According to the Bible, God is the supreme, eternal, and unchanging Creator of the universe, who is both transcendent and immanent. In Protestant and Orthodox theology, God is understood as a Trinity, comprising the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit, three distinct persons sharing one divine essence. God's nature is revealed as holy, loving, just, and merciful. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (NIV), emphasizing His role as the Creator. God is also depicted as omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, with a personal nature that desires a relationship with humanity.
The Bible portrays God as love, as detailed in 1 John 4:8, which declares, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love" (NIV). This emphasizes His relational aspect and willingness to engage with His creation. The incarnation of Jesus Christ, central to both Protestant and Orthodox beliefs, represents God's ultimate act of love and redemption, offering salvation to humanity through Jesus’ death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit, present from creation, continues to guide and empower believers. Thus, God, as described in the Bible, is a complex, relational being who is actively involved in the world and the lives of individuals.
Understanding the nature and identity of God is one of the most profound pursuits within Christian theology. The Bible serves as the primary source for Christians seeking to understand who God is. This exploration involves not only examining God's attributes and actions as depicted in Scripture but also understanding how these characteristics impact believers' lives. Using the Bible as our guide, we will delve into the nature, character, and work of God, drawing from both Protestant and Orthodox theological perspectives.
The Bible presents God as the Supreme Being, the Creator, and Sustainer of all things. Genesis 1:1 opens with the assertion that "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (ESV). This foundational statement establishes God as the ultimate source of all that exists. Furthermore, God is self-existent, meaning He is uncreated and eternal. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," indicating His eternal and unchanging nature.
One of the most complex and mysterious aspects of God's nature is the doctrine of the Trinity. While the word "Trinity" is not found in the Bible, the concept is woven throughout Scripture. God is described as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 captures Jesus instructing His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (NIV), highlighting the unity and distinctiveness within the Godhead.
God's attributes are often categorized into communicable and incommunicable attributes. Communicable attributes are those shared to some degree with humanity, such as love, wisdom, and justice. In contrast, incommunicable attributes, like omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence, are unique to God. Psalm 139:7–10 speaks to God's omnipresence: "Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?" (ESV).
God's character is perfectly balanced between love and justice. 1 John 4:8 declares that "God is love" (ESV), emphasizing His compassionate and relational nature. Simultaneously, God is just, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, which states, "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice" (ESV). This duality is crucial to understanding God's dealings with humanity.
God's holiness sets Him apart from all creation. Isaiah 6:3 describes the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!" (ESV). God's holiness is inherently linked to His righteousness. He is morally perfect and the standard of all that is right. This righteousness demands that sin be judged, but God's love provides a way for redemption.
God's work is evident in His creation. Colossians 1:16–17 affirms, "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth... and in him all things hold together" (ESV). God not only created the universe but actively sustains it, ensuring its continued existence and order.
Central to God's work is His plan of redemption. John 3:16 captures this beautifully: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" (ESV). Through Jesus Christ, God provides salvation and reconciliation, bridging the gap created by sin.
God's work culminates in judgment and restoration. Revelation 20:11–15 describes the final judgment, where God will judge all humanity. However, this is not the end, as God promises a restored creation in Revelation 21:1–4, where He will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear.
Understanding who God is according to the Bible has profound implications for believers. Recognizing God's nature and character invites us to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). It calls us to reflect His attributes, such as love, justice, and holiness, in our interactions with others. Trusting in God's work of redemption through Jesus Christ reassures us of our salvation and encourages us to share this hope with the world.
In exploring who God is according to the Bible, we find a God who is both transcendent and immanent, a perfect balance of love and justice, and actively involved in His creation. The Bible reveals a God who desires a personal relationship with His people, offering redemption and eternal life through Jesus Christ. As we continue to seek understanding, may our knowledge of God deepen our faith and inspire us to live lives that reflect His glory.