Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of God's supremacy over all other gods is a central theme throughout the Bible, affirming the monotheistic belief in the one true God who reigns supreme over all creation. This supremacy is not only a theological assertion but also a declaration of God's unmatched power, authority, and sovereignty.
Old Testament FoundationsThe Old Testament is replete with affirmations of God's supremacy. In the Ten Commandments, God declares, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (
Exodus 20:3), establishing His exclusive divinity and authority. The narrative of the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 7-12) serves as a dramatic demonstration of God's power over the Egyptian deities, showcasing His ability to control nature and history.
In
Deuteronomy 4:35, Moses reminds the Israelites, "You were shown these things so that you would know that the LORD is God; there is no other besides Him" . This statement underscores the uniqueness and unrivaled nature of God, a theme echoed throughout the prophetic writings.
Isaiah 45:5-6 proclaims, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me. I will equip you for battle, though you have not known Me, so that all may know, from the rising to the setting of the sun, that there is no one besides Me. I am the LORD, and there is no other" .
Psalms and Wisdom LiteratureThe Psalms frequently celebrate God's supremacy.
Psalm 86:8 declares, "O Lord, there is none like You among the gods, nor any works like Yours" . This verse highlights the incomparability of God's deeds and His superiority over any other so-called gods. Similarly,
Psalm 95:3 states, "For the LORD is a great God, a great King above all gods" , affirming His kingship and ultimate authority.
In the wisdom literature, the book of Job presents a profound exploration of God's sovereignty.
Job 42:2 acknowledges, "I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted" , recognizing God's omnipotence and control over all events.
New Testament AffirmationsThe New Testament continues to affirm God's supremacy, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In
Colossians 1:16-17, Paul writes, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" . This passage emphasizes Christ's preeminence and His role in sustaining the universe, reflecting the divine nature and authority of God.
In
1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Paul addresses the issue of idols, stating, "We know that an idol is nothing at all in the world, and that there is no God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many 'gods' and many 'lords'), yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist" . This passage reinforces the monotheistic belief in one God and the futility of idol worship.
Revelation and Eschatological VisionThe book of Revelation provides a climactic vision of God's ultimate supremacy.
Revelation 11:15 proclaims, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever" . This eschatological declaration affirms God's eternal reign and the final establishment of His kingdom over all.
Throughout Scripture, the supremacy of God over all gods is a foundational truth that underscores His unique nature, power, and authority. This theme serves as a call to exclusive worship and allegiance to the one true God, who alone is worthy of all honor and praise.