Difference between revisions of "God"

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[[God the creator (Bible verses)]]
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{{quote | text={{Bible verse|Genesis|1|1|lang=WEB}}  [[Genesis 1:1]]}}
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{{Infobox_Contents |
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  topic_name = God |
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  subtopics = [[Character of God]] - [[God is the creator]], [[God is love]], [[God is holy]], [[God is forgiving]]
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* [[Trinity]] - [[God the Father]], [[Jesus Christ]], [[Holy Spirit]]
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* [[Names of God]] |
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  opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
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* {{ebd}}
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}}
  
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[[God the Father (Bible verses)]]
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God is the central being of all existence. He is eternal, without beginning and without end ([[Psalm 90:2]]; [[Revelation 1:8]]). All things that exist owe their existence to Him, and nothing that exists can exist apart from His sustaining power. The very first chapter of the Bible begins not with an argument for God’s existence but with a simple, majestic declaration: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” ([[Genesis 1:1]]). From the very opening verses, Scripture presents God as the eternal, personal, powerful Creator who speaks the universe into existence and forms humankind in His own image ([[Genesis 1:26]]–[[Genesis 1:27|27]]).
  
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The Bible also reveals God’s character to be full of mercy, compassion, justice, holiness, and steadfast love ([[Exodus 34:6]]–[[Exodus 34:7|7]]; [[Psalm 103]]:8–14). The apostle John states plainly that “God is love” ([[1 John 4:8]]), and this love is demonstrated not abstractly but personally through His actions in history—most clearly in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world ([[John 3:16]]; [[Romans 5:8]]).
  
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Millions of people across the world and throughout history have trusted in this God as their Lord, Master, and Saviour. He is not a distant or impersonal force but a personal being who reveals Himself, who invites people into relationship with Him, and who comes into anyone’s life when that person acknowledges Him, turns from sin, and places their trust in Him ([[Acts 3:19]]; [[James 4:8]]).
  
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Christian faith affirms that this one God eternally exists as Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. These three are distinct in personhood, equal in divinity, united in essence, and harmonious in their work. Though this truth surpasses our full comprehension, it is the consistent witness of Scripture and the foundation of Christian belief.
  
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:''This article focuses on the concept of singular, monotheistic '''God'''. See  [[deity]], [[gods]], or [[goddesses]] for details on [[divine]] entities in specific [[Cults and other religions|religions]] and [[mythology|mythologies]].''
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== Names and Titles for God ==
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In Scripture, names reveal character and relationship. The names God reveals about Himself show His eternal nature, His covenant love, His power, and His nearness to His people.
  
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'''God''' is a term referring to the concept of a supreme being, generally believed to be ruler or [[Creator God|creator]] of, and/or [[immanent]] within, the [[universe]]. The concept of a singular God is characteristic of [[monotheism]], but it is not always possible to draw a sharp distinction between some forms of monotheism and some forms of [[polytheism]] (see also [[henotheism]]).
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The Hebrew of the Old Testament uses several key words to describe God.
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* Elohim is used over 2,500 times and is the dominant Old Testament word for God. Its plural form, paired with singular usage, has intrigued generations of Christian readers, as it echoes God’s unity and yet allows space for Trinitarian revelation.
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* El - Singular terms meaning “Mighty One” or “God,” emphasising His strength and sovereigny
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* Yahweh - The covenant name, revealing God as personal, faithful, and present with His people
  
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Some concepts of God may include [[anthropomorphic]] attributes, while others hold it impossible or [[blasphemy|blasphemous]] to imagine God in any physical form. Some hold that God is necessarily [[morality|morally]] good (see [[summum bonum]]). Others feel that God is beyond the understanding of human morality. [[Negative theology]] argues that no true statements about attributes of God may be made at all, and some hold God to be beyond the understanding of humanity altogether. Some mystical traditions ascribe limits to God's powers, arguing that God's supreme nature leaves no room for spontaneity.
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The words for “God” in the Greek include:
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* Theos (Θεός) which refers to the true God and is applied to both the Father and, strikingly, to Jesus Christ, for example [[John 1:1]], [[John 20:28]] and [[Titus 2:13]]
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* Kyrios (Lord), which, in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) translates the divine name Yahweh. Thus, when the New Testament calls Jesus Kyrios, it identifies Him with the LORD of Israel ([[Philippians 2:11]]).
  
