What is God Like? - E-Books

Is God "the Man upstairs," a distant Judge, or merely an idea shaped by individual preferences? These questions often arise when we think about who God is. Thankfully, God has made Himself known to us through two key methods of revelation:

1. General Revelation: This is how God reveals His deity and power through creation (Romans 1:20). The beauty, order, and complexity of the universe testify to His existence.

For example, consider the intricate design of the human body, from the complexity of DNA to the precision of the brain’s functions. Similarly, the vastness of the cosmos, with galaxies perfectly suspended in space, points to a Creator with infinite power and wisdom. These elements of nature not only inspire awe but also serve as undeniable evidence of a divine hand at work, inviting us to seek and know God.

2. Special Revelation: Beyond creation, God has revealed Himself through His written Word—the Bible—and through His Son, Lord Jesus Christ, who shows us tangibly what God is like (John 1:14). The Bible, inspired by the Holy Spirit, serves as a detailed guide to understanding God's nature, character, and will for humanity. Through its pages, we see God's faithfulness in history, His promises for the future, and His love demonstrated through Jesus Christ.

For instance, when Jesus healed the sick, forgave sins, and calmed storms, He showed us the Father’s compassion, authority, and power. This special revelation bridges the gap between God and humanity, offering a clear picture of who He is and how we can relate to Him.

God the Trinity

The Bible teaches that there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4; Isaiah 45:5). However, this one God exists as three distinct Persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This concept is called the Trinity or Triunity. Although the word “Trinity” does not appear in Scripture, the teaching is evident.

Evidence for the Trinity:

• John 6:27: "Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him, God the Father has placed His seal of approval." This verse highlights Jesus’ divine role as the one authorized by God the Father to grant eternal life, affirming His deity.

• John 20:28: "Thomas said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’" Here, Thomas directly addresses Jesus as God after His resurrection, a clear acknowledgement of His divine nature.

• Acts 5:3-4: "Then Peter said, ‘Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit... You have not lied just to human beings but to God.’" This equates lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God, affirming the Spirit’s deity.

• Matthew 3:16-17: "As soon as Jesus was baptised, He went up out of the water. At that moment, heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is My Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.’" This scene shows all three Persons of the Trinity present at the same time, affirming their distinct roles yet unified existence.

• Matthew 28:19: "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." The singular “name” emphasises the unity of the Trinity, while the mention of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit highlights their distinct persons.

• 2 Corinthians 13:14: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." This benediction beautifully captures the unity and harmony of the Godhead, with each Person actively involved in the believer’s life: Jesus’ grace, the Father’s love, and the Spirit’s fellowship.

While each Person of the Trinity is fully God, they have distinct roles:

• The Father is seen as the source of love and election.

• The Son is the Redeemer and Sustainer of the universe.

• The Spirit regenerates, sanctifies, and empowers believers.

Attributes of God

The Bible gives us profound insights into who God is by describing His attributes. Let’s explore these characteristics:

1. God is Spirit

John 4:24: God is not bound by physical form or location. He cannot be represented by images or confined to one place. Jesus, the perfect image of God, reveals the Father’s heart and nature (John 14:9b).

2. God is Light

1 John 1:5: God’s light represents purity, holiness, and truth. It exposes sin, purifies hearts, and guides believers toward spiritual maturity (John 8:12).

3. God is Love

1 John 4:8: God’s love is unconditional (agape). It desires the best for us and gives us security, worth, and significance, regardless of life’s challenges (John 15:9).

4. God is Holy

Isaiah 6:3: Holiness is God’s defining attribute. It signifies complete moral purity and righteousness. Believers are called to reflect this holiness in their lives (1 Peter 1:15).

5. God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)

Psalm 147:4-5: God knows everything—past, present, and future. This knowledge provides believers with assurance that nothing surprises Him, and He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

6. God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)

Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26: God’s power is limitless. He saves, protects, and guarantees our inheritance as His children (John 10:28; 1 Peter 1:5).

7. God is Omnipresent

Psalm 139:7-10: God is present everywhere. He walks with us in every situation, offering comfort, protection, and guidance (Hebrews 13:5-6).

8. God is Infinite and Eternal

Psalm 145:3; Psalm 90:2: God is not limited by time or space. He has no beginning or end, providing us with eternal hope and security (Isaiah 9:6).

9. God is Immutable (Unchanging)

James 1:17: God’s character and promises never change. His immutability assures us that His plans for our salvation and our future are steadfast (Hebrews 13:8).

10. God is Sovereign

Isaiah 46:9-10: God’s sovereignty means He is in total control. Yet, this authority is coupled with His goodness and love, giving us confidence in His plans (Psalm 100:5).

God’s Surprising Attributes

When God revealed Himself to Moses, He highlighted attributes that often surprise us: Exodus 34:6-7: God is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love, and forgiving. Yet, He is also just and will not leave the guilty unpunished. This balance between grace and justice defines His relationship with humanity.

Our Response to God

When we understand who God is, the following will be our response to God.

• Worship: Recognize God’s greatness and offer Him your devotion (Psalm 103). Worship involves acknowledging God’s majesty and His role as Creator and Sustainer. For example, King David worshipped God with songs of praise, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy and faithfulness. When we worship, we align our hearts with God’s greatness and invite His presence into our lives.

• Faith: Trust His promises and sovereignty, even in difficult times. Faith is exemplified in the story of Abraham, who believed in God’s promise of a son despite his old age (Genesis 15:6). Trusting God means leaning on His Word and character, knowing He works all things for our good, even when circumstances seem challenging.

• Holiness: Live a life set apart for God, reflecting His purity and love. Holiness is more than moral behaviour; it’s being dedicated to God’s purposes. Daniel’s refusal to defile himself with the king’s food (Daniel 1:8) demonstrates a life set apart for God. Holiness invites God’s power to work through us as His vessels.

• Witness: Share the good news of God’s love and truth with others. The Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:29) serves as an example of a witness. After encountering Jesus, she told her community about Him, leading many to believe. Witnessing is a natural response to experiencing God’s love and grace.

• Prayer: Approach God with confidence, knowing His power and compassion. Prayer connects us to God’s heart. Elijah’s prayer on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18:36-38) demonstrated trust in God’s power to reveal His glory. Prayer allows us to communicate our needs and thankfulness, growing our relationship with Him.