Don Stewart :: If the God of the Bible Is the Only One Who Exists, Then Why Does Scripture Speak of Other Gods?

Apart from the God of the Bible, could other gods possibly exist? Does the Bible have anything to say about the existence of other gods?

No Other gods Exist

The Bible is clear that although there be other so-called gods, there is only one eternal God who exists. Isaiah wrote.

You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servants whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he, before me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after me (Isaiah 43:10).

Isaiah also wrote.

This is what the LORD says - Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no God. (Isaiah 44:6).

These gods Have No Substance

Though the Bible makes reference to false gods it does not state that these are actual gods who exist. The Apostle Paul wrote:

But, then indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods (Galatians 4:8).

They Cannot Compare To The Biblical God

Scripture shows that these false gods are not to be compared with the one, true God.

To whom will you liken me, and make me equal and compare me, that we should be alike? They lavish gold out of the bag, and weigh silver in the balance; they hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god; they prostrate themselves, yes, they worship. They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it and set it in its place, and it stands; from its place it shall not move. Though one cries out to it, yet it cannot answer nor save him out of trouble (Isaiah 46:5-7).

They Are Inventions In The Minds Of Humans

These so-called gods were inventions in the mind of people who rejected the truth of the one true God. Only the God of the Bible has real substance. The psalmist wrote.

Our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands. They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see. They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell. They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; they make no sound in their throats. Those who make them are like them; so are all who trust in them (Psalm 115:3-8)

There Is No Room For Another God To Exist

Also there is no room in the universe for another God to exist. Scripture says that God is all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present. He is without limits. It would be absurd to believe that two unlimited beings could occupy the same space. If another God did exist, then God would be limited. However the Bible says God has no limitations.

Summary

The Bible speaks of false gods that exist but they have no real substance. They never assume that these gods have any reality. They are the imagination of those people who worship them. Only one God actually exists.

Since the God of the Bible has given us reason to believe in His existence whatever He might say on the matter of other gods is final. Because God says He is the only God who exists that solves the question. There are no other true gods. In addition, if another God did exist, then God would not be the self-existent, all-powerful God. Two all-powerful, all-knowing, everywhere present beings could not occupy the same space.