Obj. But the Scriptures declare
that there are many gods: “I have said, ye are gods.” “There are gods many, and
lords many.” (Ps. 82:6. 1 Cor. 8:5). Moses is also said to have been made a god
to Pharaoh. (Ex. 7:1.) yea, the devil is called the god of this world. (2 Cor.
4:4.) Ans. The word God is used in a double sense. Some times it signifies him who
is God by nature, and has his being from none, but of and from himself. Such a
being is the living and true God. Then again, it designates one who bears some
resemblance to the true God in dignity, office, &c. Such persons are, 1.
Magistrates and judges, who are called gods on account of their dignity, and
the office which they bear in the name of God, as it is said, “By me kings reign.”
(Prov. 8:5.) As God, therefore, administers his government through magistrates
and judges, as his vicegerents and servants upon the earth, he in like manner
bestows upon them the honor of his own name by calling them gods, that those
under them may know that they have to deal with God himself, whether they obey
or resist the magistrate, according as it is said, “Whosoever resisteth the
power, resisteth the ordinance of God.” (Rom. 13:2.) 2. Angels are also called
gods, in view of the dignity and excellency of their nature, power and wisdom,
in which they greatly excel other creatures; and on account of the office which
they exercise by divine appointment in defending the godly and punishing the
wicked. “Thou hast made him a little lower than the gods,” that is, the angels.
“Are they not all ministering spirits.” (Ps. 8:5; Heb. 1:14.) 3. The
devil is called god of this world, on account of the great power which he has
over men, and other creatures according to the just judgment of God. 4.
There are many things which are called gods, in the opinion of men, who regard
and worship certain things and creatures for gods. So idols are called gods, by
imitation. “The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, even they
shall perish from the earth, and from under these heavens.” “Whose god is their
belly.” (Jer. 10:11. Phil. 3:19.) But here the question is in reference to the
true God to him who is God by nature, having his power from no one else, but
from and by himself Such a being is one only. (The Commentary of Zacharias
Ursinus: On the Heidelberg Catechism—The Protestant Christian Doctrines, Dating
to 1563 [trans. G. W. Williard; Pantianos Classics, 1888], 145)
