On the Unity and Government of God

Having treated in the preceding lectures upon faith, the knowledge of God, and His character and perfections, it now becomes necessary to consider the unity of God and the manner in which He governs His creations, that faith may be exercised without confusion.

For unless men understand that God is one, and that His works are carried on in perfect consistency, they cannot exercise faith in Him unto life and salvation.

The first principle to be established is that there is one God, according to that which is written: “Hear, O Israel: Yahovah our God, Yahovah is one.” (Deuteronomy 6:4)

And again: “I am Yahovah, and there is none else, there is no God beside me.” (Isaiah 45:5)

From these testimonies it is evident that God is one, and that there is no division in His being, nor contradiction in His works.

It is also necessary to understand that God reveals His will through His word (davar), which He has spoken from the beginning, and by which all things are established.

For it is written: “He sent His word, and healed them.” (Psalm 107:20)

And again: “By the word of Yahovah were the heavens made.” (Psalm 33:6)

From this it is evident that the word of God is the means by which His will is made known and accomplished.

It is likewise necessary to understand that God acts by His Spirit (ruach), which proceeds from Him and carries out His purposes in heaven and in earth.

For it is written: “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:4)

And again: “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit?” (Psalm 139:7)

From these testimonies it is evident that the Spirit of God is His power and presence, by which He works in all things.

Thus it may be seen that God speaks, His word (davar) declares His will, and His Spirit (ruach) brings it to pass; and in this there is perfect unity, for all proceed from the one God.

This unity is not a division of beings, but a unity of purpose, will, and operation, for God is one, and His works are carried out in harmony.

This same unity is made known in the life and teachings of Yeshua the Messiah, who declared not his own will, but the will of God who sent him.

For he said: “I can of mine own self do nothing.” (John 5:30)

And again: “The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself.” (John 14:10)

From these sayings it is evident that he did not act independently, but as a faithful servant, making known the will of God in all things.

And again: “I and my Father are one.” (John 10:30) showing unity, not of separate authority, but of purpose and obedience.

From this it is evident that the Messiah reveals the will of God perfectly, and that his works are in agreement with the word and commandments of God.

It is also necessary to understand that the Spirit (ruach) works in the same manner, for it does not speak of itself, but makes known that which God has spoken.

For it is written: “He shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak.” (John 16:13)

And again: “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:27)

From these testimonies it is evident that the Spirit does not establish a separate will, but confirms and establishes the will of God in the hearts of men.

Therefore, the unity of God consists in this: that He is one in being, and that His word (davar) and His Spirit (ruach) act in perfect agreement with Him in all things.

From this unity it follows that there is no contradiction in the commandments (mitzvot) of God, nor in the teachings of the Messiah, nor in the operation of the Spirit.

For that which God has commanded from the beginning remains true, and is confirmed by all that He has revealed.

It is therefore evident that any teaching which contradicts the commandments of God, or sets aside His instruction (Torah), cannot be from Him, for He is not divided against Himself.

Where men understand this unity, their faith becomes established, for they know that God is consistent in all His works and faithful in all His promises.

But where this unity is not understood, confusion arises, and men are led to suppose that God has spoken differently in different times, which weakens faith.

It is therefore necessary that all who seek after life and salvation should understand that God is one, that His will is unchanging, and that His word and Spirit operate in perfect agreement.

For by this understanding, faith is established, obedience is strengthened, and the promises of God are obtained.