1 Corinthians 8:4-6

New King James Version

Therefore, concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no other God but one. For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), yet for us there is 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.

For Encouragement

I love biblical affirmations. They set Christian truths solidly in Christ — the Lord of the church—and direct the minds and hearts of believers to where they belong and must rest.

There are no ifs or buts. All ambiguities fall off the Christian trail to glory—the narrow road through the pearly gates and onto the streets of gold. What joy! How beautiful is the sound of the affirmations of our faith in Christ?

Paul, with apostolic authority, emphasized that idols are not gods. He was speaking about the controversy of consuming meat sacrificed to idols. These lifeless human creations are meant to fill a spiritual void but ultimately hold no power (cf. 1 Kings 18:23-29).

With equal authority, the apostle to the Gentiles affirms that there is only one God (1 Corinthians 8:4).

“There is one God, the Father,
    by whom all things were created,
    and for whom we live.
And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ,
    through whom all things were created,
    and through whom we live.”

Paul affirms, as John MacArthur puts it, the essential equality of God the Father and God the Son. It is the truth many have stumbled upon and denied the deity of Christ. That is what makes these biblical affirmations so precious.

The core of our Christian faith is that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are one in the Godhead – the Trinity – and there is no other besides Him (Deuteronomy 4:34-35). Isn’t it beautiful?

So, what else do you want to know? How do you use your knowledge of this golden truth? What power and authority do you lack in your Triune God that you should go after any of these other “gods” who are lifeless and powerless? If Jesus is your God, Lord, and King Eternal, why do you fear eating everything with prayer, what He has blessed for our enjoyment?

As Paul declares in his doxology at the close of Romans 11:33-36:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
    How unsearchable his judgments,
    and his paths beyond tracing out!
“Who has known the mind of the Lord?
    Or who has been his counselor?”
“Who has ever given to God,
    that God should repay them?”
For from him and through him and for him are all things.
    To him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 11:33-36).

So, rejoice in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ this weekend, and through Him, give glory to God the Father in the power of the Holy Spirit.