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A singular God is necessarily unique (but see [[Trinity]], [[Dualism]]). Still, different traditions and understandings of the concept may cause disagreement among believers regarding the God revered by others. Belief in a single God may give rise to concepts of [[absolute morality]], and also to a claim of exclusivity (see [[Chosen people]]).
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=== Yahweh (The LORD) ===
  
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Some espouse an exclusionist view, seeing the God venerated by others with different beliefs as inferior or nonexistent. Others hold an inclusionist view, assuming the God venerated by others to be the same God under a different name. Many people hold personal, sometimes even [[secular]] interpretations of God, typically in agreement with a concept of an "[[Absolute Infinite]]".  
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The most central name of God in the Old Testament is Yahweh (or YHWH), often written as LORD in small capitals. God revealed this name to Moses:
  
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== Etymology ==
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“I AM WHO I AM.” — [[Exodus 3:14]]
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Earliest attestation of the Germanic word in the [[6th century]] [[Codex Argenteus]] ([[Gospel of Matthew|Mt]] 5:9)]]
 
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The word ''God'' continues [[Old English]]/[[Germanic languages|Germanic]] ''god'' (''guþ, gudis'' in [[Gothic]], ''Gott'' in modern [[German language|German]]). The original meaning and [[etymology]] of the Germanic word ''god'' have been hotly disputed, though most agree to a reconstructed [[Proto-Indo-European]] form ''*ǵhutóm'', which is a passive perfect participle from the root ''*ǵhu-'', which likely meant "[[libation]]", "[[sacrifice]]". Compare:-
 
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* [[Vedic]] [[Sanskrit]] ''hu-'' = "to sacrifice".
 
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* [[Greek]] ''khu-'', ''kheu-'' = "to pour".
 
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* Common [[Germanic]] strong verb ''geutan'' ([[Anglo-Saxon]] ''gēotan'') = "to pour", English ''[[ingot|in-got]]''.
 
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<br>The connection between these meanings is likely via the meaning "pour a [[libation]]".
 
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<br>Another possible meaning of ''*&#501;hutóm'' is "invocation", related to [[Sanskrit]] ''h&#363;ta''.
 
  
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The word ''God'' was used to represent Greek ''theos'', Latin ''deus'' in Bible translations, first in the Gothic translation of the New Testament by [[Ulfilas]].
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This declares God’s eternal, self-existent nature. He depends on no one, yet all creation depends on Him. Yahweh appears more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament.
  
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Also some people in the world, mainly Hindu, believe that the word God, is actually an acronym(G.O.D.).  The acronym stands for Generator, Observer/Operator, Destroyer.  This belief although rare, is held quite dearly by some people.
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Some significant titles attached to Yahweh include:
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* Yahweh-Jireh — The LORD will provide ([[Genesis 22:14]])
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* Yahweh-Rapha — The LORD who heals ([[Exodus 15:26]])
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* Yahweh-Rohi — The LORD is my shepherd ([[Psalm 23:1]])
  
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===Capitalisation===
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=== Adonai ===
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[[KJV]] of [[1611]] ([[Psalms]] 23:1,2): Occurrence of "<font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font>" (and "God" in the heading)]]
 
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The development of English orthography was dominated by [[Christianity|Christian]] texts. Capitalised "God" was first used to refer to the Judeo-Christian concept, and may now signify any monotheistic conception of God, including the translation of the [[Arabic language|Arabic]] ''[[Allah]]''.
 
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In early English bibles, the [[Tetragrammaton]] was rendered in capitals: "IEHOUAH" in [[William Tyndale]]'s version of [[1525]]. The [[KJV|King James Version]] of [[1611]] renders
 
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*''[[YHWH]]'' as "The <font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font>"
 
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*''[[Elohim]]'' as "God"
 
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*''Adonay YHWH'' and ''Adonay Elohim'' as "<font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font> God"
 
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*''kurios ho theos''  as "<font style="font-variant:small-caps">Lord</font> God"  (in the [[New Testament]])
 
  
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The use of capitalisation, like for a proper noun, has persisted, to disambiguate the concept of a singular ''God'' from [[pagan]] deities, or, in the Christian view, false [[idol]]s, for which lowercase ''god'' was continued to be applied, mirroring the use of Latin ''deus''. Pronouns referring to God are also often capitalised, and traditionally in the masculine [[gender (grammar)|gender]], i. e. "He", "His" etc.
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Meaning “Lord” or “Master,” this title expresses God’s authority and the reverent obedience His people owe Him (Psalm 8:1).
  
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== Names of God ==
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=== Elohim ===
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''See main article'': [[Names of God]].
 
  
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The generic term ''God'' is the proper English name used for the deity of [[Monotheism|monotheistic]] faiths. Different names for God exist within different religious traditions.  
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The most common Hebrew word for God, used in [[Genesis 1:1]]. Though plural in form, it is used with singular verbs when referring to the true God, hinting at rich complexity within God’s unity.
  
