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Monotheism, the belief in the existence of one God, is a central tenet of the Judeo-Christian tradition and is foundational to the theology of the Bible. This concept distinguishes the faith of Israel and Christianity from the polytheistic religions of the ancient Near East and the Greco-Roman world.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament is replete with affirmations of monotheism. The Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith, encapsulates this belief: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This verse not only asserts the oneness of God but also calls for exclusive devotion to Him.

The Ten Commandments further reinforce monotheism, beginning with the command, "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This commandment establishes the exclusivity of worship due to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and prohibits the worship of other deities.

The prophets also emphasize monotheism, often contrasting the living God with the idols of surrounding nations. Isaiah declares, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me" (Isaiah 45:5). This assertion underscores the uniqueness and sovereignty of God over all creation.

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament continues the monotheistic tradition, affirming the belief in one God while also revealing the mystery of the Trinity. Jesus Christ, in His teachings, reaffirms the Shema: "The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One'" (Mark 12:29). This statement highlights the continuity of monotheistic belief from the Old Testament to the New.

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Corinthians, states, "Yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist" (1 Corinthians 8:6). Paul acknowledges the existence of so-called gods but affirms the reality of only one true God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ.

Theological Implications

Monotheism in the Bible is not merely a philosophical assertion but has profound theological and ethical implications. It demands exclusive worship and loyalty to God, as seen in the first commandment. It also provides the basis for understanding God's nature as sovereign, eternal, and unchanging.

Furthermore, biblical monotheism is relational, emphasizing a covenant relationship between God and His people. This relationship is characterized by love, obedience, and faithfulness, as God reveals Himself as both transcendent and immanent.

Challenges and Affirmations

Throughout history, the monotheistic faith of the Bible has faced challenges from both within and outside the religious community. The temptation to syncretize with polytheistic practices was a recurring issue for Israel, as seen in the prophetic rebukes against idolatry.

In the early church, the doctrine of the Trinity was articulated to affirm monotheism while recognizing the divinity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. The Nicene Creed, for example, confesses belief in "one God, the Father Almighty," while also affirming the deity of the Son and the Spirit.

In summary, monotheism is a defining characteristic of biblical faith, shaping the worship, theology, and ethical life of believers. It is a doctrine that calls for exclusive devotion to the one true God, who is revealed in the Scriptures as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer of all.1 Corinthians 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
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Isaiah 43:10
You are my witnesses, said the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
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Deuteronomy 4:35
To you it was showed, that you might know that the LORD he is God; there is none else beside him.
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James 2:19
You believe that there is one God; you do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
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Ephesians 4:6
One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
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Isaiah 44:6
Thus said the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.
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Testimony of Orpheus toMonotheism.
... Chapter XV."Testimony of Orpheus tomonotheism. At all events, we must
remind you what Orpheus, who was, as one might say, your...

Judaism and Heathenism in Contact.
... Every synagogue was a mission-station ofmonotheism, and furnished the apostles
an admirable place and a natural introduction for their preaching of Jesus...

The Literature
... thinking. But their leading theme ismonotheism; and their sharpest attacks
fall on the weaknesses of the ancient mythology. They...

Introduction
... His intention is to gain a hearing for the Christian case formonotheism.... Their first
aim was the same as that of the modern missionary"to defendmonotheism....

God.
... it unprofitable"no-gods, nothings and do-nothings, the work of men's hands, lies
or frauds, and mere bubbles.(765) On this line Jeremiah'smonotheism marks a...

Naaman's Imperfect Faith
... The benefited is liberal and the benefactor disinterested. Naaman was a
convert to puremonotheism. His avowal is clear and full....

The Education of the World.
... To every Jew, without exception,monotheism was equally natural.... The idea
ofmonotheism outtops all other ideas in dignity, and worth....

Commencement of the Legends Concerning Jesus --His Own Idea of his...
... Jewish theology created apart from him.[5] A kind of necessity caused this theology,
in order to correct the extreme rigor of the oldMonotheism, to place near...

Secret Study of the Holy Scriptures.
... we are asked to accept it as proved, or at least as extremely probable, that righteous
Abel is a myth; that there was little, if any,monotheism before Abraham...

The Christian View of the Old Testament
... Mission of Israel, 60 f. Misuse, 231 f. Moabite Stone, 130 ff.Monotheism, 167 f.,
218 f. Monotheistic tendencies, 167-169. Moral teaching, 259. Moses, 102 f....

Who is the one true God? | GotQuestions.org

With all of the different religions, how can I know which one is correct? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that the LORD is one (Deuteronomy 6:4)? | GotQuestions.org

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