GALATIANS 3:20

“Now a mediator is not for one party only; but God is only one.”

I was party to a mediation years ago in which a husband and a wife were going through a divorce. I sat there as a witness for one of the parties, in case I was needed (I wasn’t). It was clear from the very beginning of the proceedings that the mediator was on neither the husband’s nor the wife’s side. They were an impartial party to the conflict. Their job was to settle the dispute amicably. The success of their mission depended on their neutrality.

Today’s verse is the subject of much controversy. There are as many interpretations of this verse as there are interpreters. I cannot begin to settle the dispute in this short devotion. You have to look at the context of the passage. Paul has been discussing the contrast between the Law and grace. Two sides of righteousness are depicted here. I truly believe Paul is saying simply that God is in charge! The word “only” is not in the original Greek. Paul writes “God is one.” He is the one who makes things right. He is the one who declares us righteous! But He is not an impartial mediator. He is on our side!

APPLICATION

Let me say again that this passage is a much debated one. I would encourage you to spend some time reading some of the commentaries on this passage (use Bible Hub or Blue Letter). Bible). But let’s nail down what this means for us today. After all, isn’t that the purpose for reading Scripture?

Deuteronomy 6:4 says, ““Hear, Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!” This is known as the “Shema” or the call to worship for the Jews. Listen up Israel, Jehovah is our God and Jehovah is one! I believe Paul, being a former Pharisee, had this verse on his mind when the Holy Spirit inspired him to write today’s verse. There is no other God. He is the only One.

But lest you believe to believe that is enough, read James 2:19. “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” Believing in God is not enough. You have to have faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. That was the problem with the Law. It taught all about God being One, but it did not bring salvation. That is only made available through Jesus.

So, what will you do with this verse today? Remember that God is One, but that One is comprised of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. The three make One. Do I understand that? No! But I believe it and have faith in it. Do you?

For I know Whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able…