The Bible clearly teaches that there are slaves or worshipers of gods that are not real or false gods (Lesson-2G) and there are also the true worshipers of God (Lesson-2H). Thus, before any man could become a "true worshiper of God" or render valid service or worship to God, he should first be certain that it is the true God whom he will serve and worship,  because punishment awaits those who do not know God and those who reject or refuse Christ's teachings which is the Gospel of Christ.

 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.  These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9, NKJV)

The Lord Jesus Christ himself teaches that the true worshipers must worship God in spirit for God is a sprit. And that the true worshipers must also worship God in truth, that is in accordance with God's words written in the Bible. Thus, the true worship of God should not be based on assumptions [vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations], like man-made teachings, but on clear verses providing clear biblical evidence on who and how the "true worshiper" should serve and worship God. For the Lord Jesus Himself declared that the truth are the words or doctrines that came from God that was He taught to His Apostles and disciples that are now written in the Holy Bible.

Let us therefore continue to study the words of God written in the Holy Bible so we may come to know the biblical truth that will make us a the true worshiper of God and not a slave of gods that are not real or false gods.

How is God known in the Old Testament of the Bible:

2I.1   In the ancient times, what is the basic truth that Prophet Moses (c.1391 - 1271 BC) taught the Israelites about God?

In Deuteronomy 6:4, this is written:

4. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! (NKJV)

The Prophet Moses emphasizes the truth about the absolute oneness of God to the Israelites.

This has been regarded as the confession of belief in the One God by the Israelites. This refers to the "Shema" in the Hebrew Bible, which is the same as the Old Testament of the Christian Bible. Judaism is based on a strict monotheism.  This doctrine expresses the belief in one indivisible God.

2I.2   How did Moses explicitly and clearly explain the absolute oneness of God?

In Deuteronomy 4:35 & 39, this are written:

35. "To you it was shown, that  you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.
39. "Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other. (NKJV)

The absolute oneness of God is explicitly and clearly explained by the Prophet Moses.

• "the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him". (Deut. 4:35)

Thus, clearly excluding the possibility of having other gods besides the Lord God Himself. Moses further clarified his statement by saying

• "that the Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on earth beneath" (Deut. 4:39), making sure that there is no other God besides Him.

Who is the only one God that Moses is referring to?

And Moses also said this to the people of Israel:

Is this the way you repay the Lord, you foolish and senseless people? Isn't he your Father who created you? Has he not made you and established you? (Deuteronomy 32:6, NLT)

The Father is the only one God, in heaven above and the earth beneath, there is none other besides Him.

So, there is no room for interpretation that there is a God in heaven above and there is also another God in earth beneath. Thus, the Father is the only one God; there is none other besides Him.

Questions to Ponder: < Click for details

The Trinity doctrine states that God is the Triune God, existing as three persons, but one being. Members of the Trinity are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. (Lesson-2C.1) When the the Prophet Moses taught the Israelites that "the Lord our God, the Lord is one", was he referring only to the Father? Or is it possible that Moses was referring to the Triune God  because God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit are co-eternal (with no beginning)?

2I.3   During the time of the Prophet Isaiah (about 740 - 698 BC), was the belief in the absolute oneness of God firmly and clearly established? 

The book of Isaiah is replete with verses confirming the absolute oneness of God. These are written:

10. "You are My witnesses,'' says 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, nor shall there be after Me.  
11. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. (Isaiah 43:10-11, NKJV)

6. "Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: `I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6, NKJV)

5. I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me,
6. That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; (Isaiah 45:5-6, NKJV)

9. Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me,
10. Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done, saying, `My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,' (Isaiah 46:9-10, NKJV)

By the time of the Prophet Isaiah, the belief in the "absolute Oneness of God" is firmly established and clearly defined. The Lord God Himself said these words through the Prophet Isaiah:

• Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me (Isaiah 43:10)

•  I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior (Isaiah 43:11)  

• `I am the First and I am the Last; besides Me there is no God (Isaiah 44:6)

• I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me (Isaiah 45:5)

• That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other (Isaiah 45:6) 

• I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me (Isaiah 46:9)

From the above statements, it undoubtedly mean that God is "Absolutely and Perfectly One". There is no room for interpretation that "the "Absolutely and Perfectly One God can exist as two or three persons but is one being".

