Plurality of Oneness

I am now posting blogs at www.bstoneblog.com

Elohim

Introduction

I have been praying about the lost connection between what we believe and how we live. Sometimes I feel the gap is based more on our lack of understanding on how we are to apply our theology than an unwillingness to obey. Having this conviction in my own life I decided to focus my devotion time on biblical theology with a focus on application. I am asking questions like, “How does this truth impact my heart and mind?” “How does this truth impact the actions of my life?” “How is this relevant to my day-to-day living?” What I have found is a deeper purpose for theology and a greater passion for application. This is my attempt at applied biblical theology. I plan to keep it short and to the point, often building on concepts over several days for the sake of a singular thought each day (actually each week...or so).

We begin with God. What you believe about God is of utmost importance because what you think about God will determine how you think about everything else in life.  As Patrick Morley states, "There is a God we want, and there is a God who is—and they are not the same God. The turning point in our lives is when we stop seeking the God we want and start seeking the God who is." 

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1

Moses uses the Hebrew name Elohim to introduce us to the Creator. Elohim literally means “the powerful ones” or possibly “most high ones”.  This is the primary name used for God in the Old Testament and points to God as Creator, Sustainer, and Savior (Gen. 17:8, 24:7; Isa. 45:18; Ex. 3:6; Jer. 32:37). One of the overwhelming aspects of this name is that it refers to the one God in the plural, a “plural of majesty.” The first way scripture refers to God is in plural form and this name occurs approximately 2,570 times in the Old Testament. From the beginning God was revealing His divine nature as a community of more than one. God eternally exists in the power of Creator and in the community of the divine.

Wow! God is so overwhelming even a quick look at the first time He is mentioned in the Bible sends you into a deep awe and appreciation for who He is.  I want to walk in the confidence of God who is Creator. I want to live in community with Him, participating in the Divine nature (2 Pt. 1:4). Reflecting on the plurality of God’s oneness brings me to a renewed sense of reverence and humility before Him.  Our God is a big God!