When we look at the world around us, we get glimpses of God’s creative nature and his incomprehensible immenseness. But God also reveals himself to us in Scripture. Through the reliable written Word of God we gain deep insights into God’s infinite characteristics, his relational heart, and his holy nature. Through Jesus, we get to see God with skin on.
Scripture tells us that God is eternal, possessing life without beginning or end (Isaiah 40:28). And God is all-powerful or omnipotent. If he wants to do something—anything—he can do it! God is also ever-present; his knowledge and power are without limit. Even better: God’s nature can be counted on to be immutable or unchanging. We can trust that he will be forever constant, firm, and secure. And because God is omniscient (Psalm 139:1), he knows everything about the past, present, and future (Isaiah 46: 9-10). That’s mind-blowing!
God is great. But he is also lovingly relational. Moses recorded in scripture that this eternal Creator is the “God who is passionate about his relationship with you” (Exodus 34:14). God created us not because he was lonely, but because he delights in relating to us; to showing us his goodness and grace via a personal relationship. God’s heart is compassionate, merciful, unfailing, faithful, caring, and just. His love is loyal and forever. The greatest expression of his love, of course, was in sending us Jesus to restore the relationship that was broken because of sin.
Where we humans fail to love perfectly, God does not. Because he is all good, all powerful, and all holy. God doesn’t just decide to be holy, he is holy. James 1:17 says, “Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our father.” All beauty, joy, and contentment are because of God and come from God. To begin to understand God, stand in awe of his pure goodness. As King Solomon said, “The fear of the Lord is the foundation of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
Question: Can you share an example of how good has shown you his relational heart or pure goodness?
Question: How has your knowledge of who God is helped you to navigate life?
Content adapted from Josh and Sean McDowell’s book, 77 FAQs about God and the Bible.