Questions to Ponder: < Click for details

The Trinity doctrine states that God is the Triune God, existing as three persons, but one being. Members of the Trinity are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. The Father is uncreated, the Son is uncreated, and the Holy Spirit is uncreated, and all three are eternal with no beginning. (Lesson-2C.1)    If the Triune God already existed since the beginning of time because all three are co-eternal with no beginning, then why did the Prophet Isaiah repeatedly declare that God is  absolutely one but did not mention anything about the Trinity?

How God is known in the New Testament of the Bible:

The Old testament of the Bible clearly teaches that God is absolutely and perfectly One. Let us study if the same is true in the New Testament.

2I.4   How did the Lord Jesus Christ explicitly and clearly explain the basic truth about God, that God is "absolutely One"?

In Mark 12:29-34, The Lord Jesus Christ said this in answer to a question by a scribe who asked Him, "Which is the first commandment of all?'' 

29. Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is: `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30. `And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.
31. "And the second, like it, is this: `You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these.''
32. So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.
33. "And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.''
34. So when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God.'' And after that no one dared question Him.  (Mark 12:29-34, NKJV)

YES, Jesus answered "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one'.  His answer is in reference to the "Shema" (Deut. 6:4), which is considered as the confession of belief in the One God by the Israelites.

• Verse 29 - "And Jesus answered the scribe, "The first of all the commandments is: 'Hear, O Israel; The Lord our God, the Lord is one'. . . . . . . . . . . . (KJV).
• Verse 32 - So the scribe said to Him, "Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He.
• Verse 34 - So when Jesus saw that the scribe answered Him wisely, He said, "You are not far from the kingdom of God.'' 

Clearly Jesus Himself teaches the first of his two greatest commandments, and the most important one is:

• "The Lord our God, the Lord is one" 

• That "there is one God, and there is no other but He".  

Thus when Jesus saw that the scribe clearly understood and affirmed the truth about the absolute oneness of God, Jesus affirmed the truth by saying to the scribe "You are not far from the kingdom of God".

In what way did Jesus also affirm that God is absolutely one?

16. Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?''
17. So He said to him, "Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.'' (Matthew 19:16-17, NKJV)

When someone called Him good, Jesus said, "No one is good but One, that is, God". Clearly affirming that God is the only One who is good. Thus, God is absolutely one, for Jesus even exclude Himself to be called good.

Thus, the Lord Jesus like the Prophets Moses and Isaiah clearly believes and teaches that God is absolutely One. "The Lord our God, the Lord is one"  is his greatest commandment of all. Clearly Jesus believes and teaches the God is absolutely One.

Questions to Ponder::

The Trinity doctrine states that God is the Triune God, existing as three persons, but one being. Members of the Trinity are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. (Lesson-2C.1) How can God be a Trinity when in fact Jesus Himself like Moses, teaches that "the Lord our God, the Lord is one"? If God is a Trinity, why did Jesus say that "No one is good but One, that is, God"? If God is indeed a Trinity, why did Jesus Himself failed to clarify that the one God he is referring to is the Triune God and include himself as God the Son?

2I.5   How did the Apostle Paul taught the early Christians the basic truth that "God is absolutely One"?

