Don Stewart :: Who Is the God of the Bible?

The most frequently asked questions about God concern His identity. Who is God? What is He like?

Our information about the God of the Bible is derived from four sources: nature, the spirit and mind of humanity, the Bible, and the person of Jesus Christ. From these sources we can have a basic, though not complete, picture of the nature of God. While it is difficult to give a simple definition of God, we can give a basic description of His being.

1. God Nature Is That Of A Spirit

God's form is that of a spirit. He is an invisible, eternal spirit. That means that God does not have a body. However God can reveal Himself to humanity in a physical form. The Old Testament does tell us that on certain occasions God has temporarily revealed Himself to humankind in visible form. In the New Testament, God came to earth through the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus was God in human flesh. However, by nature, God is a spirit. Because He is an invisible spirit it impossible to make any pictures of Him that are accurate.

2. He Is The Eternal God

God is eternal. He has always existed and He will always exist. There has never been a time when God did not exist nor will there ever come a time when He will not exist. He had no beginning and He will have no end.

3. He Is The Only God That Exists

Furthermore, He is the only God who exists. There is no other God, either more or less powerful who exists anywhere in the universe. The prophet Isaiah records God saying.

To whom then will you liken me that I would be his equal? (Isaiah 40:25).

4. He Is Absolutely Perfect

God is absolute perfection. There is nothing lacking in His character or nature. He does not need anything or anyone to exist. He is complete within Himself. He is, therefore, the perfect, eternal spirit.

5. The God Of The Bible Is A Personal God

God is also personal. This means that He has intelligence, will, emotions, and self-cognizance. Personal names are used when referring to Him. Personal characteristics are also attributed to Him. He is not some vague creative force that has no mind or feelings.

6. God Is Distinct From His Creation

The universe is not part of God. God is distinct from His creation. When the universe was created, God brought something into existence that had not existed before.

God is not like humans.

7. He Is Personally Involved In The Universe

God is also personally involved in the running of the universe. He did not merely create the universe and then leave it on its own.

8. He Is Knowable

The good news of Scripture is that human beings can personally know God. It is possible to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe.

A complete definition of God is something that is impossible to do. However a basic definition of God includes these facts: God is an invisible personal, eternal spirit who is absolute perfection. He is the only God that has existed or that ever will exist. He is not the same as His creation, but is Lord over it. He is also personally involved in the affairs of the universe. Finally, He is knowable. It is possible for His creation to have a personal relationship with Him.