The concept of "One God and One Lord" is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the monotheistic belief in a singular, supreme deity and the lordship of Jesus Christ. This doctrine is rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, affirming the unity and singularity of God while also recognizing the divine authority of Jesus as Lord.

Old Testament Foundations

The Shema, found in Deuteronomy 6:4, is a central declaration of the Jewish faith and underscores the oneness of God: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." . This proclamation establishes the monotheistic framework that is carried into Christian theology. The Old Testament consistently affirms the existence of one God, as seen in passages like Isaiah 45:5, where God declares, "I am the LORD, and there is no other; there is no God but Me."

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament continues this monotheistic tradition while also introducing the lordship of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 8:6, the Apostle Paul writes, "yet for us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we exist. And there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we exist." . This verse highlights the distinct roles of God the Father and Jesus Christ, while maintaining the unity of the Godhead.

The Lordship of Jesus Christ

The recognition of Jesus as Lord is a central aspect of Christian belief. Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." . This passage emphasizes the exaltation and divine authority of Jesus, affirming His lordship over all creation.

Trinitarian Understanding

The doctrine of the Trinity provides a framework for understanding the relationship between the one God and the lordship of Jesus. While the term "Trinity" is not explicitly found in Scripture, the concept is derived from various passages that speak to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as distinct persons within the Godhead. Matthew 28:19, for example, instructs believers to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." . This triune understanding allows for the coexistence of one God and the lordship of Jesus within the same divine essence.

Practical Implications

The belief in one God and one Lord has profound implications for Christian worship, ethics, and community life. It calls for exclusive devotion to God, as seen in the first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before Me." (Exodus 20:3). It also demands allegiance to Jesus as Lord, influencing how Christians live and interact with the world. The acknowledgment of Jesus' lordship is not merely a theological assertion but a call to discipleship and obedience.

Conclusion

The doctrine of "One God and One Lord" remains a cornerstone of Christian faith, shaping the understanding of God's nature and the role of Jesus Christ. It is a testament to the continuity of monotheistic belief from the Old Testament to the New Testament, while also embracing the revelation of Jesus as the divine Lord.