This module lays the groundwork for the entire course by establishing the primary biblical teaching that God is one.

It will explore foundational scriptures from the Old and New Testaments that unequivocally declare God’s singular nature.

Your understanding of who God is forms the very foundation of your faith and has a direct impact on how you live your life. When you have a clear, unwavering belief in ONE God, your faith is anchored.

The Shema – The Absolute Oneness of God

The central declaration of God’s oneness is found in Deuteronomy 6:4, a verse so significant that it is considered the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. The verse states:

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.”

This declaration is known as the “Shema,” a Hebrew word that means “hear” or “listen.” It is a call to pay close attention to the most fundamental truth about God’s nature. The Hebrew word used for “one” is echad. In the context of this verse, echad denotes a singular, absolute, and indivisible oneness.

This is not a “compound unity” as some will argue, but a pure singularity. To illustrate, think of the word being used in other contexts, such as when the Bible refers to “one day” or “one man.”

In these instances, there is no sense of a divided or multi-person entity. The use of echad in Deuteronomy 6:4 is meant to establish God’s identity as a single, unified being, leaving no room for division into multiple persons or entities. The Shema is the bedrock of monotheism and a direct refutation of polytheistic ideas.