What is a theist?

TL;DR:

Theism is the belief in the existence of one or more gods. The Bible affirms monotheism, specifically the belief in a single triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Bible consistently affirms monotheism (the belief in a single God). From the creation account in Genesis to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, Scripture paints a clear picture of one sovereign God. This God is revealed as the Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1), the only true God (Deuteronomy 6:4), and a Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). The Bible condemns polytheism (the belief in multiple gods) and atheism (the belief that there is no god) (Psalm 14:1). It also depicts God as personal and involved in His creation, which contrasts with deistic beliefs. The Christian understanding of God as triune distinguishes it from other monotheistic religions by emphasizing God's unity while acknowledging the distinct persons of the Trinity.

from the old testament

Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse establishes monotheism by presenting one God as the creator of all things.
Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is one." This verse, known as the Shema, declares monotheism, which is central to Jewish and Christian faith.
Psalm 14:1: "The fool says in his heart, 'There is no God.'" This verse addresses atheism by affirming the existence of God and describing the denial of God as foolishness.
Isaiah 45:5: "I am the LORD, and there is no other, besides me there is no God; I equip you, though you do not know me." This verse emphasizes exclusive monotheism and rejects polytheistic beliefs.

from the new testament

Matthew 3:16–17: "And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, 'This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.'" This passage depicts all three members of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—acting separately yet together.
Matthew 28:19: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Jesus's words here affirm God's triune nature by using a single "name" for all three persons.
Romans 10:9: "Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." This verse denotes the Christian belief in Jesus as divine Lord, which is a fundamental aspect of Trinitarian monotheism.
Colossians 1:15–17: "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This passage affirms Christ's deity and role in creation, thereby supporting the Trinitarian view of God.

implications for today

Christian monotheism shapes our perspective on ourselves, others, and the world around us. It gives us purpose, a standard of morality, and an understanding of the world from the One who created and sustains it all. The personal nature of God revealed in Scripture contradicts the impersonal or distant conceptions of deity found in some other belief systems. It invites us to develop a personal relationship with God, which influences how we approach prayer, worship, and daily life.

Being aware of different types of theism in a pluralistic world can help Christians interact respectfully with people of other faiths while remaining committed to their own beliefs. It teaches believers how to articulate their faith clearly and recognize the distinctive features of Christian theology in discussions about spirituality and religion. And the biblical view of God exhorts us to a life of worship, obedience, and mission. It reminds us that our primary allegiance is to the one true God, which influences our priorities, decisions, and how we interact with the world around us.

understand

Theism is the belief in one or more gods.
The Bible affirms the belief in one sovereign God.
Christianity uniquely understands God as a triune being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

reflect

How is believing in God and fearing Him the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10)?
How does believing in God—as opposed to believing in no God or believing in multiple gods—impact the way you live?
How does understanding God, not just as Creator and Sustainer but as personal and relational, impact your relationship with Him?

engage

Many people wonder about the origins of the universe and life itself. Theism, particularly the biblical view of God, offers a perspective that the complexity and order point to a purposeful Creator who desires a personal relationship with us and who solves and resolves the problem of sin, something we all see in the world. We can connect with others on this truth and ask questions to spark conversation with them regarding seeing God in their lives and in the design of the universe.
How do different theistic views (e.g., monotheism, polytheism, deism) compare with the biblical understanding of God as revealed in Scripture?
How does believing in God as a Trinity differ from polytheism?
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