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* [[Allah]]&mdash;[[Islam]]/[[Arabic language|Arabic]]. See also the [[Ninety-nine names of Allah]]
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Note that the word elohim does not always to God, but can also be used to refer to any beings existing within the spiritual realm.
  
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* [[Jehovah]], [[Yahweh]] (based on the Hebrew name ''YHVH'' (&#1497;&#1492;&#1493;&#1492;) and [[Elohim]] are some of the names used for God in the Christian [[Bible]]
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Some significant titles attached to El (the singular of Elohim) include:
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* El Shaddai — God Almighty ([[Genesis 17:1]])
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* El Elyon — God Most High ([[Genesis 14:18]])
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* El Olam — Everlasting God ([[Genesis 21:33]])
  
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* See [[The name of God in Judaism]] for Jewish names of God.  (Note: when written or typed as a proper noun, some observant Jews will use the form "G-d" so that "the written name of God cannot be desecrated". Some Orthodox Jews consider this inappropriate because English is not the Holy Language.)
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=== Descriptors and Titles for God ===
  
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* The [[Trinity|Holy Trinity]] (meaning The Father, the Son ([[Jesus]] [[Christ]]), and the [[Holy Spirit]]/"[[Holy Ghost]]") - A name used primarily in [[Catholicism|Catholic]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] prayers and liturgy.  
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Titles express what God is like and how He relates to His people.
  
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* Most [[Hindu]]s worship the personal form of God or [[Saguna Brahman]], or [[Hindu trinity]], as [[Vishnu]], [[Shiva]], or directly as [[Brahman]] through the [[Gayatri mantra]]. A common prayer for Hindus is the [[Vishnu sahasranama]], which is a hymn describing the one thousand names of God.
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Some key biblical titles include:
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* Creator (Isaiah 40:28; Colossians 1:16)
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* King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15)
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* Redeemer (Isaiah 43:14)
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* Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25)
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* Father (Matthew 6:9; Romans 8:15)
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* Shepherd (Psalm 23:1; John 10:11)
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* Rock (Psalm 18:2)
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* Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)
  
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* [[Sikhs]] worship God with the name [[Waheguru]].
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== The Character and Nature of God ==
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God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), loving (1 John 4:8–10), just (Psalm 9:7–8), merciful (Exodus 34:6), sovereign (Psalm 115:3), all-knowing (Psalm 147:5), all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17), ever-present (Psalm 139:7–10), and faithful (Lamentations 3:22–23).
  
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*[[Jah]] is the name of God in [[Rastafarianism]].
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God is completely holy and without any evil, yet at the same time forgiving, merciful, and full of love. His character is perfectly harmonious. His justice does not undermine His mercy. His holiness does not suppress His compassion.
  
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* Some churches ([[United Church of Canada]], [[Religious Science]]) are using "the One" alongside "God" as a more gender-neutral way of referring to God (See also [[Oneness]]).
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=== God Is One ===
  
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==History of monotheism==
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The foundational confession of biblical faith is:
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''See also [[monotheism]].''
 
  
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The religions widely thought of as monotheistic today are of relatively recent origin historically, although Eastern religions (notably religions of [[China]] and [[India]]) that have concepts of [[panentheism]] are difficult to classify along [[Western world|Western]] notions of monotheism vs. polytheism, and sometimes have claims of being very ancient, if not eternal.
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“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4
  
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In the [[Ancient Orient]], many cities had their own local god, but this [[henotheistic]] worship of a single god did not imply denial of the existence of other gods. The [[Hebrew]] [[Ark of the Covenant]] adapted this practice to a [[nomad]]ic lifestyle, paving their way for a singular God. The cult of the solar god [[Aten]] is often cited as the earliest known example of monotheism, but even if [[Akhetaten]]'s [[Great Hymn to the Aten|hymn to Aten]] praises this god as omnipotent creator, worship of other gods beside him never ceased. Early examples of monotheism also include two late [[rigveda|rigvedic]] hymns (10.129,130) to a [[Panentheistic]] [[creator god]], [[Shri Rudram]], a [[Vedic]] hymn to [[Rudra]], an earlier aspect of [[Shiva]], which expressed [[monistic theism]], and is still chanted today, the [[Zoroastrian]] [[Ahuramazda]] and [[China|Chinese]] [[Shang Ti]]. The worship of polytheistic gods, on the other hand, is seen by many to predate monotheism, reaching back as far as the [[paleolithic]]. Today, monotheistic religions are dominant (mainly due to the missionary efforts of [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]), but polytheism, and to a lesser extent also [[animism]], survive.
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The New Testament echoes this:
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* “There is one God” (1 Timothy 2:5)
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* “God is one” (James 2:19)
  
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==The existence of God ==
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This unity means Christians do not worship three gods, but one God who eternally exists as three persons.
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''See also  [[arguments for the existence of God|arguments for]] and [[arguments against the existence of God|arguments against]] the existence of God.''
 
