| Where Did God Come From? What Is He Like? Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz I AM REVEALED B. Childress June 13 2011 No idea is more commonly held by people throughout the world and throughout history than the idea of God - the Supreme Being, the Creator and Ruler of the universe. Yet God is more than an idea. He is more than a symbol for good or merely an impersonal "higher power." God is a very real spirit Being who always existed in the past and will always exist in the future. Jewish religious teachers often called God "the Incomprehensible One." That's why it's a good thing that God has chosen to tell us who He is. He's accomplished this primarily through His Word, the Bible, through the life and teachings of His Son, Jesus Christ, and through the insight of His Holy Spirit. For now, let's start at the beginning. Actually, before that! Does God Exist? The first recorded word concerning God can be found in the first verse of the first book of the Bible:
beginning God created the heavens and the earth." That's right, but think about it: If God created in the beginning, that means that God existed before the beginning, because in order to make something, you must exist before you make it. It's impossible for something to create itself. Even God cannot make Himself. The idea of self-creation is a classic contradiction in terms. God is what we call self-existent. And He is the only such being who has ever lived. God has no beginning and therefore no cause. By definition every effect must have a cause, but God is not an effect. He has always been and He always will be. God does not require outside support to exist. This is what is meant by self- existent. This may not seem like a very big deal, but this is a very big deal. This is huge. Only God is completely free from all limitation of time. As we will see later in this book, all spirits, including the human soul, will live forever. But all spirits had a beginning because they were created by God. Only God is infinite in that He is without beginning or end. Can We Be Sure God Exists? Four Long Words to Make Your Case Since God is a Spirit, no one has seen God. But God has left us strong evidence - some call it "rational proof" - for His existence. Pretend for a moment that you are sitting on a jury. The defense attorney is about to present four arguments to support the existence of God. 1. The Ontological Argument. The very fact that humans have an idea of God points to His existence. Experts agree that a pursuit of, or belief in, the divine can be found among all peoples and tribes of the earth. Since every rational person has thought about God in one way or another, we can reasonably conclude that He exists. Example: Earth's seas have always felt the tug of the moon's gravitational field, creating tides. Even if you can't see the moon or explain exactly what the moon is, the tides show the moon's presence. In the same way, humans have always felt a tug toward a Supreme Being. Even though God can't be seen, the incredibly strong pull we feel toward Him is an evidence of His existence.
footprints "just happin by theirself," but Mom sure doesn't! If the universe had a beginning point - which science also now supports - there must have been some incredibly powerful cause or person to begin it. We believe that someone was God, the "First Cause."
3. The Teleological Argument. There is order, harmony, purpose, and intelligence in nature and the world. Logic suggests that an intelligent and purposeful being produced it.
For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse (Romans 1:20). and wrong. This has been true of every people and every civilization in recorded history. Even the most hardened criminal understands the difference (even if it's pretty twisted). How could a moral compass - often called "the higher law" - just happen? This sense of right and wrong in the heart of every person is evidence of a moral Creator. (And it stands to reason He cares a lot about right and wrong.)
Okay, the strongest arguments have been presented. Does the evidence absolutely convince you? Beyond a reasonable doubt? What if your verdict is still kind of fuzzy? What if you're still not sure there's proof of God's existence? That's Okay! God doesn't require us to prove His existence, or to be intellectually convinced. The only step God does require is faith. He wants us to choose to believe in Him with our will. In other words, it's not so much what we know, but what we believe. What Do I Know? vs. What Do I Believe? Many things can be proved scientifically. But God isn't one of them. In fact, the Bible says,
that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6). God exists," we would reply, "Prove that He doesn't." Either way, some degree of faith is required. Granted, the person who believes in God has taken a step of faith based on a foundation of knowledge, history, nature, and logic (things we've been discussing). But the atheist ("There is no God") and the agnostic ("I'm not sure if there is a God") must take a leap of faith to deny all the evidence which points to God. If You Stop Believing, Does God Stop Existing? Keep in mind that it is not necessary for us to believe in God in order for Him to exist. God exists whether we believe in Him or not. You see, God isn't just our idea. God exists apart from us. A Very Involved Host... Now here's the best part for us mere mortals. Are you ready for this? God didn't just make the world without being emotionally involved (like, say, a river carving out a canyon). And He didn't make things and then leave (like a kid who makes a sand castle on the beach, then wanders off). God loves what He made. He loves you. He knows you. He will never leave you. And He has an important destiny in mind for you. This powerful message - of a loving, personally involved God - is repeated over and over again in the Bible. ...Who Left an Invitation It is also important to know that believing God exists is not enough to get us back into a right relationship with God. The Bible says that even Satan and the demons believe God exists. You could correctly conclude that it is possible to believe in the existence of God and still be separated from Him forever. Later, we are going to look at why man and God are at odds, and see how this problem can be solved. Right now, let's keep getting to know God better. What Is God Like? Throughout history, humans have attempted to picture God by creating and worshiping idols - that is, an object that stands for their god (a cat, the sun, a golden calf, a statue). The object is often supposed to have great powers. Obviously, this approach has had problems. In fact, in the Bible, Isaiah shows God making fun of idols:
