Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the unity of God is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, affirming that God is one in essence and nature. This doctrine is consistently upheld throughout the Scriptures and is explicitly asserted by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. The unity of God underscores the monotheistic belief central to both Judaism and Christianity, distinguishing the faith from polytheistic religions.Scriptural Assertions by Christ 1. The Shema and the Greatest Commandment: In Mark 12:29-30, Jesus affirms the Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, when asked about the greatest commandment. He states, "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'" . Here, Christ reiterates the oneness of God, emphasizing the singular devotion due to Him. 2. Unity in the Godhead: In John 10:30, Jesus declares, "I and the Father are one." . This statement not only affirms the unity of God but also reveals the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, indicating a unity of purpose and essence within the Godhead. This assertion was so profound that it led to accusations of blasphemy from His Jewish audience, who understood it as a claim to divinity. 3. Prayer for Unity Among Believers: In His high priestly prayer, Jesus prays for the unity of His followers, reflecting the unity He shares with the Father. In John 17:21, He prays, "that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." . This prayer highlights the unity within the Godhead as a model for the unity among believers, rooted in the divine nature. 4. The Great Commission: In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." . The singular "name" used here underscores the unity and co-equality of the three Persons of the Trinity, each fully and completely God, yet one in essence. Theological Implications The unity of God as asserted by Christ has profound theological implications. It affirms the monotheistic foundation of Christian faith, distinguishing it from any form of tritheism or polytheism. The unity of God also provides the basis for understanding the Trinity, a mystery that reveals God as three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—yet one in essence and will. Christ's teachings on the unity of God call believers to a unified worship and devotion, reflecting the singular nature of God. This unity is not only a theological concept but also a call to live in harmony with one another, mirroring the perfect unity within the Godhead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 12:29And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: Torrey's Topical Textbook John 17:3 Library The Likeness of Christ to the Father is Asserted on the Authority ... The Unity of the Divine Essence, and the Trinity of Persons. Whether Christ is one or Two? But Having Asserted that Our Religion is Supported by the Writings ... That There is in Christ but one Hypostasis (IE , Personal Self). The Clementine Homilies Two-Fold Bearing of the Kingdom of God --An Inward, Spiritual ... Preface. Christ, So Far as He is True Son of God... Content of Revelation. God Three in one and the Incarnation. Resources Is it wrong for a Christian husband and wife to attend separate churches? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about togetherness? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about eating food/meat that has been sacrificed to idols? | GotQuestions.org Unity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Unity of God: A Ground for Loving Him Supremely Unity of God: A Ground for Obeying Him Exclusively Unity of God: All Saints Acknowledge, in Worshipping Him Unity of God: All should Know and Acknowledge Unity of God: Asserted by Apostles Unity of God: Asserted by Christ Unity of God: Asserted by God Himself Unity of God: Asserted by Moses Unity of God: Consistent With the Deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being Alone Good Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being Alone Possessed of Fore-Knowledge Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Only Saviour Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Only Source of Pardon Unity of God: Exhibited in His Being the Sole Object of Worship in Heaven and Earth Unity of God: Exhibited in His Exercise of Uncontrolled Sovereignty Unity of God: Exhibited in His Greatness and Wonderful Works Unity of God: Exhibited in His Unparalleled Election and Care of his People Unity of God: Exhibited in His Works of Creation and Providence Unity of God: May be Acknowledged Without Saving Faith Unity of God: The Knowledge of, Necessary to Eternal Life Related Terms |
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