  
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===Arguments for God===
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=== The Trinity ===
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Arguments for or against the existence of God date back to classical times.
 
  
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*'''[[Ontological argument]]s''' argue God exists by necessity or definition - that God's existence can be determined from consideration of his, her, or its nature alone.  
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The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God is one in essence and three in persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although impossible to fully grasp, Scripture clearly teaches that:
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# There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)
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# The Father is God (John 6:27)
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# The Son is God (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9)
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# The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3–4)
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# The three persons work together harmoniously (Matthew 3:16–17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)
  
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*'''[[Cosmological argument]]s''' contend that the existence of the universe is contingent upon the existence of God.
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==== God the Father ====
  
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*'''[[Teleological argument]]s''' argue that the structure of aspects of the [[Cosmos]], such that the high level of complexity seen in the universe or the apparent fine-tuning of physical constants, require a divine designer.  
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God the Father is the eternal Father of the Son and the source of all things (1 Corinthians 8:6). He is Creator, sustainer, and sovereign Lord over all. He adopts believers into His family through Christ (Romans 8:14–17) and cares for them with fatherly compassion (Psalm 103:13).
  
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*'''[[Argument from morality|Arguments from morality]]''' contend that the existence of 'good' and 'evil' imply the existence of God.  
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He sends the Son (John 3:16), sends the Spirit (John 14:26), and governs all things with perfect wisdom.
  
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A more comprehensive list of such arguments can be found in [[Arguments for the existence of God]].
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==== God the Son - Jesus Christ ====
  
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===Arguments against God===
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Jesus is fully God and fully human. He is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14) (the incarnation), the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3), and the Saviour of the world through his atoning death on the cross (1 Peter 3:18) and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He reveals the Father perfectly (John 14:9) and brings salvation to all who repent and believe.
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Alternately, there are a variety of [[arguments against the existence of God]].  
 
  
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*The '''[[problem of evil]]''' argues that gratuitous suffering is inconsistent with an [[Omnipotence|omnipotent]] but [[Benevolence|benevolent]] God.
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==== God the Holy Spirit ====
  
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*The '''[[Argument from Inconsistent Revelations|argument from inconsistent revelations]]''' argues the diversity of different religious beliefs makes the 'truth' of any particular viewpoint on God highly improbable.  
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The Holy Spirit is fully God and personally active in creation, redemption, and the life of the believer. He convicts us of our sin (John 16:8), gives new birth (John 3:5–8), indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22–23), empowering us for witness (Acts 1:8) and distributes gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). He is the presence of God in and among His people.
  
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*'''[[Incompatible-properties arguments]]''' contend that many of the properties often assigned to God are logically inconsistent with each other.
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== God as Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer ==
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God created all things (Genesis 1–2), and He continues to sustain them (Colossians 1:17). Not even a sparrow falls apart from His will (Matthew 10:29). All nature declares His glory (Psalm 19:1).
  
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*Some [[atheist]]ic arguments follow a '''[[burden of proof]]''' line of reasoning, claiming that the existence of a God is an extraordinary claim that should be rejected until proven otherwise by a preponderance of empirical evidence.
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God rescues His people - delivering Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14), restoring exiles (Nehemiah 9), forgiving sin through sacrifice (Leviticus 16), and ultimately redeeming the world through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7).
  
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===Fideism===
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Human beings are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27) and designed for fellowship with Him. Sin breaks that fellowship (Romans 3:23), yet God continually calls people back to Himself. He is ready to forgive and transform those who repent (Acts 3:19; Isaiah 55:6–7).
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[[Fideism]] maintains that all attempted proofs and disproofs of God's existence are misguided, as belief in God must depend on [[faith]] rather than any rational arguments or proofs. This argument makes the existence of God a spiritual "question" as opposed to an intellectual one. Fideists often quote [[scripture]] as support for their claim, such as [[wikisource:Bible, English, King James, Hebrews#Chapter 11|Hebrews 11:6]].
 
  
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==Theology==
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==Quotes==
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[[Theology]] is the study of religious beliefs. Theologians attempt to explicate (and in some cases systematize) beliefs; some express their own experience of the divine. Theologians ask questions such as: What is the nature of God? What does it mean for God to be singular? If people believe in God as a duality or trinity, what do these terms signify?  Is God [[transcendent]], [[immanent]], or some mix of the two? What is the relationship between God and the universe, and God and mankind?
 
