ONE IOTA OF DIFFERENCE

ONE iota of difference

The early church had long used the Greek word homoousion, meaning “same being,” to describe the deity of Christ, meaning that Jesus is God. Around 325 AD, a young man in the church named Arius gathered a following and began to use the word heteroousion, meaning “different being,” to advocate that Jesus is not really God. The organized church denounced this truth, so Arius and his followers then attempted to be more acceptable by subtly using the word homoiousion, which means “similar (but not same) being,” but which still denied the deity of Christ. The only difference between homoousion (“same being”) and homoiousion (“similar being”) is the addition of the single little Greek letter i (iota). Thus, here is the root of the saying, “It doesn’t make one iota of a difference.” But it really does make a difference!

The meaning of the word heresy is “to cause division.” The first heresy was initiated by Satan in the Garden of Eden. Satan challenged the character of God in his encounter with Eve (see Genesis 3:1-5). Adam and Eve fell for the temptation to believe Satan’s one iota of a difference regarding the truth about God, and as a result, a division resulted between man and his relationship with God. All of us inherited this division, this separation. Jesus the Truth came (John 14:6) to eliminate that division by exposing all iotas in order to make us one in relationship with God (John 17:21).

Believing little iota changes in God’s truths can subtly and significantly impact my relationship with God. The following table presents some examples from my life. Most often the difference is only one word. God’s revealed truth nurtures my genuine communion relationship with Him. However, just a little iota of difference in the truth tempts me to view myself as separate (divided) from God…tempting me to relate to Him as a separate Helper rather than my intimate Life. When I fall for this temptation, stolen from me is the joy of experiencing the intimacy (oneness) that my relationship with God really is. The undivided truth sets me free to genuinely, not religiously, relate to God and others (John 8:32, 36).

The ONE iota of difference
A temptation that steals the joy of my fellowship with God	The truth that reveals the joy of my fellowship with God	Foundational Biblical Truths
God wants me to do good.	God wants me!	Jesus said, “If I am lifted up from earth, I will draw all men to Myself” (John 12:32).
I’m on fire for the Lord.	I’m on fire with the Lord!	You are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (Ephesians 5:8).
I just hope for the best.	I already have the best hope!	The Lord Jesus Christ is our hope (1 Timothy 1:1).
I witness for Christ.	I witness of Christ!	Thanks be to God…who through us diffuses the fragrance of His knowledge in every place (2 Corinthians 2:14b).
I am a product of my past.	I am a product of Jesus’ cross!	I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:20a).
I’m not as valuable as Billy Graham.	I’m as valuable as Jesus Christ!	Jesus loved me and gave His life for me (Galatians 2:20b).
I know about Christ.	I know Christ!	Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
I strive for victory.	I strive from victory!	Thanks be to God who always leads us in triumph in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14a).
I work for God.	God works through me!	I preach Christ…striving according to his working which works in me mightily (Colossians 1:29).
My love for Christ compels me.	Christ’s love in me compels me!	The love of Christ compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).
I am a sinner based on what I do.	I am a saint based on what Jesus has done!	To those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called saintS (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Jesus gave His life for me so I could go to heaven later.	Jesus gave His life for me to give His life to me on earth now!	We were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, we shall be saved by his life (Romans 5:10).
God points out my sins for me to deal with.	God points out my sins already dealt with on the cross!	God has made you alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses (Colossians 2:13).
I feel so guilty…so I know that I must do better.	I feel so guilty…but I know that’s not the truth!	There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
I live a good, moral life.	I live an abundant, Christ life!	For to me, to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21).
I want others to follow my example.	I want others to follow my Christ!	I labor…until Christ is formed in you (Galatians 4:19).
My passion is to serve Christ.	My passion is Christ!	I count all things loss…that I may know Him (Philippians 3:8, 10).