God is One
Throughout history, several gods have existed, but none can compare to God (Yhovah; the Father) in power and might. He is one of a kind! (Deuteronomy 4:35, Isaiah 45:5, Mark 12:29)
It was significant for God (Yhovah; the Father) to reiterate His singularity (’eḥād. one in number) to His people. Remember, Moses was speaking to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 6:4), and had hitherto cautioned them not to use anything physical to represent God, since they had only heard God’s voice and not seen Him physically (Deuteronomy 4:15-19); of course, God is spirit. The Israelites were about to possess the promised land, and the people they were going to live among were pagans and thus worshipped several gods, mostly made of human hands. There was therefore the need for this strong caution to the Israelites, for them not to stray and arouse the anger of God (the Father).
Interestingly, we also live in a country where other gods (made of human hands) exist, but we must be resolute that there is only one true God (the Father), and He alone deserves our worship, but in the proper form, if at all; more about this later.
God is Three-in-One
In the previous discussion, we established that in many instances, ‘God’ refers to the Team: (a) The Father, (b) The Son, or The Word (Immanuel / Jesus Christ) and (c) The Holy Spirit. (Matthew 28:19, John 15:26) And thus, when referring to God in our discussions / dealings, we have to be clear as to whether we are referring to the plural God, or a singular God (and which of them) and therefore use the appropriate personal pronouns; either ‘They / Them’ or ‘He / Him,’ because in Genesis 1:26, the plural personal pronoun ‘us‘ is used; a good example for us.
It is important to note that, the three of them (3 divine beings) do not come together to form one divine being, but rather that, they are united in purpose and action; they work together harmoniously (in agreement) and interdependently. They can also act concurrently (at the same time) as seen in the creation of man (Genesis 1:26). In terms of leadership structure, we can safely say that the Father leads the team. (John 14:28). But they are united (or one) in essence.
Epilogue
Like the Israelites were faced with, there is always the temptation to look at how others serve or worship their gods and try to apply same to our God (the Father). For them, their god was visible and located at a particular place, and that place alone. To worship him, they had to physically go to that particular venue and do rituals. Our God is not at a particular location we have to go to; He is spirit, and does not dwell in temples made by human hands, and does not need hand-outs either; Acts 7:44-49, 17:22-25. When we gather together, we principally do so to share fellowship with one another, and with God, and not necessarily to worship God, as the pagans do. That’s the essence of Hebrews 10, especially verses 19 – 25 for instance.
Jesus declared that the Father was (and is still) seeking true worshipers to worship Him (the Father) in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24). True worshippers have a fervent acknowledgement of the power and might of God in their hearts all the time; wherever they are, and irrespective of what they are doing; they may express it in words and other actions at times, but when they do, it is in truth; a true reflection of the state of their hearts, and not a charade; (Isaiah 29:13, Matthew 15:18 / Mark 7:6). True worshippers do everything as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). True worshippers worship God for Who He is; not because of what they expect God to do for them.
Indeed, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” Now that we know God adequately, let us endeavour to worship Him in spirit and truth.
Postscript
John 1:1 says: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” What does this really mean; in the light of all that we have previously discussed? Part III of this series reveals the hidden meaning; you may click here to see that.
Again it is important to note that our discussions have based mainly on what the scriptures say without subjecting them to whether they are literal, or figurative, metaphorical or allegorical; that is a discussion for another day. Our interest and focus has been to understand what the Bible is saying; through objective reading of it, objective study, and therefore objective comprehension; devoid of undue or excessive biases.
Get involved!
Comments