There is Only One God

 In a world filled with diverse religious beliefs, philosophies, and ideologies, the concept of God remains central to human existence. While many cultures have different understandings of the divine, the fundamental truth upheld by Christianity is that there is only one God. This belief is foundational to the Christian faith and is supported by Scripture, reason, and the testimony of believers throughout history.

This article will explore the reality of the one true God—His nature, His attributes, and what it means for us as His creation. We will look at biblical evidence, theological insights, and the implications of this truth for our daily lives.

1. The Biblical Basis for One God

1.1 Old Testament Affirmation of One God

The Bible is clear from the very beginning that there is only one God. The Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4 states:

 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." (Deuteronomy 6:4, NIV)

This verse is one of the most well-known declarations of monotheism in Scripture. It was a call to Israel to recognize that Yahweh, the God of their fathers, was the only true God.

Other Old Testament passages reinforce this truth:

• Isaiah 45:5 – "I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me, there is no God."

• Exodus 20:3 – "You shall have no other gods before me."

• 1 Kings 8:60 – "So that all the peoples of the earth may know that the LORD is God and that there is no other."

The Israelites lived among nations that worshiped multiple gods, but God continually reminded them that He alone is supreme.

1.2 New Testament Confirmation

The New Testament continues this teaching, confirming that there is only one God.

• 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."

• Ephesians 4:6 – "One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

• 1 Timothy 2:5 – "For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."

Jesus Himself affirmed this truth in John 17:3, saying:

 "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

Thus, from Genesis to Revelation, the Bible consistently proclaims that there is only one God.

2. The Nature and Attributes of the One True God

Understanding who God is helps us grasp the significance of this truth.

2.1 God is Eternal and Unchanging

Unlike the gods of human imagination, the one true God is eternal. He has no beginning and no end.

• Psalm 90:2 – "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God."

• Malachi 3:6 – "I the LORD do not change."

This means that His character remains the same, and His promises never fail.

2.2 God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)

The one true God is sovereign over all things. He created the universe and sustains it by His power.

• Jeremiah 32:27 – "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?"

• Revelation 19:6 – "For the Lord God Almighty reigns."

2.3 God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)

God knows all things—past, present, and future.

• Isaiah 46:9-10 – "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning."

• Psalm 147:5 – "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."

2.4 God is Omnipresent (Present Everywhere)

No one can escape God’s presence, and no place is beyond His reach.

Psalm 139:7-8 – "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there."

2.5 God is Holy and Just

God is perfectly holy and cannot tolerate sin.

• Isaiah 6:3 – "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory."

• Deuteronomy 32:4 – "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just."

2.6 God is Love

God’s love is infinite and sacrificial.

• 1 John 4:8 – "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

• John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."

3. The Danger of Idolatry and False Gods

3.1 The Bible Warns Against Idolatry

Despite the clear truth of one God, humanity has often turned to idols.

• Romans 1:21-23 – "Although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images."

• Exodus 32:1-8 – The Israelites made a golden calf, quickly turning from the one true God.

Idolatry is not just worshiping statues; it includes anything that takes God's place in our hearts—money, power, relationships, or even self.

3.2 The Deception of False Gods

The enemy of our souls, Satan, has always tried to lead people away from the truth. The worship of multiple gods, false religions, and human philosophies are all designed to turn hearts away from the one true God.

• 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 – "Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness."

• 1 John 5:21 – "Dear children, keep yourselves from idols."

Only the one true God can bring salvation.

4. What It Means for Us That There is One God

4.1 Worshiping God Alone

Since there is only one God, He alone deserves our worship.

• Exodus 34:14 – "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."
• Matthew 4:10 – "Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only."

We must remove anything that competes for our devotion.

4.2 Trusting in God’s Plan

Because He is the only God, we can trust Him completely.

• Proverbs 3:5-6 – "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."

• Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him."

4.3 Living for God’s Glory

Since there is only one God, our lives should be centered on Him.

• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

• Colossians 3:17 – "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus."

Conclusion

The truth that there is only one God is central to our faith and affects every area of our lives. He alone is worthy of worship, trust, and obedience. As we live in a world full of distractions and false gods, let us stand firm in our devotion to the one true God and lead others to know Him.

May our lives reflect the truth of Deuteronomy 6:4:

 "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."