leave us to figure out life on our own. He sent His Son to make the way clear for us.

God’s love means that we don’t have to search for meaning in other places—our purpose is already found in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul places Jesus at the center of everything. He is not an optional figure in Christianity—He is the very reason we exist and the only way we can have eternal life.

• Jesus is the Creator – Just as everything came through Him at the beginning, new life comes through Him now.
• Jesus is our Lord – While people in Corinth followed many “lords,” Paul declares that there is only one true Lord, and that is Jesus.
• Jesus is our way to God – Without Him, we cannot fully know the Father. He is the only way to life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does it mean to live “for” God? Are there areas of your life where you are living for something else instead?
2. How does knowing that Jesus is the Creator and the source of life change the way you see Him?
3. How does this verse challenge the idea that all religions lead to God?
4. What false “gods” or “lords” do people follow today, even if they don’t call them that?
5. How can this verse help you share the gospel with others?