Unity: Numerical Oneness and Simplicity

God’s Unity – One Lord

The Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4 declares God’s numerical oneness: “The LORD is one.” He is the only true God, unrivaled and incomparable (Isa. 45:5). This truth anchors biblical faith in monotheism and protects against the worship of false gods. The New Testament affirms this same unity, with Paul writing, “There is one God” (1 Tim. 2:5).

God’s Simplicity – Not Made of Parts

God’s simplicity means He is not composed of separate parts. His attributes are not additions to His essence; they are His very being. For example, God does not merely have love—He is love (1 John 4:8). He does not simply act truthfully—He is truth (John 14:6). Simplicity assures us that God is perfectly consistent in all His attributes and cannot be divided.

Unity and the Trinity

God’s unity does not contradict the Trinity. The one divine essence is fully possessed by Father, Son, and Spirit. Each person is distinct, yet all share the same undivided essence. God’s simplicity supports this truth: the divine essence is indivisible, yet eternally subsists in three persons. Thus, believers worship one God in three persons without compromise to His unity.

Supporting Scripture

• Deuteronomy 6:4 – “The LORD is our God, the LORD is one.”

• Isaiah 45:5 – “I am the LORD, and there is no other.”

• 1 Timothy 2:5 – “There is one God.”

• 1 John 4:8 – “God is love.”

• John 14:6 – “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”