B. God

Not only does the Bible accept without question the existence of God but it speaks negatively of those who reject the knowledge of God. The Bible is very much to the point when making this statement, “The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” (Psalms 14:1) This is not to say that there is something wrong with a person asking questions about how we can know there is a God, in fact these questions are very natural. But the Bible takes for granted that the person seeking truth with an honest and open heart will quickly recognize the evidence for the existence of God, acknowledging and honoring God accordingly. In light of the existence of the universe and this world we live in with all the complex and magnificent facets they contain, including of course man himself, the Bible concludes that the evidence for the existence of God is overwhelming. The apostle Paul stated the situation in this way:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, {19} because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. {20} For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. {21} For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (Romans 1:18-21)

The apostle seems to suggest here that those who reject the thought of a creator do so more as a condition of their heart attitude than as a result of honest intellectual investigation. The fact of the created universe, including mankind, along with the evidence of the testimony of scripture concerning the person of Jesus Christ is proof for the existence of God. Therefore, time will not be spent investigating the philosophical arguments for the existence of God but rather like the Bible this we accept God’s existence based on the evidence just mentioned and encourage others to do the same.

THE PREEMINENCE OF GOD

The Bible portrays God as preeminent in every way. God is set apart from all other living beings as one would expect that the creator would have preeminence in relationship to that which is created. This unique position that God holds can be seen in the following ways.

1. Preeminent as the Creator

No one would question the preeminence of the one who alone possesses immortality and has the ability to give and sustain life. The Bible describes God in these terms and asserts that God is worthy of honor, glory and eternal dominion because of it.

“The God who made the world and all things in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands; {25} neither is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all life and breath and all things; (Acts 17:24-25)

I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, {14} that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, {15} which He will bring about at the proper time– He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords; {16} who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. (1 Timothy 6:13-16)

“Worthy art Thou, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for Thou didst create all things, and because of Thy will they existed, and were created.” (Revelation 4:11)

2. Preeminent as the Sovereign Ruler

One of the previous verses cited, 1 Timothy 6:15, recognizes God’s preeminent position as the sovereign ruler of all created thing. Together with the following verses these scriptures reveal God’s preeminence as sovereign ruler.

He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords; {16} who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light; whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. (1 Timothy 6:15-16)

God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. (Psalms 47:8)

Once God has spoken; Twice I have heard this: That power belongs to God; (Psalms 62:11)

The LORD reigns, He is clothed with majesty; The LORD has clothed and girded Himself with strength; Indeed, the world is firmly established, it will not be moved. {2} Thy throne is established from of old; Thou art from everlasting. (Psalms 93:1-2)

The LORD reigns; let the earth rejoice; Let the many islands be glad. {2} Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; Righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. (Psalms 97:1-2)

From these few verses in the Psalms some important aspects of God’s sovereign rule are emphasized. These scriptures explain that God’s reign is everlasting and is characterized by His majesty, strength and power along with the fact that righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne. It’s no wonder the Psalmist encourages the earth to rejoice looking forward to the day when God will reign as king forever!

3. Preeminent as the Only True God

Some believe that God takes on many forms or can be known in and through many different paths. This idea is not in harmony with a biblical worldview and in fact would be in direct opposition to it. Jesus prayer in the gospel of John teaches us that He recognized that there was only one true God.

These things Jesus spoke; and lifting up His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Thy Son, that the Son may glorify Thee, {2} even as Thou gavest Him authority over all mankind, that to all whom Thou hast given Him, He may give eternal life. {3} “And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent. (John 17:1-3)

The Apostles also referred to God as “The Only God”. Here are two examples, one found in the letter of Paul to Timothy and a second in the epistle of Jude.

Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17)

Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, {25} to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)

Finally, God through the prophet Isaiah declares Himself the only true God, calling on all men to turn to Him for salvation.

“Turn to Me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; For I am God, and there is no other. {23} “I have sworn by Myself, The word has gone forth from My mouth in righteousness And will not turn back, That to Me every knee will bow, every tongue will swear allegiance. (Isaiah 45:22-23)

“Remember the former things long past, For I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is no one like Me, {10} Declaring the end from the beginning And from ancient times things which have not been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established, And I will accomplish all My good pleasure’; (Isaiah 46:9-10)

THE PERFECTION OF GOD

The Bible is always consistent in its declarations of the moral perfection of God. We can begin to see God’s nature in this regard in the following verse of scripture:

And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)

Light and darkness are used in the Bible to contrast the difference between good and evil. Moral qualities and characteristics of all categories would be included in this vast spectrum. The concepts of light and darkness as they relate to good and evil in the Bible can be seen in the following scriptures:

“…. for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? ” (2 Corinthians 6:14)

Therefore do not be partakers with them; {8} for you were formerly darkness, but now you are light in the Lord; walk as children of light {9} (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth) (Ephesians 5:7-9)

The night is almost gone, and the day is at hand. Let us therefore lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. {13} Let us behave properly as in the day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and sensuality, not in strife and jealousy. (Romans 13:12-13)

And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; {12} for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. (Ephesians 5:11-12)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

The one who says he is in the light and yet hates his brother is in the darkness until now. {10} The one who loves his brother abides in the light and there is no cause for stumbling in him. (1 John 2:9-10)

Light in these passages is described as being fruitful and is associated with righteousness, goodness, love, purity and truth, along with behavior that is proper. On the other hand, darkness is described as being unfruitful and is associated with wickedness, lawlessness, hate, sexual immorality and other destructive and disgraceful behaviors. When considering the perfection of God as described in 1 John 1:5 the fact that we learn that God is light, and that there is no darkness at all in Him, confirms to us the absolute moral perfection of God in all these ways.

Moses and the Psalmist summed the situation up well when writing,

“For I proclaim the name of the LORD; Ascribe greatness to our God! {4} “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 32:3-4)

For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with Thee. (Psalms 5:4)

Please continue to the next topic to learn more of what the Bible teaches about the world in which we live.