⏱️ Estimated Reading Time: 3 min read
The Importance of Monotheism in the Christian Faith
By Dave Jenkins
Q: What is monotheism, and why is it important to the Christian faith?
Monotheism—the belief in the existence of one, true, and living God—is not just a theological idea. It’s the very foundation of the Christian faith and worldview. In a world filled with competing spiritual claims and increasing religious pluralism, understanding what monotheism is and why it matters is essential for every believer.
What Is Monotheism?
At its core, monotheism teaches that there is only one God who exists eternally, is self-existent, and is distinct from all of creation. He alone is sovereign, holy, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent. This stands in direct contrast to:
- Polytheism – belief in many gods
- Pantheism – belief that everything is divine or god
- Panentheism – belief that the divine exists in and beyond all things
Biblical monotheism proclaims that God alone is the Creator and Sustainer of all that exists. The Scriptures are unequivocal:
“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4
“I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God.” — Isaiah 45:5
Christian Monotheism Is Trinitarian
Christian monotheism is unique because it is Trinitarian: we believe in one God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This truth sets Christianity apart from other monotheistic religions:
- Judaism denies the deity of Christ
- Islam rejects the Trinity and the crucifixion
- Jehovah’s Witnesses and Mormons distort the biblical nature of God
To deny the Trinity is to reject the God who has revealed Himself in Scripture. The gospel depends on this: without the Trinity, there is no incarnation, no atonement, and no indwelling Spirit.
Why Monotheism Matters Today
In today’s world, monotheism offers a clear and firm anchor in the midst of confusion. It shapes every area of the Christian life:
- Worship: Only the one true God is worthy of praise (Exodus 20:3)
- Salvation: Only He can save—and He has done so through Jesus Christ (John 14:6)
- Worldview: God is Creator, Sustainer, and Judge over all (Genesis 1:1; Romans 2:5–6)
Monotheism also challenges modern errors:
- Religious pluralism – claiming all religions lead to the same God
- Universalism – teaching that everyone is saved regardless of faith
- New Age spirituality – saying divinity exists in everyone and everything
A Call to Clarity and Conviction
To be a Christian is to confess that there is one God, and that He has made Himself known through His Word and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. We don’t follow a god of our own making—we follow the sovereign, triune Lord of heaven and earth.
Monotheism is not optional for Christians. It’s essential. It shapes our theology, our worship, our mission, and our hope.
For more great content visit Contending for the Word here at Servants of Grace or at our YouTube.
Dave Jenkins is happily married to his wife, Sarah. He is a writer, editor, and speaker living in beautiful Southern Oregon. Dave is a lover of Christ, His people, the Church, and sound theology. He serves as the Executive Director of Servants of Grace Ministries, the Executive Editor of Theology for Life Magazine, the Host and Producer of Equipping You in Grace Podcast, and is a contributor to and producer of Contending for the Word. He is the author of The Word Explored: The Problem of Biblical Illiteracy and What To Do About It (House to House, 2021), The Word Matters: Defending Biblical Authority Against the Spirit of the Age (G3 Press, 2022), and Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime (Theology for Life, 2024). You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, or read his newsletter. Dave loves to spend time with his wife, going to movies, eating at a nice restaurant, or going out for a round of golf with a good friend. He is also a voracious reader, in particular of Reformed theology, and the Puritans. You will often find him when he’s not busy with ministry reading a pile of the latest books from a wide variety of Christian publishers. Dave received his M.A.R. and M.Div through Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary.
