The True God in the Bible and the Manifestation of Love

According to the Bible, the term Yaweh is often used to refer to the true God. However, external sources sometimes suggest the existence of a higher deity, implying that Yaweh might be a God of war and jealousy, traits commonly associated with Him. In the Bible, Yaweh is portrayed as a jealous god, reflective of His wrath when His people worship other deities (Exodus 20:5). This provokes a question: if Yaweh is the sole true God, why does He demand exclusivity and jealousy?

One might argue that jealousy only makes sense when there is competition: if the entire world consisted of only one person and their spouse, there would be no jealousy. Similarly, if Yaweh is the only true God, and there are no other gods, then perpetuating jealousy contradicts the idea of omniscience.

Who is Considered the True God in the Bible?

The Bible offers several verses that emphasize the belief in the true God:

And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent.
John 17:3 KJV

And we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true and we are in him that is true even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.
1 John 5:20 KJV

According to the Bible, Jesus is also part of the divine triune, alongside Yaweh, making Him the true God as well. The verse in 1 John (5:20) reflects that Jesus is the true God, and this truth is equated with eternal life.

The God of the Bible: Creator and Savior

The God of the Bible is described not only as the sovereign creator but also as the savior of the world. This divine nature includes attributes such as love and justice, which manifest through the actions of both Yaweh and Jesus. Love is a central theme in the Bible, where it is emphasized as the defining characteristic of God (1 Corinthians 13:13).

The Bible does not merely present Yaweh as the sole creator; rather, it describes Him as a God of love, mercy, and justice. For example, in Isaiah 43:3, God declares, “For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour.” This declaration places the focus not only on creation but also on the act of salvation.

Jesus and the One True God

Jesus referred to God as His “Father,” as seen in John 17:1-3:

“Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son so that your Son may glorify you. For you have given him authority over all people that he should give eternal life to all whom you have given him.”

This verse highlights the relationship between Jesus and God, emphasizing Jesus' role as the mediator and the Son through whom eternal life can be accessed.

The One True God Is Love

The true God is described as the embodiment of divine love. In 1 John 4:8, it is stated, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” According to this verse, the ultimate reality and expression of the true God is love. This love is depicted as the all-consuming, pure, and uncompromising light of the spirit.

Jesus Himself described love as the final and greatest commandment. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus addresses the importance of loving God and one’s neighbor, which encapsulates the essence of the divine love He represents.

Theosis and the Unity of the Godhead

The belief in the Unity of the Godhead is a key aspect of Christian theology. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are considered one with God, with Jesus referring to God as His "Father." This unity is further described in Galatians 5:22, which lists "love" as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. In many Christian traditions, such as Eastern Orthodoxy, the process of becoming one with God through this unity is referred to as Theosis.

Some misguided preachers may use the concept of divine power and judgment for personal gain, but true theology emphasizes that believers' power comes from the love and nature of Jesus. In Revelation, Jesus is depicted as the "succorer of those who diligently seek Him," a role that does not include worldly control or power lusts.

For true believers, the objective is to become like God, with Jesus as the perfect example. This process highlights the love and grace of God, inviting believers to emulate His nature, resulting in a deeper relationship and understanding of the true God.