God
GOD
The Bible does not present any argument for the existence of God; it takes the FACT of God for granted. God is infinite and perfect Spirit in Whom all things have their source, support, and end.
The Word of God reveals God to us. Because God is infinitely beyond our human comprehension, the Bible often couches God in human language.
Study Outline:
1. Who Made God?
2. How do we know there is a God?
3. How many Gods are there?
4. What is God?
5. What is God Like?
6. What is God called
1. Who Made God?
NO one! God is eternal. The fact we cannot grasp this does not make it not so (we may not understand hoe electricity makes the lights work but why sit around in the dark until we figure this out)
Look up: Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Those that come to God must believe that He is!
2. How do we know there is a God?
A number of reasons are given in the Bible to show how we can know there is a God:
A. The fact of Universal Belief proves there is a God: Man has uniquely “religious nature.” All men in all ages have manifested a belief in some high being. For the most part, this belief is perverted – but it demonstrates a universal understanding of the existence of a supreme being.
i) Look up: Romans 2:14, 15:
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
B. The fact that everything must have a cause proves there is a God:
i.) Man is an intelligent being - therefore his Cause must also be indigent.
ii.) Man has personality – thus his Cause could not be impersonal.
C. The fact of the intricate design in the universe proves there is a God: A watch not only requires a watchmaker, but also a designer and a purpose. Look up: Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
D. The whole of creation proves there is a God.
i.) Look up: Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. The heavens declare God’s handiwork!
ii.) Look up: Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The two things are are seen and understood through creation: His eternal power and Godhead.
E. The events of history prove there is a God: Many times God has intervened in human history, and his hand is often seen in the rise and fall of nations. Look up: Psalms 75: 6, 7
For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
F. The Bible says there is a God: If there is a God , it seems most reasonable to expect Him to reveal Himself to man. This He has done – first through the witness of creation, but also in detail through His Word: Look up Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
The Bible begins with God – not philosophical arguments for His existence!
G. Personal note: People experience God moving their everyday lives… but will they accept this as proof of His existence???
3. How many Gods are there?
A. There is only ONE God. Look up:
i.) Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
ii.) Isaiah 45:5
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
iii.) 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
B. Look up:
i.) Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
ii.) 1 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
This is One God eternally, equally, and essentially exists as ONE.
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.
This is known as the doctrine of the Trinity – the Bible teaches there is ONE God, but three Persons in the Godhead. We cannot comprehend this but can use an analogy in explanation: water can exist as a solid, liquid, and vapor – just like a glass of ice water. Each phase may exist separately, or with another, or all together.
4. What is God?
A. There are Four statements in the Bible telling us what God is:
i.) God is a spirit (His divine essence). John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
ii.) God is love (His divine compassion). 1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
iii.) God is light (His divine holiness). 1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
iv.) God is a consuming fire (His divine righteousness) Hebrews 12:29
For our God is a consuming fire. This is a key aspect of God omitted by man and fostered by Satan!
B. The Bible also teaches that God is a person – i.e. He has personality!
i.) God loves - John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
ii.) God hates - Proverbs 6:16
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
iii.) God grieves - Genesis 6:6
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
iv.) God is jealous - Deuteronomy 6:15
(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
v.) God can be angry - 1 Kings 11:9
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
vi.) God cares - 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
These are all characteristics of personality. There are some who think God is just an impersonal “force” or that he is just “nature”. He is much more complex that this! Non-believers typically chose to accept only the nice characteristics of God.
5. What is God Like?
If we look at God’s creation we know Him to be mighty, glorious, and majestic. But, it is through he Bible that God reveals Himself completely. No man will ever be able to comprehend the essence of God (what He is). It is only through God’s attributes that He makes Himself know to finite man.
A. God is all knowing – Omniscient
i.) Five things God knows about you: Psalms 139:1-4
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
ii.) God knows our heart: 1 John 3:20
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
B. God is powerful – Omnipotent
i.) God can do anything: Job 42:2
I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
ii.) God can do anything: Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
C. God is everywhere – Omnipresent
i.) Psalms 139:7-17
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
D. God is eternal
i.) Exodus 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
ii.) Psalms 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. This verse tells us that God extends from – everlasting to everlasting!
E. God is unchanging - Immutable
i.) Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
GOD DOES NOT CHANGE.
F. God is Holy
i.) Psalms 99:9
Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
G. God is love – He proved His love by having Christ die for our sins.
i.) Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
H. God is gracious
i.) Grace means “undeserved favor”
(1) God’s
(2) Riches
(3) At
(4) Christ’s
(5) Expense
ii.) We are saved by grace – Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
iii.) We are taught by grace – Titus 2:11, 12
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
iv.) We are kept by grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I. God is truth
i.) Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
GOD CANNOT LIE
ii.) Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
6. What is God called?
A. Elohim – which translates to “God” in our English Bible ( the Greek equivalent of ‘theos” in the New Testament). This speaks of God’s greatness and power as Creator.
B. Adonai – which is translated “Lord” in our English Bible. This means God is the Owner and Master.
C. Jehovah – which is translated “Lord” in our English Bibles.
The meaning of Jehovah is given in Exodus 3:13-14
And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
“I AM THAT I AM “ = “The Self-existent One Who Reveals Himself.” The word “Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Joshua” and literally means “Jehovah-Saviour.” The New Testamant clearly teaches that Jesus is Jehova.
John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
The Bible does not present any argument for the existence of God; it takes the FACT of God for granted. God is infinite and perfect Spirit in Whom all things have their source, support, and end.
The Word of God reveals God to us. Because God is infinitely beyond our human comprehension, the Bible often couches God in human language.