nothing...He who chooses you is detestable (Isaiah 41:22-24). small or silly concept of God. Or carve an idol to worship. The Bible gives a definite picture of a multifaceted God. He is an invisible reality, yet He has characteristics of a person:
Does he who implanted the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches man lack knowledge? (Psalm 94:9-10). can express His essential nature. Instead, He is best defined by understanding the many elements of His character. Just as you would get to know someone better by first learning his or her name and then by trying to identify certain personality traits, we can get to know God better by learning some of His names (yes, He has more than one!) and by studying character qualities. What's in a Name? A person's name does not usually describe much about him or her. Names like "Bruce" and "Stan" give absolutely no clue about personality characteristics (although nicknames like "Shorty" and "Refrigerator" point to physical traits). In contrast, names for God, originally written in the Hebrew language in the Old Testament and in the Greek language in the New Testament, were very descriptive. Here are some of the names for God which convey His nature:
relationship to mankind. He is all-sufficient for every need, problem, or circumstance. Every answer is found in Him. Jehovah-Jireh. An Old Testament term meaning "God will provide." Jehovah-Rophe. An Old Testament term meaning "God heals." Jehovah-Nissi. An Old Testament term meaning "God is my (our) Banner." Jehovah-Shalom. An Old-Testament term meaning "God is Peace." Jehovah-Tsidkenu. An Old-Testament term meaning "God our righteousness." Elohim. An Old Testament term meaning "strong one." God is the true God. His strength and majesty reign over all heathen gods. Adonai. An Old Testament term meaning "lord." A term of reverence. Used to show a master-servant relationship. El-Shaddai. An Old Testament term meaning "God Almighty." God. A New Testament term, theos, meaning "the one true God." He is unique; He is the Creator; and He is the Savior. Lord. A New Testament term, kurios, meaning "sir." The emphasis is on authority and supremacy. Father. A New Testament term. God is a heavenly Father to those who become His children by faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. You might be starting to feel like you're going on a blind date - you don't know what God looks like, but you have been told He has a great personality. In fact, the Bible spends a lot of time telling you about God's characteristics (theologians call these "attributes"). Here are some of the most important:
He did not exist; there will never be a time when He will not exist.
everlasting you are God (Psalm 90:2)
earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom (Isaiah 40:28). 2) God is Holy. He is righteous. No fault is found in Him. His moral character is without flaw. In the negative context, He has no evil in Him; in the positive context, He is completely pure. In other words, He is wholly holy.
But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy" (I Peter 1:15-16).
changed. Talk about Mr. Dependable!
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).
27). "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty" (Revelation 1:8).
and just is he (Deuteronomy 32:4). Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages (Revelation 15:3).
Son, Jesus, as a sacrifice for our sins. God's love is not a "romantic feeling" (as Hollywood usually defines love). Instead, God's love means unselfishness and commitment. He is ready to forgive, longing to be merciful.
God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him (I John 4:7-9).
beyond, can conquer Him. He is able to do anything consistent with His own nature.
thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns" (Revelation 19:6).
find Him, He is there. Wherever you are, He is there.
there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wind of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you (Psalm 139:7-12).
(like the chemical composition of DNA) and all things trivial (like the number of hairs on your head). He knows you better than you know yourself.
thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O LORD (Psalm 139:1-4). For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths (Proverbs 5:21). Think about it for a moment: What is your image of God? Cosmic Killjoy? Do you usually think of Him as looking down from heaven, ready to squash you like a bug whenever He sees you having fun? Santa Claus? Or do you see Him as a celestial Jolly Old Man, the one we turn to when our Publisher's Clearinghouse Sweepstakes number comes up a loser? The Man (or Woman) Upstairs? Or is He the never-seen Manager on high? Or is He actually a She - the earth goddess? These limited notions about God work like the idols, or false gods, we were talking about earlier - they may be limited, but at least they're convenient. Often a "god in a box" is the result of ignorance or fear. Don't get caught in the common trap of emphasizing one aspect of God's personality over the others. When your God gets stuck in this kind of box, He may wrongly appear to be one-dimensional. For example:
evil. But remember that God's characteristic of love doesn't operate independently from His other characteristics, including holiness and justice. God's love does not overpower His own holiness. That brings us back to that box-shattering, life-changing truth about God: He wants to get personal with every single human being! What is My Response? (Getting Personal with the Supreme Being) Clear thinking about the almighty, holy Creator of the universe demands a response beyond "Ah, shucks!" or even "Wow!" It's not enough to get your ideas on God straightened around, only to forget about Him. First, we need not be afraid of Him. Although the Bible talks about the fear of the Lord, such references usually mean "reverence" and "respect."
True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks (John 4:23). universe! It all comes back to the "loving, personally involved Creator" who presents each of us with an invitation:
Source: GUIDE TO GOD, by Bruce Bickel and Stan Jantz, Copyright 1997, HARVEST HOUSE PUBLISHERS. |
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