“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4–6, ESV)
There is one God. This may not seem that extraordinary of a statement. It is a basic principle of our theology. But is easy to take for granted. There exists a sentiment in this world that says:
It doesn’t matter what you believe as long as you are sincere in what you believe.
The idea is that all paths lead basically to the same place. If I just have enough love, do the right thing, and have enough positive energy I will get to where I am going.
But the problem is that while I am sincere, I can be sincerely wrong. Jesus says that he is the way, the truth, and the life and that no one comes to the Father except through him (see John 14:6).
The claim that God is one is an exclusive claim. It means there is no other. God in any other form, other than the God described in the Scriptures, is a false god. And a false god is no god.
If I did not believe Jesus was God, I would not serve him as a pastor. If I believed there were other paths to heaven, I would not waste my time with a church. But I recognize that every problem we have is life is ultimately a God problem. There is one God who makes right what is wrong. This is why God says you shall have no other gods. Because every other supposed god is worthless.
Truth is important. I want to be standing on the right side of truth. It is no small matter. It is a matter of life and death, heaven and hell. If Jesus is not God, then we might as well turn off the lights and go home. As Paul says, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:14, ESV)
But if God is one, he is the one way. He is the one answer, healer, solution, answer, hope, provider, safeguard, comforter, and savior.
Reflection
- What are the implications that God is one?
- Where have you been looking for answers apart from God.
Prayer
God, you are one. There is no other. You are the Lord of lords and the King of kings. There is none like you in the entire universe. Forgive me for putting my trust in anything but you. Amen.
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