Difference between revisions of "God"
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God exercises eternal and righteous judgment of the wicked in [[hell]], because of an inherent problem in the human heart, namely [[Sin]]. According to the Bible, the sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ]] on the cross of calvary and then resurrection, is God's merciful and gracious response to the problem of the human heart. | God exercises eternal and righteous judgment of the wicked in [[hell]], because of an inherent problem in the human heart, namely [[Sin]]. According to the Bible, the sacrifice of [[Jesus Christ]] on the cross of calvary and then resurrection, is God's merciful and gracious response to the problem of the human heart. | ||
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| + | === God is Triune === | ||
| + | {{main|Trinity}}. | ||
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| + | Although the Bible does not use the term, it is clear that God is a triune God, or three in one. | ||
| + | These are sometimes referred to as ''God the Father'', ''God the Son'' (Jesus), and the ''Holy Spirit''. | ||
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| + | This idea of a trinity is illustrated, for example, in the first verse of the [[Gospel of John]], in which Jesus is referred to as the "Word": | ||
| + | {{Bible quote|In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.|book=John|chap=1|verses=1|version=NIV}} | ||
| + | This verse not only says that "the Word" (Jesus) is synonymous with God, but also says that the Word was "in the beginning", which means that He existed before all else existed, something that is only true of God. | ||
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| + | This is reinforced two verses later, in which Jesus is described as the creator. | ||
| + | Genesis refers to God as being the Creator. | ||
| + | {{Bible quote|Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.|book=John|chap=1|verses=3|version=NIV}} | ||
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| + | The idea, although made clearer in the [[New Testament]] where we are introduced to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is alluded to in the [[Old Testament]], such as in {{Bible ref|Genesis|1|26}} which relates God saying, "Let us make man in our image", indicating a plurality. | ||
== "God" sometimes used to refer to God the Father == | == "God" sometimes used to refer to God the Father == | ||
Revision as of 14:22, September 21, 2008
| “ | Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. |
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| The Godhead |
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| God the Father God the Son God the Holy Spirit |
God is the sovereign creator and eternal ruler of all things and beings that exist, whether in the physical universe or in the spiritual realm (Heaven). Not only is God the creator and ruler of the things and beings within those two realms, but he is also the creator of the realms themselves. God created the physical universe, and before he acted in this creation, the universe did not exist. Likewise God did with the spiritual realm.
God is Revealed: How we know about God
Other than creation itself, God is revealed in several ways, including conscience and special revelation (the bible, and prophets). Most importantly though, God is revealed in Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.
Attributes or Character of God
The attributes of God are things that describe who he is. Similar to the way one might describe a close friend to another individual, so too do these attributes describe God's character and nature. Attributes of God include but are not limited to Wisdom, Infinitude, Sovereignty, Holiness, Trinity, Omniscience, Faithfulness, Love, Omnipotence, Self-existence, Self-sufficiency, Justice, Immutability, Mercy, Eternal, Goodness, Gracious, and Omnipresence. These attributes all work in complete and perfect harmony with one another.
God exercises eternal and righteous judgment of the wicked in hell, because of an inherent problem in the human heart, namely Sin. According to the Bible, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross of calvary and then resurrection, is God's merciful and gracious response to the problem of the human heart.
God is Triune
For a more detailed treatment, see Trinity.
.
Although the Bible does not use the term, it is clear that God is a triune God, or three in one. These are sometimes referred to as God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.
This idea of a trinity is illustrated, for example, in the first verse of the Gospel of John, in which Jesus is referred to as the "Word":
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)
This verse not only says that "the Word" (Jesus) is synonymous with God, but also says that the Word was "in the beginning", which means that He existed before all else existed, something that is only true of God.
This is reinforced two verses later, in which Jesus is described as the creator. Genesis refers to God as being the Creator.
Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:3 (NIV)
The idea, although made clearer in the New Testament where we are introduced to Jesus and the Holy Spirit, is alluded to in the Old Testament, such as in Genesis 1:26 which relates God saying, "Let us make man in our image", indicating a plurality.
"God" sometimes used to refer to God the Father
In the bible, the word "God" (θεός) does not always refer to God's being as a whole, but more specifically refers to the Person of the Father (God the Father). Here are some verses which demonstrate this:
| “ | John 3:16 (NASB) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. |
” |
| “ | 1 John 4:10 (NASB) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. |
” |
Notice how in each case, "Father" can be substituted for "God." For example, "For the Father so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son," and "not that we loved the Father, but that He loved us and sent His Son."
See also