The Real Meaning of 1 Corinthians 8:5-6: One God and One Lord

1 Corinthians 8:5-6

5 For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,)

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.

1 Corinthians 8:5-6 establishes that while the world acknowledges many "gods" and "lords," there is only one true God, the Father, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, who are united in the work of creation and redemption 1 Corinthians 8:5-6TTA 21.4+1. This passage clarifies the distinct personalities of the Father and the Son while emphasizing their perfect unity of purpose and nature 1 Corinthians 8:6SITI November 20, 1884, page 698.2+1.

The One True God and One Lord 👑

The scriptures distinguish the living God from the idols and "gods many" of the heathen by His power as the Creator 1 Corinthians 8:5SITI December 4, 1884, page 724.1.

• The Father as the Source: There is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things 1 Corinthians 8:6ARSH December 5, 1854, page 123.23+1. All things proceed ultimately from Him, and we exist for Him 1 Corinthians 8:6CHR 19.1+1.

• The Son as the Agent: There is one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom or through whom are all things 1 Corinthians 8:6ARSH March 13, 1866, page 116.11+1. It pleased the Father that Christ should be the direct, immediate Agent in every act of creation Colossians 1:16CHR 19.1+1.

• United in Creation: Both the Father and the Son were engaged in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and it is by this creative power that they are distinguished from all false deities Nehemiah 9:6SITI May 6, 1889, page 247.62.

Unity of Essence and Purpose 🤝

The "oneness" of God mentioned in these verses does not imply a single person, but a perfect unity between distinct divine beingsTTA 21.4.

• Oneness of Nature: While the Father and Son are distinct in personality, they are of the same divine substance and naturePTUK December 18, 1890, page 409.6+1. Christ is the express image of the Father’s person and is equal in dignity and glory Hebrews 1:320MR 94.2+1.

• Unity of Action: The Father and the Son are one in purpose, thought, and judgmentSITI November 20, 1884, page 698.2+1. Christ said, "I and my Father are one," and prayed that His followers would experience that same natural, divine union John 10:30+11T 324.1+1.

• The Headship of God: The Bible maintains an order within this unity, stating that the head of Christ is God, just as the head of every man is Christ 1 Corinthians 11:3TTA 21.4.

The Foundation of the Church ⛪

This truth is a cardinal point of faith that provides the basis for the unity of the churchSITI November 20, 1884, page 698.5+1.

• One Body, One Spirit: The church is called to reflect the unity of the Godhead, having one Lord, one faith, and one baptism Ephesians 4:4-5RH July 10, 1888, par. 4+1.

• No Divisions: Because there is one God and Father of all, there should be no schism or division in the body of Christ 1 Corinthians 12:24-25ARSH October 21, 1902, page 9.4+1.

• The Glory of God: Christians are to be of one mind so that they may with one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Romans 15:5-6ARSH August 21, 1855, page 29.15.

Divine Equality and Redemption 🕊️

Acknowledging Christ as the "one Lord" is essential to appreciating His power to saveCHR 19.1+1.

• Fullness of the Godhead: In Christ dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily, making Him fully capable of redeeming fallen humanity Colossians 2:920MR 94.2+1.

• The Mediator: There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus 1 Timothy 2:5ARSH April 10, 1866, page 145.12.

• Honoring the Son: We are commanded to honor the Son even as we honor the Father, for he who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father John 5:23SITI November 20, 1884, page 698.5+1.