"The only true God" John 17:3

In this phrase “the only true God,” the first point is the obvious contrast between the Creator, the source of all life, with all other gods men make for themselves. Men make gods of gold, silver, and stone and even their stomachs.

But there is another point. The Father, Himself, calls His Son “God” and elsewhere, the Scripture clearly calls Jesus “God.”

But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Hebrews 1:8.

How then do we harmonize these Scriptures with those which speak of the Father as the only true God?

But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. 1 Corinthians 8:6.

Who is Christ if His Father is the only true God? Does that make Christ a false god?

I can't believe that Christ was in these words, denying His own divinity or that He is a false god. There must be a harmony in these passages. After many months of prayer and study the effort was richly repaid with precious light on the character of God that I would have missed otherwise. Nothing in God's word is unimportant, even if we don't readily discern them. Whenever we come across texts that seem to contradict, it is because we are missing some vital points. Here is what I found.

Though Christ:

• has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than the angels -the name of His God, His Father (Hebrews 1:4)
• has all the attributes of His Father, “For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily” (Colossians 2:9)
• has life in Himself (John 5:26) is before all things, and by Him all things consist (Colossians 1:17).

Though all of these things are true of Him, notice what is said of Him.

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Philippians 2:6, 7.

This describes what Christ did in His incarnation, but much more than that as we shall see. There is no contradiction in the Bible’s reference to the Father as the “only true God” (John 17:3) or the “one God” (1Corinthians 8:6) and those verses that speak of Christ’s divinity, such as Isaiah 9:6, which calls Him the “mighty God.” Because even still, Christ, as a son, voluntarily submits to His Father’s greater authority.

Though Jesus is rightfully called God by His subjects, He recognizes/honors His Father as the higher authority. (“...to my God and your God” John 20:17) This is only reasonable, for though my son may grow to adulthood and become equal to me in every way, or even exceed me in strength, talents and abilities, yet, if he is a loving, dutiful son he will always respect my greater authority, because I am the father and he the son. So with Christ. As a Son, He will ever maintain submission to His Father.

Christ is in Voluntary Submission to His Father

1. On earth
He was in submission to His Father while on earth. In this He has set the perfect example for us in how we ought to treat our parents.

I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things... I do always those things that please him. John 8:28-29.

2. Not only on earth did He set an example of submission, but even in heaven prior to His coming to earth as a babe in Bethlehem. The Son wrought the Father's will in the creation of the world, for we read;

...[God] created all things by Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3:9.

3. He is in submission now, after His ascension
Upon His ascension, Christ stated, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18. Yet He is still in submission to His father. Jesus calls His Father, “my God.”

Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. John 20:17.

4. And His example of submission will continue even into eternity.

Although

...it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us. Isaiah 25:9.

Yet,

...when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:28.

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