Theos

The word “Theos” (θεός in Greek) is of paramount importance, carrying profound theological significance.

The Supreme Being

• Reference to God: Theos primarily refers to the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. It is the most common word used for God in the New Testament, appearing over 1,300 times.
• Monotheistic Faith: The use of Theos emphasises the monotheistic nature of Christianity, affirming the belief in one God as opposed to the polytheistic beliefs of the surrounding cultures.
• Attributes of God: Theos is associated with various attributes of God, including omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), omnipresence (present everywhere), and eternal nature.
• Divine Nature: Theos signifies the unique and transcendent nature of God, distinct from the created world and human beings.

Triune God

• Trinity: While primarily referring to God as a single entity, Theos is also used in the context of the Trinity, the Christian doctrine of God as three persons in one: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit.
• Jesus as Theos: The New Testament applies Theos to Jesus Christ, affirming His divinity and equality with God the Father. This is evident in passages like John 1:1, where Jesus is called “the Word” and described as being “with God” and also being “God.”

Usage in Worship and Prayer

• Addressing God: Christians use Theos when addressing God in prayer, worship, and theological discourse. It is a term of reverence and adoration, acknowledging God’s supreme authority and holiness.
• Doxology: Theos is often used in doxologies, which are expressions of praise and glory to God, such as “To God be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Distinguishing True God from False Gods

• Idolatry: While Theos refers to the one true God, it is also used in the New Testament to denote false gods or idols worshipped by other religions. This highlights the exclusivity of the Christian faith and its condemnation of idolatry.

In summary, Theos is a foundational word in Christian theology, representing the one true God, His divine nature, and His triune existence. It is used in worship, prayer, and theological discourse to express reverence, adoration, and submission to the Almighty Creator.