The Bible presents God as the eternal, sovereign Creator of all things, characterized by holiness, love, and omnipotence. God is one in essence, yet exists as three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—a mystery known as the Trinity (Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 28:19). He is self-existent, needing nothing outside Himself, and is unchanging in His nature (Malachi 3:6). God is personal, engaging with humanity through covenant relationships, and is just, merciful, and faithful. His love is supremely revealed in Jesus Christ, who died for humanity’s sins (John 3:16).
Conversely, the Bible clarifies what God is not. He is not a created being or part of the physical world, rejecting pantheism or idolatry (Isaiah 44:6). God is not limited by human flaws like capriciousness or deceit; He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19). He is not distant or impersonal, as deism suggests, but actively involved in creation and redemption. Additionally, God is not one among many gods, affirming monotheism against polytheistic views. From an evangelical perspective, these truths underscore God’s uniqueness and call for worship of Him alone, as revealed in Scripture.
For Christians, the Bible is the ultimate source of truth about who God is and who He is not. It serves as the foundation for understanding His nature, character, and relationship with humanity. As believers, we often grapple with questions about God's identity: Is He a distant ruler or a loving Father? Is He merely a force or a personal being? The Scriptures provide clear answers, painting a vivid picture of a God who is both transcendent and immanent, holy and loving, eternal and relational. This exploration seeks to unpack the biblical revelation of God's identity, addressing both what the Bible affirms about Him and what it denies, helping us to worship and know Him more deeply.
In this journey through Scripture, we will examine key aspects of God's nature as revealed in His Word, focusing on His attributes, His uniqueness, and the misconceptions that the Bible corrects. By grounding ourselves in these truths, we can grow in our faith and align our understanding with the God who has made Himself known.
The Bible presents a multifaceted portrait of God, revealing Him through His attributes, actions, and relationships with humanity. While no single description can fully capture His essence, Scripture provides consistent themes that shape our understanding.
God is eternal, existing outside of time and without beginning or end. He is not a created being but the source of all creation. This truth is foundational to understanding His sovereignty and authority.
"Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God." (Psalm 90:2, NASB)
This verse from Psalms emphasizes that God transcends time itself. He is the "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14, NASB), the self-existent One who depends on nothing for His being. Unlike everything else in existence, God simply is. This eternality sets Him apart from all creation and assures us of His unchanging nature.
The Bible declares that God is the Creator of all things, bringing the universe into existence by His word. From the opening verses of Genesis, we see His power and intentionality in forming the heavens, the earth, and humanity.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1, NASB)
Beyond creation, God sustains all things. He is not a distant deity who set the world in motion and stepped away; rather, He actively upholds the universe by His power (Hebrews 1:3). This truth reminds us that every breath we take and every moment of existence depends on His will.
God's holiness is a central theme in Scripture. He is utterly pure, separate from sin, and morally perfect. His righteousness means He always acts in accordance with what is just and good.
"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of His glory." (Isaiah 6:3, NASB)
This thrice-repeated declaration of holiness in Isaiah underscores its importance. God's holiness demands that sin be addressed, and as a righteous judge, He holds humanity accountable. Yet, His justice is always tempered by His mercy, as seen in His provision of salvation through Jesus Christ.
One of the most profound revelations of Scripture is that God is love. He is not merely loving in action; love is intrinsic to His nature.
"God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him." (1 John 4:16, NASB)
This love is most clearly demonstrated in the sending of His Son to die for our sins (John 3:16). Furthermore, God desires a personal relationship with humanity, inviting us to know Him as Father. Through Christ, we are adopted into His family, able to approach Him with confidence and intimacy (Galatians 4:6-7).
Just as the Bible affirms who God is, it also corrects misunderstandings and false ideas about His nature. These clarifications are essential for avoiding idolatry and distorted worship.
The Bible emphatically denies that God is a created entity or an object of human making. He is not like the idols worshipped by ancient nations, crafted from wood or stone, nor is He a product of the universe.
"You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth." (Exodus 20:4, NASB)
This command from the Ten Commandments reflects God's transcendence. He cannot be reduced to a physical form or confined to human imagination. The prophets often mocked the absurdity of idol worship, pointing out that such "gods" are powerless and lifeless (Isaiah 44:9-20).
While God is transcendent and beyond full human comprehension, the Bible rejects the idea that He is distant or uninterested in humanity. He is not an impersonal force or a deity who remains aloof from His creation.
"The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth." (Psalm 145:18, NASB)
Through His Word, His Spirit, and the incarnation of Jesus, God has made Himself known. He invites us into relationship, promising to be with us always (Matthew 28:20). This relational aspect counters any notion of God as a cold, detached ruler.
Some might imagine God as unpredictable or unfair, but Scripture consistently portrays Him as faithful and just. He does not act on whims or show favoritism.
"The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4, NASB)
God's judgments are always righteous, and His promises are sure. Even when His actions are beyond our understanding, we can trust that they align with His perfect character. This truth guards against viewing God as arbitrary or cruel.
The Bible firmly teaches that there is only one God, rejecting polytheism and any notion of multiple deities. This monotheistic foundation is central to biblical faith.
"Hear, Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one!" (Deuteronomy 6:4, NASB)
While the doctrine of the Trinity reveals God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, these are not three gods but one God in three persons, united in essence and purpose. This unity distinguishes biblical faith from pagan beliefs in competing or divided deities.
Throughout history, humanity has wrestled with distorted views of God, often projecting human limitations or cultural ideas onto Him. The Bible corrects these errors, guiding us back to truth.
Some view God as a divine wish-granter, existing to fulfill personal desires. However, Scripture teaches that God is sovereign, and His will, not ours, is paramount. Prayer is not a tool to manipulate Him but a means of aligning ourselves with His purposes (1 John 5:14-15).
Others perceive God, especially in the Old Testament, as wrathful and unforgiving. Yet, the Bible reveals a God who is "slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness" (Exodus 34:6, NASB). His discipline is always aimed at restoration, and His mercy is available to all who repent.
In contrast to views that reduce God to a vague spiritual force, the Bible presents Him as a personal being with will, emotions, and the capacity for relationship. He speaks, acts, and loves in ways that reflect personhood, most fully revealed in Jesus Christ (John 1:14).
Understanding who God is—and who He is not—has profound implications for how we live as Christians. First, it shapes our worship. Recognizing God's holiness and majesty leads us to approach Him with reverence, while His love and nearness invite us to draw close in intimacy. We can balance awe and affection in our relationship with Him.
Second, this knowledge informs our trust. Knowing that God is eternal, just, and faithful helps us rest in His sovereignty, even amid life's uncertainties. We can surrender our fears, confident that He is both powerful and good.
Finally, it guides our witness. As we share the gospel, we must present the true God of Scripture, not a caricature shaped by cultural assumptions. By grounding our message in biblical truth, we help others encounter the living God who desires to save and transform.
The Bible offers a rich and consistent revelation of who God is: the eternal, self-existent Creator; the holy and righteous Judge; the loving and relational Father. At the same time, it corrects false ideas, affirming that God is not a created idol, a distant force, a capricious tyrant, or one of many deities. These truths guard us against error and deepen our understanding of the One we worship.
As we reflect on these biblical teachings, let us commit to knowing God more fully through His Word and prayer. May this knowledge transform our lives, drawing us into deeper worship, unwavering trust, and faithful obedience. For in knowing who God truly is, we find the foundation for a life of purpose and hope.