Apostle Paul in his letter to the early Christians in Corinth, made this clarification and confirmation of this belief about the absolute oneness of God:

4. . . . . . . . . . . . , we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one.
5. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords),
6. yet for us there is only one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.
7. However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; . . . . . . . . . .
(1 Corinthians 8:4-6, NKJV)

The same verse in the another version of the Bible:

4. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God and no other.
5. According to some people, there are many so-called gods and many lords, both in heaven and on earth.
6. But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life.
7. However, not all Christians realize this. . . . . . . . (NLT)

Apostles clearly taught the absolute oneness of God, by comparing their belief with other people, who believe in idols or the many so-called gods and many lords.
Apostle Paul clearly pointed out their (early Christians) belief, and that is . . . . . 

• there is only one God and no other (1 Cor. 8:4) 

• and, there is only one God--the Father. who created everything, and we exist for Him. (1 Cor.8:6)

And Apostle Paul clarified their belief further, when he clearly pointed out the distinction between the only one God, the Father and the only one Lord, Jesus Christ when he said:

•  And "there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ", through whom God made everything, and through whom we have given life. (1 Cor.8:6)

And Apostle Paul, commented further about this truth, that

• "not everyone know or realize this teaching (1 Cor. 8:7).

Clearly Apostle Paul, like the Lord Jesus, taught the early Christians this basic truth about the absolute oneness of God, by saying that "there is only one God and no other. There is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we exist for Him".

Questions to Ponder::

The Trinity doctrine states that God is the Triune God, existing as three persons, but one being. Members of the Trinity are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will.  (Lesson-2C.1) If God is indeed a Trinity, why did the Apostles Paul, like the Lord Jesus,  clearly teaches that "there is only one God and no other; there is only one God--the Father. who created everything? If God is indeed a Trinity, why did Apostles Paul fail to clarify that the "only one God" he is referring to is the Triune God which also include Jesus as God the Son?

2I.6   In what other way did Apostle Paul teach the early Christians, the truth about the "Absolute Oneness of God"?

When  Apostle Paul, exhorted the early Christians to keep the unity of the body of Christ, he also taught them the unity of their belief in oneness of God.

4. There is one body and one Spirit. You were called to one hope, when God called you.
5. There is one Lord . There is one faith. There is one immersion.
6. There is one God. He is the Father of everyone. God is above everything, through everything, and in everything. (Eph.4:4-6, IEB)

Apostle Paul once again explained the truth about the absolute oneness of God;

• There is one God and He is the Father of everyone (Eph.4:6).

• God is above everything, through everything, and in everything.  

In his exhortation, Apostle Paul clearly mentioned the distinction of the "one Lord" from the "one God" by separately mentioning "there is one Lord" referring to Jesus.

Clearly, God is absolutely one as Apostle Paul definitely refer to the Father as the "one God" who is above everything, through everything and in everything.

Questions to Ponder::

The Trinity doctrine states that God is the Triune God, existing as three persons, but one being. Members of the Trinity are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. (Lesson-2C.1) If God is indeed a Trinity, why did the apostles like Jesus clearly teaches that "there is one God, and He is the Father of everyone? How can God, the Father, be above everything if there is God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit who are also co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will as one Triune God?

The basic truth that God wants everyone to understand to be saved

2I.7   What is the truth that God wants everyone to know in order to be saved which is also the scriptural proof that God is absolutely and perfectly one and not a Trinity which allegedly include Jesus as God the Son?

In 1 Timothy 2: 3-5, these are written:

This is good and pleases God our Savior, for he wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and people. He is the man Christ Jesus. (NLT)

From the above verse it is very clear that God wants everyone to understand this truth in order to be saved. . . . .

• For there is "only one God"
• and "there is one Mediator" between the "only one God" and the people, He is the man Christ Jesus.

This is the basic truth that the "only one God" our Savior wants everyone to understand so they can be saved.

How can we be sure that God is indeed absolutely and perfectly one and not a Trinity?