  
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* [[Theism]] holds that God is both [[transcendent]] and [[immanent]]; thus, God is simultaneously infinite and in some way present in the affairs of the world. Catholic theology holds that God is [[divine simplicity|infinitely simple]] and is [[eternity|outside of time]].  Most theists hold that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and benevolent, although this belief raises questions about God's responsibility for evil and suffering in the world.  Some theists ascribe to God a self-conscious or purposeful limiting of omnipotence, omniscience, or benevolence.  [[Open Theism]], by contrast, asserts that God has limits.  A few people use the word "monotheism" to refer to the belief in God and use "theism" to refer to any belief in gods, i.e., monotheism or polytheism.  
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Sri Aurobindo, in ''Thoughts and Aphorisms''
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: A God who cannot smile could not have created this humorous universe.
  
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* [[Deism]] holds that God is wholly transcendent: God exists, but does not intervene in the world beyond what was necessary for God to create it. In this view, God is not [[anthropomorphic]], and does not literally answer prayers or cause [[miracle]]s to occur.
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Robertson Davies in ''Conversations''
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: A man who recognizes no God is probably placing an inordinate value on himself.  
  
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* [[Monotheism]] holds that there is only one God, and/or that the one true God is worshipped in different religions under different names. It is important to note, however, that monotheists of one religion can, and often do, consider the monotheistic god of a different religion to be a false god. For instance, many Christian fundamentalists consider the God of Islam ([[Allah]]) to be a false god or [[demon]] (although theologians and linguists argue that "Allah" is merely the Arabic word for "God," and not the literal name of a specifically Muslim god). Many Jews consider the [[messiah]] of Christianity ([[Jesus]]) to be a false god and some monotheists (notably fundamentalist Christians) hold that there is one [[triune]] God, and that all gods of other religions are actually demons in disguise (as in [http://wikisource.org/wiki/Bible%2C_English%2C_King_James%2C_2_Corinthians#Chapter_11 2nd Corinthians 11] verse 14). Eastern religious believers and [[Liberal Christian]]s are more likely to assume those of other faiths worship the same God as they.
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Albert Einstein
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: Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish
  
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* [[Pantheism]] holds that God is the universe and the universe is God. [[Panentheism]] holds that God contains, but is not identical to, the Universe. The distinctions between the two are subtle, and many consider them unhelpful. [[Kabbalah]], Jewish mysticism, paints a [[pantheistic]]/[[panentheism|panentheistic]] view of God, which has wide acceptance in [[Hasidic Judaism]], particularly from their founder [[Israel ben Eliezer|The Baal Shem Tov]]. It is also the view of the [[Liberal Catholic Church]], [[Theosophy]], [[Cosmotheism]], [[Hinduism]], some divisions of [[Buddhism]], and [[Taoism]], along with many varying denomintions and individuals within denominations.  
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Benjamin Franklin
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: God heals, and the doctor takes the fee.  
  
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* [[Dystheism]] is a form of theism which holds that God is malevolent as a consequence of the [[problem of evil]]. Dystheistic speculation is common in theology, but there is no known church of practicing dystheists. See also [[Satanism]].
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[[C.S. Lewis]]
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: God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
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: God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love.
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: If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will...then we may take it it is worth paying.  
  
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Most believers allow for the existence of other, less powerful spiritual beings, and give them names such as [[angel]]s, [[saint]]s, [[Djinn]], [[demon]]s, and [[devas]].
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Galileo Galilei (1564 ~ 1642)
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==== Biblical definition of God ====
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: I do not think it is necessary to believe that the same God who has given us our senses, reason, and intelligence wished us to abandon their use, giving us by some other means the information that we could gain through them.  
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[[16th century]] Christian view of [[Genesis]]: God creates [[Adam]] ([[Michelangelo]], [[Sistine Chapel]])]]
 
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The [[Hebrew Bible]] ([[Old Testament]]) characterizes God by these attributes: "The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." (Exodus 34:6&ndash;7)
 
  
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The Hebrew Bible contains no systematic theology: No attempt is made to give a [[Philosophy|philosophical]] or rigorous definition of God, nor of how God acts in the world.  It does not explicitly describe God's nature, exemplified by God's assertion in [[Exodus]] that "you cannot see my face; for man shall not see me and live".  Nowhere in the Hebrew Bible are the words [[omnipotent]], [[omniscient]], or [[omnibenevolent]] used to define God in a systematic sense.
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Yiddish proverb,
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: If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.
  
