Apart From Me, There Is No God

"God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform. He plants his footsteps in the sea, and rides upon the storm."  -William Cowper

Who hasn't asked themselves, at one time or another, this eternal question: "Who is God?"  People from different cultures, levels of education and income, social classes, political and ethnic persuasions have wrestled with this query since the beginning of time. I must admit, if you're going to ask a good question this one will do! 

Many, are a lot more knowledgeable than I, have researched, presented, and argued this particular topic. So, I won't try to shake up the world here today. But, what I can do, is examine some basic fundamentals which may help stimulate your curiosity enough to pursue this interesting matter even more, if you wish to do so.

Respectfully, let me say this at the outset. I am keenly aware of other ideologies, beliefs, customs, etc., but presently, our focus will be on who God is from the Christian perspective. With that being said, let's begin. The very fact of God’s existence is in plain view to all, both through creation and through man’s conscience.

This is so much so, that the Bible considers the atheist a “fool” (Psalm 14:1). As such, the Bible never tries to prove the existence of God; instead, it infers His existence from the very beginning (Genesis 1:1). However, if you read carefully the Bible does divulge the nature, character, and work of God.

It's always important that we think correctly about God. This is a must because any false idea about God is idolatry (Psalm 50:21), With this in mind, a concise definition of God could be: “the Supreme Being; the Creator and Ruler of all that is; the Self-existent One who is perfect in power, goodness, and wisdom.”

Regarding His nature, we know specific truths about God. In His mercy He has consented to reveal some of His precious qualities to us. In the Bible, we are shown that God is spirit (John 4:24). This next qualilty can be tricky to understand: God is One, but He exists as three Persons—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17). Put simply, there are three persons but only one God.

I strongly recommend additional study to really get a good handle on the last concept. Don't worry if it all sounds confusing at the moment. You're not alone! Moving along with our truths we find that God is infinite (1 Timothy 1:17), incomparable (2 Samuel 7:22), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). He exists everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12), knows everything (Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28), and has all power and authority (Ephesians 1; Revelation 19:6). 

If case you've never noticed, God has some pretty impressive characteristics, too. He is just (Acts 17:31), loving (Ephesians 2:4-5), truthful (John 14:6), and holy (1 John 1:5). God also shows compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3), mercy (Romans 9:15), and grace (Romans 5:17). God judges sin (Psalm 5:5) but also offers forgiveness (Psalm 130:4). 

Finally, no dialogue about God is acceptable without including our relationship with Him. In the Person of the Son, God became incarnate (John 1:14). The Son of God became the Son of Man and so is the “bridge” between God and us (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). It's only by the Son that we can obtain forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation with God (John 15:15; Romans 5:10), and eternal salvation (2 Timothy 2:10).

Again, what we have been discussing today is not a sweeping dissertation about God. One could say that we've only been scratching the surface, if even that. Personally, Truthfully, I have no doubt that there is a God—a personal, eternal Creator of all that exists.

And that He has laid bare to all of us the essential things we need to know about Him—His character, His purpose for our lives, what He expects of us, and what He has determined about our future. "I am the Lord, and there is no other; Besides Me there is no God," (Isaiah 45:5).

Scripture: Titus 1:2; Psalm 11:7; 1 Timothy 1:17; Colossians 2:9; Malachi 3:6  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, may everything I do begin with You, continue with Your help, and be done under Your guidance. May I grow in Your Love and Your service, and become a pleasing offering to You; and with You to Your Father. Amen  

In His name,

Kylee