The concept of "The Only God" is central to Christian theology and is rooted in the monotheistic tradition of the Bible. This entry explores the biblical foundation and theological implications of the belief in one, singular God as revealed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible consistently affirms the existence of only one God, who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. This is a foundational tenet of both the Old and New Testaments.

1. Old Testament Affirmation: The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, is a central declaration of Jewish faith and underscores the oneness of God: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." This verse establishes the monotheistic nature of God and serves as a cornerstone for understanding His unique and singular existence.

2. Prophetic Confirmation: The prophets of the Old Testament also emphasize the exclusivity of God. Isaiah 45:5 states, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me." This declaration highlights God's sovereignty and the futility of idol worship.

3. New Testament Continuation: The New Testament reaffirms the monotheistic belief in one God. In 1 Corinthians 8:4-6, Paul writes, "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... yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist."

Theological Implications

1. God's Uniqueness: The belief in the only God underscores His uniqueness and incomparability. Unlike the polytheistic beliefs of surrounding cultures, the God of the Bible is without equal or rival. This uniqueness is reflected in His attributes, such as omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.

2. Exclusive Worship: The commandment to worship only the one true God is a recurring theme. Exodus 20:3 commands, "You shall have no other gods before Me." This exclusivity in worship is a response to God's unique nature and His covenant relationship with His people.

3. Salvation and Redemption: The belief in one God is intricately linked to the Christian understanding of salvation. In John 17:3, Jesus prays, "Now this is eternal life: that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent." Salvation is presented as knowing the only true God through Jesus Christ, His Son.

4. Unity and Community: The oneness of God serves as a model for unity within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:4-6 emphasizes this unity: "There is one body and one Spirit... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Conclusion

The belief in "The Only God" is a central and defining aspect of Christian faith, shaping the understanding of God's nature, worship, and the community of believers. This monotheistic belief is deeply rooted in Scripture and continues to influence Christian doctrine and practice.