Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the unity of God, particularly as it is exhibited in His being alone good, is a foundational tenet in Christian theology. This principle underscores the belief that God is singular in His essence and nature, and that He alone embodies the fullness of goodness. This entry explores the biblical basis for this doctrine, drawing from various scriptural passages that highlight God's unique and unparalleled goodness.Biblical Foundation The unity of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, affirming that there is only one God who is inherently good. In the Shema, a foundational declaration of faith found in Deuteronomy 6:4, it is proclaimed, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This verse emphasizes the oneness of God, setting the stage for understanding His unique nature. In the New Testament, Jesus Himself affirms the singular goodness of God. In Mark 10:18 , Jesus responds to a man who calls Him "good teacher" by saying, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone." This statement underscores the belief that true goodness is an attribute that belongs solely to God, highlighting His moral perfection and the unity of His nature. God's Goodness in Creation and Providence The goodness of God is evident in His creation and providential care. Genesis 1 repeatedly notes that God saw His creation as "good," culminating in Genesis 1:31 , where it states, "God saw all that He had made, and it was very good." This reflects God's perfect nature and His ability to create a world that reflects His goodness. Furthermore, God's providential care for His creation is a testament to His goodness. Psalm 145:9 declares, "The LORD is good to all; His compassion rests on all He has made." This verse illustrates how God's goodness is not only inherent but also active, as He sustains and nurtures His creation with benevolence and mercy. Moral and Ethical Implications The unity of God in His being alone good has significant moral and ethical implications for believers. It establishes God as the ultimate standard of goodness and righteousness, against which all human actions are measured. In Micah 6:8 , the prophet articulates what God requires of His people: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This call to emulate God's goodness in justice, mercy, and humility reflects the ethical demands placed upon those who follow Him. God's Goodness in Redemption The ultimate expression of God's goodness is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This act of sacrificial love and grace is the pinnacle of God's goodness, offering salvation and eternal life to humanity. In Romans 8:28 , the Apostle Paul reassures believers of God's good purposes: "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This promise affirms that God's goodness is not only inherent but also actively working for the benefit of those who are in Christ. Conclusion The unity of God, as exhibited in His being alone good, is a profound truth that permeates the entirety of Scripture. It affirms God's singular nature and His moral perfection, providing a foundation for understanding His actions in creation, providence, and redemption. This doctrine calls believers to recognize God as the ultimate standard of goodness and to reflect His character in their lives. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 19:17And he said to him, Why call you me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if you will enter into life, keep the commandments. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Unity and Peace. Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ... The Unity of the Divine Essence in Three Persons Taught, in ... In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ... Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ... Against the Heresy of one Noetus. Preliminary Definition of the Subject The Atonement and the Modern Mind Description of the Perfect Man, or Gnostic. The Phenomena at the Baptism, and their Import. Resources What is the Unity Church / Unity School of Christianity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the importance of Christian unity? | GotQuestions.org How can a church achieve a true, biblical unity? | 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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