Study Outline:
1. Who Made God?
2. How do we know there is a God?
3. How many Gods are there?
4. What is God?
5. What is God Like?
6. What is God called
1. Who Made God?
NO one! God is eternal. The fact we cannot grasp this does not make it not so (we may not understand hoe electricity makes the lights work but why sit around in the dark until we figure this out)
Look up: Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Those that come to God must believe that He is!
2. How do we know there is a God?
A number of reasons are given in the Bible to show how we can know there is a God:
A. The fact of Universal Belief proves there is a God: Man has uniquely “religious nature.” All men in all ages have manifested a belief in some high being. For the most part, this belief is perverted – but it demonstrates a universal understanding of the existence of a supreme being.
i) Look up: Romans 2:14, 15:
For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another
B. The fact that everything must have a cause proves there is a God:
i.) Man is an intelligent being - therefore his Cause must also be indigent.
ii.) Man has personality – thus his Cause could not be impersonal.
C. The fact of the intricate design in the universe proves there is a God: A watch not only requires a watchmaker, but also a designer and a purpose. Look up: Psalm 139:14
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
D. The whole of creation proves there is a God.
i.) Look up: Psalms 19:1
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. The heavens declare God’s handiwork!
ii.) Look up: Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The two things are are seen and understood through creation: His eternal power and Godhead.
E. The events of history prove there is a God: Many times God has intervened in human history, and his hand is often seen in the rise and fall of nations. Look up: Psalms 75: 6, 7
For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
F. The Bible says there is a God: If there is a God , it seems most reasonable to expect Him to reveal Himself to man. This He has done – first through the witness of creation, but also in detail through His Word: Look up Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
The Bible begins with God – not philosophical arguments for His existence!
G. Personal note: People experience God moving their everyday lives… but will they accept this as proof of His existence???
3. How many Gods are there?
A. There is only ONE God. Look up:
i.) Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
ii.) Isaiah 45:5
I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me:
iii.) 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
B. Look up:
i.) Matthew 28:19
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
ii.) 1 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
This is One God eternally, equally, and essentially exists as ONE.
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Ghost.
This is known as the doctrine of the Trinity – the Bible teaches there is ONE God, but three Persons in the Godhead. We cannot comprehend this but can use an analogy in explanation: water can exist as a solid, liquid, and vapor – just like a glass of ice water. Each phase may exist separately, or with another, or all together.
4. What is God?
A. There are Four statements in the Bible telling us what God is:
i.) God is a spirit (His divine essence). John 4:24
God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
ii.) God is love (His divine compassion). 1 John 4:8
He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
iii.) God is light (His divine holiness). 1 John 1:5
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
iv.) God is a consuming fire (His divine righteousness) Hebrews 12:29
For our God is a consuming fire. This is a key aspect of God omitted by man and fostered by Satan!
B. The Bible also teaches that God is a person – i.e. He has personality!
i.) God loves - John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
ii.) God hates - Proverbs 6:16
These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
iii.) God grieves - Genesis 6:6
And it repented the LORD that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart.
iv.) God is jealous - Deuteronomy 6:15
(For the LORD thy God is a jealous God among you) lest the anger of the LORD thy God be kindled against thee, and destroy thee from off the face of the earth.
v.) God can be angry - 1 Kings 11:9
And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
vi.) God cares - 1 Peter 5:7
Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
These are all characteristics of personality. There are some who think God is just an impersonal “force” or that he is just “nature”. He is much more complex that this! Non-believers typically chose to accept only the nice characteristics of God.
5. What is God Like?
If we look at God’s creation we know Him to be mighty, glorious, and majestic. But, it is through he Bible that God reveals Himself completely. No man will ever be able to comprehend the essence of God (what He is). It is only through God’s attributes that He makes Himself know to finite man.
A. God is all knowing – Omniscient
i.) Five things God knows about you: Psalms 139:1-4
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O LORD, thou knowest it altogether.
ii.) God knows our heart: 1 John 3:20
For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
B. God is powerful – Omnipotent
i.) God can do anything: Job 42:2
I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee.
ii.) God can do anything: Matthew 19:26
But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
C. God is everywhere – Omnipresent
i.) Psalms 139:7-17
Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee. For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
D. God is eternal
i.) Exodus 3:14
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
ii.) Psalms 90:2
Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God. This verse tells us that God extends from – everlasting to everlasting!
E. God is unchanging - Immutable
i.) Malachi 3:6
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
GOD DOES NOT CHANGE.
F. God is Holy
i.) Psalms 99:9
Exalt the LORD our God, and worship at his holy hill; for the LORD our God is holy.
G. God is love – He proved His love by having Christ die for our sins.
i.) Romans 5:8
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
H. God is gracious
i.) Grace means “undeserved favor”
(1) God’s
(2) Riches
(3) At
(4) Christ’s
(5) Expense
ii.) We are saved by grace – Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
iii.) We are taught by grace – Titus 2:11, 12
For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
iv.) We are kept by grace – 2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
I. God is truth
i.) Titus 1:2
In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
GOD CANNOT LIE
ii.) Isaiah 40:8
The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.
6. What is God called?
A. Elohim – which translates to “God” in our English Bible ( the Greek equivalent of ‘theos” in the New Testament). This speaks of God’s greatness and power as Creator.
B. Adonai – which is translated “Lord” in our English Bible. This means God is the Owner and Master.
C. Jehovah – which is translated “Lord” in our English Bibles.
The meaning of Jehovah is given in Exodus 3:13-14
And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
“I AM THAT I AM “ = “The Self-existent One Who Reveals Himself.” The word “Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew “Joshua” and literally means “Jehovah-Saviour.” The New Testamant clearly teaches that Jesus is Jehova.
John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.