Who is God?

1. Summary of the Question

The question, “Who is God?” seeks to understand the nature, character, and identity of God from a biblical perspective. This foundational question shapes our understanding of everything else in life, from morality and purpose to how we relate to others and to God Himself. The Bible provides a rich and multifaceted answer to this question, revealing God as the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, and Sovereign Lord of all.

2. Context and Background

To explore who God is according to the Bible, it is important to consider the historical, cultural, and literary context in which the Bible was written. The biblical narrative spans thousands of years, written by different authors inspired by the Holy Spirit across various cultures and languages. Throughout these writings, God reveals Himself progressively, starting from creation to the calling of Israel, through the prophets, and ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ.

In the Old Testament, God is introduced as Yahweh (often translated as “LORD”), a name that denotes His eternal and self-existent nature. The Israelites understood God as both transcendent and immanent—transcendent in His holiness, power, and sovereignty over all creation, yet immanent in His personal relationship with His people. The New Testament further reveals God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit—three persons, yet one God, a concept known as the Trinity.

3. Biblical Foundation (NASB 2020)

Several key scriptures in the NASB 2020 translation reveal important aspects of God’s nature and character:

• Genesis 1:1 (NASB 2020): “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse establishes God as the Creator of everything that exists. God is eternal, uncreated, and sovereign over all creation, which reflects His power, wisdom, and authority.
• Exodus 34:6-7 (NASB 2020): “Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished….’” Here, God reveals Himself to Moses, emphasizing His attributes of mercy, grace, patience, love, and justice. God is both forgiving and holy, displaying His righteous nature.
• Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (NASB 2020): “Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” This passage affirms the oneness of God (monotheism) and calls for wholehearted devotion to Him.
• John 1:1, 14 (NASB 2020): “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. … And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” This passage identifies Jesus (the Word) as God incarnate, revealing God’s nature as both divine and personal, who came to dwell among humanity.
• 1 John 4:8 (NASB 2020): “The one who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse emphasizes that love is an essential attribute of God’s character, and to truly know God is to experience and embody His love.
• Revelation 1:8 (NASB 2020): “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” This verse speaks of God’s eternal nature, encompassing all time, and His almighty power over all creation.

These scriptures collectively reveal that God is the eternal, all-powerful Creator who is holy, loving, just, and relational. He is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, engaging with humanity in a personal and transformative way.

4. Addressing Other Perspectives

Different religions and philosophies present varying views of God:

1. Polytheism: Belief in multiple gods, each with different roles and powers. In contrast, the Bible presents God as one, sovereign Creator (Deuteronomy 6:4).
2. Pantheism: Belief that God is synonymous with the universe or nature. The Bible, however, distinguishes God from His creation, though He is actively involved in it (Genesis 1:1).
3. Deism: Belief that God created the world but remains uninvolved. The Bible reveals God as intimately involved with His creation, caring for humanity and acting in history (Psalm 139; John 1:14).
4. Atheism/Agnosticism: Denial or doubt of God’s existence. The Bible states that God’s existence is evident through creation and moral conscience (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1).

The biblical perspective presents a unique understanding of God that integrates His transcendence and immanence, His holiness and love, and His sovereignty and relational nature.

5. Clarifying Misunderstandings

A common misconception is that God is distant, impersonal, or uninterested in human affairs. However, the Bible portrays God as deeply involved in His creation, seeking a personal relationship with humanity through love, grace, and redemption (John 3:16).

Another misunderstanding is the idea that God’s attributes of love and justice are contradictory. In reality, the Bible shows that God’s love and justice are perfectly balanced. His love is displayed in His desire to save humanity, while His justice is seen in His righteous standards and the need for sin to be addressed. Both are reconciled through the work of Jesus Christ on the cross (Romans 3:26).

6. Practical Application and Relevance

Understanding who God is has profound implications for Christian living:

• Worship and Devotion: Knowing God as the Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer inspires a life of worship, devotion, and reverence. Christians are called to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Deuteronomy 6:5).
• Reflect God’s Character: Believers are to reflect God’s character in their lives by loving what He loves and hating what He hates. This includes pursuing holiness, justice, mercy, and love (Micah 6:8; 1 John 4:7-8).
• Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Understanding God as sovereign over all creation provides comfort and confidence in His control, even in times of uncertainty and difficulty (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Practical reflections for Christians include:

• Seek God Daily: Through prayer, Scripture reading, and fellowship, continually seek to know God more deeply and align your life with His will.
• Embody God’s Love: Demonstrate God’s love through acts of kindness, compassion, and justice, being a light to the world.
• Grow in Faith and Obedience: Trust in God’s promises and strive to live in obedience to His Word, reflecting His holiness and righteousness.

7. Encouragement and Conclusion

The Bible presents a comprehensive and profound answer to the question, “Who is God?” revealing Him as the eternal Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, full of love, justice, holiness, and grace. Understanding who God is calls for a response of love, faith, and devotion, encouraging believers to live in a way that honors Him. As we grow in our knowledge of God, we are drawn closer to His heart, learning to love what He loves and reject what He hates, walking in faithfulness, and experiencing His transformative power in our lives.