Christian evangelists to Mormons have a long tradition of proclaiming Isaiah 43:10, 44:6, and 44:8:

• “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me.”
• “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god.”
• “Is there a God besides me? There is no Rock; I know not any.”

This is a glorious proclamation. May it continue.

Two pieces of advice for my evangelistic friends.

1. Stack this up with yet more of Isaiah 40-48

• He never learned (40:13-14).
• He can’t be likened to another (40:18)
• He alone stretched out the heavens and the earth (44:24).
• His understanding is unsearchable (40:28).
• He won’t share his glory with another (42:8).
• He has no equal (46:5).
• He declares the end from the beginning (46:10).

The spirit of monotheism isn’t merely to worship one God. It is also to acknowledge that he is uniquely worthy of worship. It is to worship him alone because he is exclusively worthy of worship. He alone can be described with the above attributes.

One way of saying this is: he alone is properly called God. “I am God, and there is no other” (Isaiah 46:9).

Another way of saying this: any other “gods” are inferior to him, subordinate to him, created by him, and should worship him. “Bow down to him, all gods” (Deuteronomy 32:43). “You are exalted far above all gods” (Psalm 97:9).

These are two semantic sides of the same conceptual coin. Including other beings in the linguistic domain of “gods” doesn’t put them in the exclusive and unique category that God himself describes.

And to smuggle in radical diminutives, e.g. “for us”, or “as far as we’re concerned”, or “as far as we know”, is sadly to miss the point.

2. Note how God presents his supremacy alongside his gentle shepherding.

His transcendence is the basis for his love and friendship and encouragement:

• “He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” (40:11)
• “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.” (41:10)
• “For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand.” (41:13)
• “I am the one who helps you.” (41:14)
• “Even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you.” (46:4)

The big takeaway

It’s good news that God isn’t like us.

It is this God that can save us.

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If you’re thinking, “too long, didn’t read”, then start here:

Combine Isaiah 43:10 (“Before me no god was formed”) with:

• 40:14 (“Who… taught him knowledge?”)
• 40:11 (“He will tend his flock like a shepherd.”)