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Although scripture does not describe God systematically, however, it does provide a poetic depiction of God and His relationship with people.  According to the biblical historian [[Yehezkal Kaufmann]], the essential innovation of Biblical theology was to posit a God that cares about people, and that cares about whether people care about Him.  Most people believe that the Bible should be viewed as humanity's view of God, but theologian [[Abraham Joshua Heschel]] described the Biblical God as "anthropopathic", which means that one should read the Bible as God's view of humanity, and not as humanity's view of God.
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J.R.R. Tolkien
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: If you do not believe in a personal God the question: `What is the purpose of life?' is unaskable and unanswerable.
  
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Similarly, the [[New Testament]] contains no systematic theology: no attempt is made to give a philosophical or rigorous definition of God, nor of how God acts in the world. The New Testament does, however, provide an implicit theology as it teaches that God became human while remaining fully God, in the person of [[Jesus]], and that he subsequently sent the [[Holy Spirit]]. In this view, God becomes someone that can be seen and touched, and may speak and act in a manner easily perceived by humans, while also remaining transcendent and invisible. This appears to be a radical departure from the concepts of God found in Hebrew Bible. The New Testament's statements regarding the nature of God were eventually developed into the doctrine of the [[Trinity]].
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Thomas Jefferson
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: It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.  
  
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==Conceptions of God ==
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Immanuel Kant
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: Reason can never prove the existence of God.
  
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===Jewish, Christian and Muslim conceptions===
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Emily Dickinson
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[[Judaism]], [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]] see God as a being who created the world and rules over the universe. God is usually held to have the properties of [[holiness]] (separate from sin and incorruptible), [[Justice|justness]] (fair, right, and true in all His judgements),  [[sovereignty]] (unthwartable in His will), [[omnipotence]] (all-powerful), [[omniscience]] (all-knowing), [[omnibenevolence]] (all-loving), and [[omnipresence]] (all-present).
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: They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.  
  
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Jews, Christians and Muslims often conceive of God as a ''personal'' God, with a will and personality. However, many medieval [[rationalist]] philosophers of these religions felt that one should not view God as personal, and that such personal descriptions of God are only meant as [[metaphor]]s. Some within these three faiths still accept these views as valid, although many of the [[laity]] today do not have a wide awareness of them.
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Catherine Doherty
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: With God, every moment is the moment of beginning again.  
  
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In [[Eastern Christianity]], it remains essential that God be personal; hence it speaks of the three ''persons'' of the [[Trinity]]. It also emphasizes that God has a will, and that God the Son has two wills, divine and human, though these are never in conflict. The personhood of God and of all human people is essential to the concept of [[theosis]] or deification.
+
Unknown source
 +
: You can live without God, but you better not die without him.  
  
 +
[[Romans 5]]:7-8
 +
: {{Bible verse|Romans|5|7|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|Romans|5|8|lang=WEB}}
  
−
== References ==
+
[[1 John 4:16]]
−
* [[Karen Armstrong]], <cite>A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam</cite>, Ballantine Books, 1994
+
: God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.  
−
* [[Jack Miles]], <cite>God : A Biography</cite>, Knopf, 1995. [http://www.jackmiles.com/default.asp?ID=15]
 
−
* [[Cliff Pickover]], <cite>The Paradox of God and the Science of Omniscience</cite>, Palgrave/St Martin's Press, 2001.
 
  
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==See also==
+
[[1 John 1:5]]
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*[[Arguments against the existence of God]]
+
: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.
−
*[[Arguments for the existence of God]]
 
−
*[[Consciousness]]
 
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*[[God and gender]]
 
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*[[God realm]]
 
−
*[[Major world religions]]
 
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*[[Natural theology]]
 
−
*[[Higgs boson|The Higgs boson, ''the God particle'']]
 
  
−
== External links==
+
[[Exodus 3:14]] (King James Version)
−
*[http://www.idsia.ch/~juergen/computeruniverse.html God as a 'Great Programmer']
+
: God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
−
*[http://www.logon.org/english/S/p220.html The Etymology of the Name of God]
 
−
*[http://www.freewebs.com/thegodparticle/ ''The God Particle'' by Joel Schlecht]
 
−
*[http://swami-center.org/en/chpt/heart/page_7.shtml What Is God]
 
−
*[http://www.AllAboutGOD.com/does-God-exist.htm Does God Exist?]
 
−
*[http://www.gotquestions.org/Does-God-exist.html Does God exist?]
 
−
*[http://www.AllAboutGOD.com/who-is-God.htm Who is God?]
 
−
*[http://sultan.org/articles/god.html God Concept in Islam]
 
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*[http://www.spiritual-happiness.com/spirituality.html Spirituality For Dummies]
 
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*[http://freethought.freeservers.com/reason/rationalview.html Arguments against  God, an atheistic perspective]
 
−
*[http://www.gotquestions.org/What-is-God-like.html What are the attributes of God?]
 
