#BoldBeliefDevotional by Paul Natekin
Key Bible Verse:
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4 (NIV)
Have you ever felt puzzled by how God reveals Himself in the Bible? At first glance, the Old Testament seems to focus solely on God’s oneness, while the New Testament introduces the concept of the Trinity. How do these fit together? Let’s dive into this mystery and see how God unfolds His truth over time.
Apologetic Insight:
(from Greek ἀπολογία, ‘speaking in defense’) Defending and explaining faith with reason and evidence.
The idea of progressive revelation helps us understand how God has chosen to reveal Himself in stages. As Norman Geisler explains, God’s revelation in Scripture builds upon itself—starting with foundational truths in the Old Testament and reaching fullness in the New Testament. In Deuteronomy 6:4, God declares His oneness to Israel, a vital truth in a world surrounded by polytheism, the belief in many gods. This was the starting point, ensuring Israel knew there is only one true God. Yet, even in the Old Testament, there are hints of something more—like in Isaiah 48:16, where we see glimpses of plurality within God’s unity. It’s not until the New Testament, in passages like Matthew 3:16-17, that we see the fuller picture of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This isn’t a correction of the Old Testament but an expansion, showing us the depth of who God is. As Geisler notes, “God’s truth is progressively unveiled, not contradicted, across Scripture.”
Deuteronomy 6:4 anchors us in the truth of God’s oneness, a declaration that sets the stage for everything else. As we read this verse in light of the New Testament, we see it’s not the whole story but the beginning of a beautiful revelation. God’s unity remains true, but His nature as three-in-one enriches our understanding of His love and relationship with us.
Encouragement & Application:
It’s okay to wrestle with big concepts like the Trinity. God doesn’t expect us to grasp everything at once—He reveals Himself step by step, just as He did through Scripture. Take time to read both the Old and New Testaments, noticing how they connect and build on each other. Talk to a trusted mentor or pastor about your questions, and trust that God will guide you into deeper understanding as you seek Him.
Reflection Questions:
- How does Deuteronomy 6:4 shape your view of God’s nature?
- What can you learn from the idea that God reveals Himself progressively?
- How can you seek a fuller understanding of God through Scripture this week?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word. Help me to trust the journey of understanding You, even when it feels complex. Open my heart to see the beauty of Your oneness and the mystery of the Trinity. Guide me as I study Scripture, and draw me closer to You each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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