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What Does the Bible Teach About Monotheism, and How Can It Overturn False Religious Reasoning?

Monotheism, the belief in the existence of only one God, is a central and foundational doctrine of the Bible. From the earliest chapters of Scripture, this belief is emphasized and upheld as the only true understanding of the divine. The Bible consistently teaches that there is one sovereign, eternal, and all-powerful God who created and governs the universe. This doctrine sets the God of the Bible apart from the gods of pagan religions, which are often polytheistic, promoting the worship of many gods.

The Shema, one of the most important declarations of faith in Judaism and Christianity, clearly proclaims this truth. Deuteronomy 6:4 states: "Hear, O Israel: Jehovah our God, Jehovah is one." This passage declares the unity and exclusivity of God, affirming that there is no other being who shares in His divine essence or sovereignty. This truth forms the basis for biblical monotheism and provides the lens through which all other theological teachings are viewed.

The Bible’s teaching on monotheism runs counter to many ancient and modern religious systems that propose a multiplicity of gods or spiritual beings. Polytheism, for example, promotes the idea that there are many gods with different roles and spheres of influence. These gods are often depicted as competing for power or controlling different aspects of nature. In contrast, the Bible teaches that Jehovah alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Isaiah 45:5 reiterates this: "I am Jehovah, and there is no other; apart from me, there is no God." This exclusivity of God negates any possibility of other gods existing alongside Him, rendering polytheism false.

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Creation and Monotheism: Evidence of One Creator

The doctrine of monotheism is further supported by the biblical account of creation. Genesis 1:1 declares, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This statement not only asserts that God is the Creator of all things but also implies His unique and unrivaled power. No other deity or spiritual being participated in the act of creation. Throughout Scripture, creation is used as evidence of God's sole authority and power over the universe.

The Psalms repeatedly affirm God's role as Creator and emphasize His sovereignty over all creation. Psalm 19:1-2 reads: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." Creation itself testifies to the existence and power of the one true God, leaving no room for competing deities. The uniqueness of God's creative work is further emphasized in Isaiah 44:24: "This is what Jehovah says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am Jehovah, the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself." The claim that God created everything by Himself negates the possibility of other gods contributing to or sharing in creation.

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The Exclusivity of God’s Sovereignty

Monotheism is not simply the belief that there is only one God, but that this God is sovereign over all creation, history, and humanity. In the ancient world, nations often had their own gods who were believed to rule over particular territories or peoples. The Bible rejects this concept, affirming that Jehovah is not only the God of Israel but the God of all nations and the ruler over the entire earth. Psalm 24:1 proclaims, "The earth is Jehovah’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it."

This universal sovereignty of God is expressed throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the prophetic books. Isaiah 46:9-10 reads: "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’" Here, God asserts His unique ability to declare the future and to bring His plans to fulfillment. No other being or god has the power or authority to alter God's sovereign will.

The New Testament continues this theme, presenting Jesus Christ as the sovereign Lord and the embodiment of God's rule on earth. In Colossians 1:16-17, Paul writes, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." Jesus is not only the agent of creation but also the one who sustains all of creation, further affirming the monotheistic belief in one God who rules over everything.

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Refuting Polytheism and Idolatry: Biblical Monotheism Against the Nations

The Bible is clear in its condemnation of polytheism and idolatry. Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against worshipping the false gods of the nations surrounding them. The first of the Ten Commandments, given in Exodus 20:3, is a direct prohibition against polytheism: "You shall have no other gods before me." The Israelites were to worship Jehovah alone and not to turn to the idols of their neighbors.

One of the most powerful refutations of polytheism is found in Isaiah 44:6-8, where Jehovah declares, "This is what Jehovah says—Israel’s King and Redeemer, Jehovah Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me, there is no God. Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let them foretell what will come. Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one." Here, God challenges the nations to present evidence of any other god who can predict the future or act with the same sovereign power as He does. The rhetorical question is meant to show the utter futility of polytheism and idolatry.

This theme continues in the New Testament, where the apostles boldly proclaim the exclusivity of God in the face of rampant idolatry in the Greco-Roman world. Acts 17:22-31 records Paul’s sermon at the Areopagus in Athens, where he confronts the city’s many idols and declares that the true God is the Creator of all things and does not dwell in temples made by human hands. Paul’s message underscores the futility of worshipping idols, which are lifeless objects made by human beings. Instead, he calls the people to repent and turn to the one true God, who will judge the world through Jesus Christ, whom He raised from the dead.

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The Doctrine of the Trinity and Biblical Monotheism

One challenge that skeptics often raise against biblical monotheism is the doctrine of the Trinity. Critics argue that the belief in one God who exists in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—contradicts the teaching of monotheism. However, the doctrine of the Trinity is entirely consistent with monotheism because it affirms that there is only one God in essence, even though He exists in three distinct persons. The Trinity does not divide the divine essence but distinguishes between the persons who share that essence.

This understanding is rooted in Scripture. The Bible clearly teaches that there is only one God, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:4 and Isaiah 45:5. At the same time, the New Testament reveals that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all fully and equally God. John 1:1-3 declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him, nothing was made that has been made." Here, John identifies Jesus (the Word) as both distinct from the Father and fully divine.

Additionally, in Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, placing all three persons of the Trinity on equal footing. The one God of the Bible exists eternally in three persons, who are co-equal and co-eternal. This doctrine does not undermine monotheism but reveals the fullness of God's nature as He has revealed Himself in Scripture.

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The Importance of Monotheism for Christian Living

The doctrine of monotheism has profound implications for the Christian life. Because there is only one God, He alone is worthy of our worship, love, and obedience. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly called to exclusive loyalty to Jehovah, a theme that continues in the New Testament for followers of Christ. Matthew 22:37 records Jesus’ response when asked about the greatest commandment: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This command to love God exclusively flows directly from the biblical teaching that there is only one God, and He alone deserves our devotion.

Moreover, monotheism provides the foundation for Christian ethics. Because God is the Creator and ruler of the universe, He sets the standard for right and wrong. The moral law is not arbitrary or relative but is grounded in the character of God. James 4:12 reminds us, "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?" God’s authority as the one true God gives Him the right to define morality and to hold His creatures accountable for their actions.

The doctrine of monotheism is central to the biblical worldview and stands in opposition to the false reasoning of polytheism, idolatry, and atheism. The Bible reveals that there is only one God, who created all things, governs all things, and alone is worthy of worship. This truth is not only a theological doctrine but the foundation for Christian living, calling believers to exclusive loyalty to Jehovah and obedience to His moral law.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220 books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).