For us there is but one God, the Father, from whom all things came and for whom we live; and there is but one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things came and through whom we live. 1 Cor. 8:6
Most gracious and holy God, I’ve always appreciated people who are able to “cut to the chase,” no matter what the topic is. Just give me an accurate overview, a succinct summation, a comprehensive distillation of the issue, and I’m good to go. The apostle Paul has done precisely that for me in this one remarkable verse of Scripture. What’s the bottom line of all heavenly wonder?
Truly, there is no other God but you; and with immeasurable kindness, you’ve chosen to relate to us as the Father from whom all fatherhood derives its meaning (Eph. 3:14-15). You’re not simply the best father there ever was, you are the quintessential Father. To call you “Abba, Father,” began as a desperate cry, now it’s my daily delight.
Everything comes from you—everything: my first breath, my next breath; my first heartbeat, my last heartbeat. You were a great Creator before you became a generous Redeemer. There’s nothing that I have that I didn’t receive from you (1 Cor. 4:7). It is by you and unto you that I live; for of you, through you and to you are all things (Rom. 11:26).
Truly, there is no other Lord but you, Jesus. You are the Christ—the promised and present Savior. Through you the Father created the world; through you he granted salvation; through you he’s sustaining all things; and through you he’ll complete his great story of pan-national redemption and cosmic restoration.
Jesus, it’s through you that I live and move and have my being, Jesus (Acts 17:28). Autonomy is a pernicious myth, self-salvation a demonic lie. Because of you, this is my bodacious and liberating boast. I have been justified. I am being sanctified. and I will be glorified… by faith alone (the faith you give me) and by grace alone (the grace you pour out on me abundantly).
And God the Holy Spirit, I see these things, understand these things, and believe these things only because of your powerful and persistent work. Though you are the most silent member of the Godhead, you are so very, very present. You are the surety of my eternal salvation and the firstfruits of my everlasting delight. You persistently gossip the gospel to my heart and you are tenaciously making me like Jesus. Hallelujah, several times over! So very Amen I pray today, in Jesus’ peerless name, to the glory of the Triune God!