−
* [http://www.AllAboutGod.com/God-o.htm God] A Christian Perspective.
 
−
* [http://www.AllAboutPhilosophy.org/God-n.htm God ] A Christian Perspective.
 
  
−
Modified after wikipedias article on God licenced under GNU FDL.
+
[[Isaiah 45]]:5-7 (King James Version)
 +
: I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.
 +
 
 +
Spike Milligan
 +
: And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light, but the Electricity Board said he would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.
 +
 
 +
Woody Allen
 +
: If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank.
 +
: How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter?
 +
 
 +
==Links==
 +
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God Wikipedia - God]
 +
* [http://www.theopedia.com/God Theopedia - God]
 +
 
 +
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]]
 +
[[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]]
 +
[[Category:Trinity]]

Latest revision as of 02:18, 18 October 2026

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1
God
RELATED TOPICS
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS
CONTENTS

God is the central being of all existence. He is eternal, without beginning and without end (Psalm 90:2; Revelation 1:8). All things that exist owe their existence to Him, and nothing that exists can exist apart from His sustaining power. The very first chapter of the Bible begins not with an argument for God’s existence but with a simple, majestic declaration: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). From the very opening verses, Scripture presents God as the eternal, personal, powerful Creator who speaks the universe into existence and forms humankind in His own image (Genesis 1:26–27).

The Bible also reveals God’s character to be full of mercy, compassion, justice, holiness, and steadfast love (Exodus 34:6–7; Psalm 103:8–14). The apostle John states plainly that “God is love” (1 John 4:8), and this love is demonstrated not abstractly but personally through His actions in history—most clearly in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of the world (John 3:16; Romans 5:8).

Millions of people across the world and throughout history have trusted in this God as their Lord, Master, and Saviour. He is not a distant or impersonal force but a personal being who reveals Himself, who invites people into relationship with Him, and who comes into anyone’s life when that person acknowledges Him, turns from sin, and places their trust in Him (Acts 3:19; James 4:8).

Christian faith affirms that this one God eternally exists as Trinity: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. These three are distinct in personhood, equal in divinity, united in essence, and harmonious in their work. Though this truth surpasses our full comprehension, it is the consistent witness of Scripture and the foundation of Christian belief.

Names and Titles for God

In Scripture, names reveal character and relationship. The names God reveals about Himself show His eternal nature, His covenant love, His power, and His nearness to His people.

The Hebrew of the Old Testament uses several key words to describe God.

  • Elohim is used over 2,500 times and is the dominant Old Testament word for God. Its plural form, paired with singular usage, has intrigued generations of Christian readers, as it echoes God’s unity and yet allows space for Trinitarian revelation.
  • El - Singular terms meaning “Mighty One” or “God,” emphasising His strength and sovereigny
  • Yahweh - The covenant name, revealing God as personal, faithful, and present with His people

The words for “God” in the Greek include:

  • Theos (Θεός) which refers to the true God and is applied to both the Father and, strikingly, to Jesus Christ, for example John 1:1, John 20:28 and Titus 2:13
  • Kyrios (Lord), which, in the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint) translates the divine name Yahweh. Thus, when the New Testament calls Jesus Kyrios, it identifies Him with the LORD of Israel (Philippians 2:11).

Yahweh (The LORD)

The most central name of God in the Old Testament is Yahweh (or YHWH), often written as LORD in small capitals. God revealed this name to Moses:

“I AM WHO I AM.” — Exodus 3:14

This declares God’s eternal, self-existent nature. He depends on no one, yet all creation depends on Him. Yahweh appears more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament.

Some significant titles attached to Yahweh include:

Adonai

Meaning “Lord” or “Master,” this title expresses God’s authority and the reverent obedience His people owe Him (Psalm 8:1).

Elohim

The most common Hebrew word for God, used in Genesis 1:1. Though plural in form, it is used with singular verbs when referring to the true God, hinting at rich complexity within God’s unity.

Note that the word elohim does not always to God, but can also be used to refer to any beings existing within the spiritual realm.

Some significant titles attached to El (the singular of Elohim) include:

Descriptors and Titles for God

Titles express what God is like and how He relates to His people.

