Who is God?
Who Is God? A Theological Exploration
The question of who God is lies at the heart of theology and human understanding of existence. The Bible provides the definitive revelation of God, detailing His nature, character, and works. This study seeks to delve into the biblical answer to this profound question, presenting a comprehensive understanding of God from a Christian, Baptist theological perspective.
Who Is God? – The Fact
The Bible asserts the existence of God as self-evident. Scripture begins with the assumption of His reality: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV). The existence of God is manifest in creation and the human conscience. Psalm 19:1–2 declares, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge.” Romans 1:20 echoes this: “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
The Bible describes those who deny God’s existence as fools: “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1, NKJV). Thus, Scripture does not argue for God’s existence; rather, it assumes and proclaims it.
Who Is God? – The Definition
Correct thinking about God is essential because false ideas about Him lead to idolatry. God rebuked the wicked, saying, “You thought that I was altogether like you; but I will rebuke you, and set them in order before your eyes” (Psalm 50:21, NKJV). A concise biblical definition of God is: “The Supreme Being; the Creator and Ruler of all that is; the Self-existent One who is perfect in power, goodness, and wisdom.”
Who Is God? – His Nature
The Bible reveals God’s nature, a truth humanity would not otherwise know. God has graciously chosen to reveal aspects of Himself to us. Here are key aspects of His nature:
God Is Spirit: God is immaterial and intangible. “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24, NKJV).
God Is Triune: He exists as one God in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This mystery is revealed in passages like Matthew 3:16–17: “When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’”
God Is Infinite: He transcends all limitations of time and space. “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17, NKJV).
God Is Immutable: He does not change. “For I am the Lord, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob” (Malachi 3:6, NKJV).
God Is Omniscient and Omnipresent: He knows all things and is present everywhere. “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (Psalm 147:5, NKJV). “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7, NKJV).
Who Is God? – His Character
God’s character, as revealed in Scripture, shows both His holiness and His love:
God Is Just: “Because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained” (Acts 17:31, NKJV).
God Is Loving: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)” (Ephesians 2:4–5, NKJV).
God Is Truthful: “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me’” (John 14:6, NKJV).
God Is Holy: “This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5, NKJV).
God Is Merciful: “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion” (Romans 9:15, NKJV).
Who Is God? – His Works
God’s actions in history and creation reveal His nature. Here are some key aspects of His works:
Creator: God brought all things into existence. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1, NKJV).
Sustainer: God upholds creation. “And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist” (Colossians 1:17, NKJV).
Redeemer: God’s eternal plan includes the redemption of humanity through Christ. “Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13, NKJV).
Judge: God will judge sin and reward righteousness. “Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them” (Revelation 20:11, NKJV).
Who Is God? – A Relationship with Him
Through Jesus Christ, God makes Himself known to humanity. John 1:14 states, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (NKJV).
Jesus bridges the gap between humanity and God: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6, NKJV). Through His death and resurrection, Jesus provides forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation (Romans 5:10), and eternal life (2 Timothy 2:10). Colossians 2:9 reveals, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (NKJV).
Conclusion
Who is God? He is the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Judge. He is holy, just, loving, merciful, and all-powerful. He has revealed Himself through creation, His Word, and His Son, Jesus Christ. To know God is to know life itself. As Jeremiah 9:24 declares, “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord (NKJV).
