The knowledge of God (Ps. 14:1) is universal, revealed through general and special revelations. General revelation is manifested through chronology (time), conscience, and creation. Everyone has a sense of obligation to some standard (conscience) and can observe God’s existence through His creation. Special revelation comes through the Lord Jesus Christ (the incarnate Word of God) and the Bible (the written Word of God). Salvation is only possible through trusting the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Bible serves as the only means to know about Him and God’s plan for man and for the ages.
The existence of God (Gen. 1:1) is evident through various proofs. The Intuitional Proof demonstrates that all people have an inherent sense of worship and religious nature. The Cosmological Proof argues that the world requires a cause. Teleological Proof shows the intricate design and purpose in creation. The Anthropological Proof highlights man’s intellectual, moral, and spiritual nature, implying a Creator with similar attributes. The Ontological Proof suggests that man’s idea of God must come from an existing Being. Congruity indicates that belief in a self-existent God harmonizes with our experiences. Ultimately, the Scriptural Proof affirms the revelation of God through the Bible, leading believers to a personal knowledge of Him. While other proofs may persuade, it is the Word of God that brings salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit.
The nature of God encompasses His character, being, essence, and quality. God is described as a Spirit (Jn. 4:24), meaning He is invisible and cannot be seen in His true form. He is Light (1 Jn. 1:5), symbolizing His ability to search out man’s intentions and knowledge. God is Love (1 Jn. 4:8), offering salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ to those in fellowship with Him. The world’s concept of love often distorts God’s true meaning of love. Finally, God is depicted as a Consuming Fire (Heb. 12:29), representing His judgment and authority. The Bible uses fire both literally and metaphorically to portray different aspects of God’s nature and attributes.
God, in His complete glory and holiness, has never been fully seen by any man. (Jn. 1:18) When God is said to be “seen” in the Bible, it is usually a partial or veiled view. (Exo. 33:11,20) The Lord Jesus Christ, being God manifested in the flesh, allowed men to see God in human form. (Jn. 1:14; 1 Tim. 3:16) However, before the incarnation, God appeared to man in various forms, including the Angel of the Lord and material manifestations like the burning bush (Exo. 3:4) and the pillar of cloud and fire (Exo. 13:21; 14:20). The Bible serves as the complete revelation of God and His will for humanity, and any claims of additional revelations contradict the finality of God’s Word. (Rev. 22:18)
The personality of God is evident through various indications in the Bible. As a person, God can have communion and be worshipped by man. The names, (Exo. 3:13,14) attributes, and acts of God reveal His personality. He grieves, (Gen. 6:6) “repents”, (1 Sam. 15:35,29) loves, (1 Jn. 4:9,10) hates, (Pr. 6:16) hears, sees, corrects, and knows (Ps. 94:9). God’s creation (Gen. 1:1), sustenance (Col. 1:15-17), care (Mt. 10:31), and promotion (Ps. 75:6,7) of His creation demonstrate His personality as a caring and involved being. The doctrine of the Trinity further emphasizes God’s personality, showing that God is One in unity and purpose but exists as three distinct persons in the Godhead: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. (Mt. 28:19) Understanding the Personality of God is essential for grasping the depth of His interactions with humanity.
The natural attributes of God are essential aspects of His divine nature. They reveal His unlimited power, knowledge, presence, wisdom, eternity, and immutability. God is omnipotent (Rev. 19:6), having power over all creation, including nature (Isa. 2:10-12), humans (Jas. 4:12-15), and angels (Dan. 4:35). He is omniscient (Isa. 46:8-13), knowing all things, past, present, and future. God is omnipresent (Ps. 139:7-12), being everywhere present but not present within everything [pantheism]; all are present to Him (1 Ki. 8:30). His omnisapience (Rom. 11:33) allows Him to discern and bring about His purpose throughout time. God is eternal (Ps. 102:24-27), having no beginning and no end. He is immutable (Mal. 3:6), never changing in His attributes and characteristics, unlike humans who are subject to change. These attributes collectively demonstrate the greatness and constancy of God’s nature.
The moral attributes of God highlight His holiness, righteousness, and justice. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are all holy, and His works and laws are also characterized by holiness. God hates both sins (Prov. 15:9) and sinners (Ps. 7:11) because of their wickedness, and His wrath abides on those who reject Jesus Christ. (Jn. 3:36) While God loves the sinner enough to send His Son to die for their sins, (Rom. 5:8) those who reject Christ have no claim to His love, and His wrath remains upon them.
Furthermore, God is absolutely righteous and just in everything He does. He loves righteousness, and His righteousness and justice are declared throughout the Scriptures (e.g. Hebrews 1:9; 6:10). God’s actions reflect His perfect righteousness and justice. (See Rom. 3)
– A summary by Biblestudent –