The function of a mediator is clarified in Galatians 3:20. The same verse in several versions of the Bible:

Now there is no mediator when only one party is involved, and God is one. (NAB)

but an intermediary is not needed for one party acting alone, and God is one. (Revised English Bible)

A go-between is not needed when there is only one side; God is only one side. (International English Bible NT)

Now a go-between (intermediary) has to do with and implies more than one party [there can be no mediator with just one person]. Yet God is [only] one Person. . . . . .  Amplified Bible

We can be sure that "God is absolutely and perfectly one" and not a Trinity because we are also absolutely sure that the only Mediator who can reconcile God and people is the man Christ Jesus. As clarified by the above verse, the only Mediator, the man Christ Jesus, cannot be God Himself because a mediator or intermediary or go between is not needed when there is only one side or only one party is involved.

First Party	Mediator	Second Party	Explanation
God	If Jesus is a Man	The People	If Jesus is a man then He can be a Mediator who can reconcile God and people.
If Jesus is God	No need for a Mediator	The People	But, if Jesus is God, then there is no need for a Mediator to reconcile people to God because Jesus Himself is God. In Gal.3:20, it says there is no mediator when only one party is involved, and God is one.
Only One God	One Mediator	The People	Since God is only one, then it is biblically correct to say that the man Christ Jesus is the "only Mediator" who can reconcile the people to the "Only One God"..

THEREFORE, based on the foregoing explanation, we are absolutely sure that God is indeed absolutely and perfectly One and not a Trinity because Jesus, as a Mediator, cannot be God Himself but a Man.

Did the Lord Jesus Christ Himself acknowledge that there is "only One God"?

In John 17:3, Jesus pointed out the importance of knowing the only true God.

And eternal life means to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, whom you sent. (TEV)"

Christ Jesus pointed out that knowing the Father as the "only true God" means eternal life. And Jesus also made it clear that He was sent by the "only true God", implying that He is not the only true God. Thus Jesus acknowledged that God is absolutely and perfectly One.

How can we be sure that the Lord Jesus is indeed the "Only Mediator" between the "Only One God" and men?

In Romans 8:34, this is written:

who is to condemn? Is it Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us? (RSV)

The same verse in another version of the Bible:

Who, then, will condemn them? Not Christ Jesus, who died, or rather, who was raised to life and is at the right side of God, pleading with him for us! (TEV)

In Hebrews 10:10,12, this is also written:

10. By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
12. But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, (NKJV)

The scriptures is very clear, the Man Christ Jesus after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God pleading and/or interceding on man's behalf. Thus, we are absolutely sure that Jesus is indeed the "Only Mediator" between the "Only One God" and men. 

CONCLUSION: Based on the foregoing biblical explanation, we are now absolutely sure that there is only one God, who is absolutely and perfectly One and not a Trinity, because Christ Jesus himself is not God but a man, who was sent by the "only One God" to mediate or reconcile the people to Him.  This is the truth that God wants every one to understand in order to be saved.

Questions to Ponder::

The Trinity doctrine states that God is the Triune God, existing as three persons, but one being. Members of the Trinity are said to be co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action, and will. (Lesson-2C.1) If God is a Trinity existing as one being, who are co-equal. . . ,then . . . . How can God, the Son, sit at the right hand of God the Father and still be one being or one Triune God? How can God, the Son plead to God the Father and still be one being or one Triune God? How can God the Son, a man with a glorious body, sit at the right hand of God the Father, who is a spirit, and still be one being or one Triune God? What about God the Holy Spirit, the 3rd person in the Trinity? How come God the Holy Spirit was never mentioned in the foregoing verses if they are co-equal and co-eternal, one in essence, nature, power, action and will as one being or one Triune God?

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The biblical truth is very clear, from the Old testament times, the Prophet Moses, and Prophet Isaiah clearly teaches that God is absolutely and perfectly one. During the New Testament times, the Lord Jesus Himself and His Apostles continued to teach the same basic truth about God that was taught by the Prophets, and that that is God is absolutely and perfectly One and not a Trinity. This is the real monotheism - the doctrine or belief that only one god exists. This is the original faith of the Patriarch Abraham from whom the three great Abrahamic religions originated.

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