Some key biblical titles include:

  • Creator (Isaiah 40:28; Colossians 1:16)
  • King of Kings (1 Timothy 6:15)
  • Redeemer (Isaiah 43:14)
  • Judge of all the earth (Genesis 18:25)
  • Father (Matthew 6:9; Romans 8:15)
  • Shepherd (Psalm 23:1; John 10:11)
  • Rock (Psalm 18:2)
  • Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8)

The Character and Nature of God

God is holy (Isaiah 6:3), loving (1 John 4:8–10), just (Psalm 9:7–8), merciful (Exodus 34:6), sovereign (Psalm 115:3), all-knowing (Psalm 147:5), all-powerful (Jeremiah 32:17), ever-present (Psalm 139:7–10), and faithful (Lamentations 3:22–23).

God is completely holy and without any evil, yet at the same time forgiving, merciful, and full of love. His character is perfectly harmonious. His justice does not undermine His mercy. His holiness does not suppress His compassion.

God Is One

The foundational confession of biblical faith is:

“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4

The New Testament echoes this:

  • “There is one God” (1 Timothy 2:5)
  • “God is one” (James 2:19)

This unity means Christians do not worship three gods, but one God who eternally exists as three persons.

The Trinity

The Trinity is the Christian doctrine that God is one in essence and three in persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Although impossible to fully grasp, Scripture clearly teaches that:

  1. There is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4)
  2. The Father is God (John 6:27)
  3. The Son is God (John 1:1; Colossians 2:9)
  4. The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3–4)
  5. The three persons work together harmoniously (Matthew 3:16–17; 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14)

God the Father

God the Father is the eternal Father of the Son and the source of all things (1 Corinthians 8:6). He is Creator, sustainer, and sovereign Lord over all. He adopts believers into His family through Christ (Romans 8:14–17) and cares for them with fatherly compassion (Psalm 103:13).

He sends the Son (John 3:16), sends the Spirit (John 14:26), and governs all things with perfect wisdom.

God the Son - Jesus Christ

Jesus is fully God and fully human. He is the eternal Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14) (the incarnation), the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3), and the Saviour of the world through his atoning death on the cross (1 Peter 3:18) and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). He reveals the Father perfectly (John 14:9) and brings salvation to all who repent and believe.

God the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is fully God and personally active in creation, redemption, and the life of the believer. He convicts us of our sin (John 16:8), gives new birth (John 3:5–8), indwells believers (1 Corinthians 6:19), produces spiritual fruit (Galatians 5:22–23), empowering us for witness (Acts 1:8) and distributes gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4–11). He is the presence of God in and among His people.

God as Creator, Sustainer and Redeemer

God created all things (Genesis 1–2), and He continues to sustain them (Colossians 1:17). Not even a sparrow falls apart from His will (Matthew 10:29). All nature declares His glory (Psalm 19:1).

God rescues His people - delivering Israel from Egypt (Exodus 14), restoring exiles (Nehemiah 9), forgiving sin through sacrifice (Leviticus 16), and ultimately redeeming the world through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:7).

Human beings are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26–27) and designed for fellowship with Him. Sin breaks that fellowship (Romans 3:23), yet God continually calls people back to Himself. He is ready to forgive and transform those who repent (Acts 3:19; Isaiah 55:6–7).

Quotes

Sri Aurobindo, in Thoughts and Aphorisms

A God who cannot smile could not have created this humorous universe.

Robertson Davies in Conversations

A man who recognizes no God is probably placing an inordinate value on himself.

Albert Einstein

Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish

Benjamin Franklin

God heals, and the doctor takes the fee.

C.S. Lewis

God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pains: it is His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.
God will look to every soul like its first love because He is its first love.
If God thinks this state of war in the universe a price worth paying for free will...then we may take it it is worth paying.

Galileo Galilei (1564 ~ 1642)

I do not think it is necessary to believe that the same God who has given us our senses, reason, and intelligence wished us to abandon their use, giving us by some other means the information that we could gain through them.

Yiddish proverb,

If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.

J.R.R. Tolkien

If you do not believe in a personal God the question: `What is the purpose of life?' is unaskable and unanswerable.

Thomas Jefferson

It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no god. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg.

Immanuel Kant

Reason can never prove the existence of God.

Emily Dickinson

They say that God is everywhere, and yet we always think of Him as somewhat of a recluse.

Catherine Doherty

With God, every moment is the moment of beginning again.

Unknown source

You can live without God, but you better not die without him.

Romans 5:7-8

For one will hardly die for a righteous man. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die. But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

1 John 4:16

God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.

1 John 1:5

God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Exodus 3:14 (King James Version)

God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

Isaiah 45:5-7 (King James Version)

I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: That they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none beside me. I am the LORD, and there is none else. I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things.

Spike Milligan

And God said, 'Let there be light' and there was light, but the Electricity Board said he would have to wait until Thursday to be connected.

Woody Allen

If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank.
How can I believe in God when just last week I got my tongue caught in the roller of an electric typewriter?

Links


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