And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.1
Notably, Paul boldly says, “my God.” Is he implying that there are other gods? Or merely recognizing that others may think or believe that there are other gods? The Bible teaches that there is one God; although Elohim2 (God) is the plural form in Hebrew, it still refers to one God (yes, three persons; yet one, with many attributes and characteristics).
And wasn’t he the same Saul who was ravaging the church3 and whom Jesus questioned as to why he was persecuting him?4 Indeed, in view of God’s holiness we are separated from him. For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.5 This separation is a moral separation. And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.”6
Can you picture the great extent of love, mercy, faithfulness, patience, pain that God had to go through simply to satisfy the necessity of his holiness, purity, and justice that we may be reconciled to him? For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.7
It is peculiar that Paul says, “my God.” As though it were Paul that chose God. Jesus did say, You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide.8
The Doctrine of Election begins with God choosing believers in Christ before creation.9 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”10 It is God’s unconditional love for man that he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ according to the purpose of his will.11
All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.12
So “my God” made sense to Paul who comprehended the revelations and knew how undeserving he was. Even more, in Christ Jesus Paul progressed from a personal relationship with God to an even more endearing, intimate relationship—Abba Father!13
Behold, Jesus stands at your door and knocks. He says, If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.14
Notes:
1. Philippians 4:19
2. Genesis 1:1
3. Acts 8:1-3
4. Acts 9:1-4
5. Romans 3:23
6. John 6:65
7. John 3:16
8. John 15:16
9. Ephesians 1:4
10. Romans 9:10-12
11. Ephesians 1:5
12. John 6:37-38
13. Romans 8:14-16
14. Revelations 3:20
