“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).
It is no accident that God is the subject of the very first verse of the Bible. That He exists is the basic truth upon which all reality depends. Without God there is nothing. From the viewpoint of the Biblical writers the existence of God needs no proof. There is overwhelming evidence of His existence and activity on every hand. “For since the creation of the world. His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead...’ (Romans 1:20). Further; “He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” (Acts 14:17).
II. THE ETERNITY OF GOD
Difficult as it is for our finite minds to grasp. God has neither beginning nor end. In the words of Psalmist: “Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever You had formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” (Psalm 90:2) He is, Isaiah says, “the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity. “(Isaiah 57:15). God therefore is not only outside the limitations of time but also free from all change. “Heaven and earth,” the Psalmist declares, “they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will have no end.” (Psalms 102:26b-27). Moreover, God Himself declares: “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” (Malalicai 3:6). Consequently, there is abiding security, Moses tells us. only in Him who is timeless: “The eternal God is your refuge” (Deuteronomy 33:27). On the other hand, it is futile to seek security in the ever-changing things of earth and time, “For the form of this world is passing away”
(1 Corinthians 7:31).
III. THE OMNIPRESENCE OF GOD
God is not limited by space. “Behold,” marvels Solomon, “heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain (God)” (1 Kings 8:27). Neither is God confined to any place. Know and consider, urges Moses. “The Lord Himself is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no other.” (Deuteronomy 4:39). In awe David asks: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there, If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me....” (Psalms 139:7-10) “ ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?’ says the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:24). On hearing this scripture a puzzled child asked, “If God is everywhere, how is there any room for us?” The answer of course is that God is not a material but a spiritual Being. His presence does not exclude our existence but rather makes it possible “For in him we live, and move and have our being...” (Acts 17:28)
IV. THE OMNISCIENCE OF GOD
All things, past, present, and future, are known to God. By the mouth of the prophet Isaiah He proclaims, “I am God, and there is none like Me, Declaring the end from the beginning And from ancient times things that are not yet done,” (Isaiah 46:9-10)
The writer of Hebrews adds “there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13). No thought is hidden from Him, “for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts” (1 Chronicles 28:9) God, the Psalmist acknowledges, is “acquainted with all my ways” (Psalms 139:3), “my sins are not hidden from You” (Psalms 69:5). Again the Psalmist says: “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite.” (Psalms 147:5).
Beyond what God has revealed, then, there is for our finite minds “His understanding is unsearchable.” (Isaiah 40:28). No wonder the Apostle Paul exclaims: “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Romans 11:33)
V. THE OMNIPOTENCE OF GOD
The power of God is limitless. He is thereby described as “the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (Revelation 19:6). Job confesses “I know that You can do everything And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” (Job 42:1-2). The totality of God’s power is indicated by the following:
- (1) Nothing exists without Him.
He is “The great God who formed everything” (Proverbs 26:10).
(2) Nothing can thwart His purposes. He “does according to His will ... No one can restrain His hand.” (Daniel 4:35).
NOTE: While Gods power is without limit, it must be remembered that He cannot use that power in any way contrary to His own character, Thus when Jesus says, “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), He means all things that are morally right. It is, for example, “... impossible for God to lie.” (Hebrews 6:18)
VI. THE CHARACTER OF GOD
Something of the character of God may be found on virtually every page of the Bible. Here, however, a few brief references must suffice.
-
A. God is righteous and holy: “The LORD is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works” (Psalms 145:17).
B. He is gracious and merciful: “Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful” (Psalms 116:5).
C. He is kind: “You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness ...“ (Nehemiah 9:17).
D. He is a loving God. “God is love” (1 John 4:16) “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)
E. God is faithful: “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, For You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth.” (Isaiah 25:1). F. He is Longsuffering God.
‘“is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (II Peter 3:9).
It is “God our Savior,” writes Paul, “who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (I Timothy 2:3, 4). God sent His Son to provide men salvation from the consequences of sin. “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners ...” (I Timothy 1:15). Further, God sent messengers to proclaim this good news. Regarding his own commitment to proclaiming the message, Paul says: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” (Romans 1:16).
VIII. GOD AS JUDGE
Abraham long ago posed a vital question: “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). Indeed He shall! David is emphatic: “the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalms 19:9). In view of the fact, then, that God is an absolutely righteous Judge. it is certain, as Paul insists, that He “will render to each one according to his deeds: eternal life to those who by patient continuance in doing good seek for glory, honor, and immortality, but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, hut obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath” (Romans 2:6-8).
So it is not surprising that Paul, toward the close of his own fruitful life, could say with all confidence. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7-8).
IX. SUMMARY TRUTHS
It is impossible to avoid a decision about God. Simply to ignore Him is as much a decision as to deny His, existence, and carries the same fatal consequences. His “fingerprints” are all about us. His voice, moreover continues to sound forth from the Scriptures, calling upon men to believe in Him. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6).
I. There is little evidence that God exists.
- A. True
B. False
- A. True
B. False
- A. True
B. False
- A. True
B. False
- A. True
B. False
FILL IN THE BLANKS
- 1. In the _________________ God created the __________________ and the _____________.(Genesis 1:1)
2. From _______________ to _____________ you are God.
(Psalm 90:2)
3. I am the LORD, I _______________________________.(Malachi 3:6)
4. The eternal God is your _____________________.(Deuteronomy 33:27)
5. The fashion of this world is
_______________ __________________.
(1 Corinthians 7:31)
6. The LORD ____________ all hearts.(1 Chronicles 28:9)
7. O the depths of the ____________ both of the _____________ and ______________ of God.(Romans 11:33)
8. The LORD is __________________ In all his ways. (Psalms 145:17)
9. It is impossible for God to ____________________.(Hebrews 6:18)
10. The __________________ of the LORD are ____________ and ________________ altogether.(Psalms 19:9)
Name Date
Address
City
phone
Notice the pattern for becoming a Christian as revealed in the Scriptures. The Gospel was heard, resulting in faith (Romans 10:17). Repentance of (turning away from) sin (Acts 17:30) and confession of Jesus as the Son of God followed (Romans 10:10). Believers were baptized INTO Christ for the remission (forgiveness) of sins (See Galatians 3:27; Colossians 2:12; Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-5; 1 Peter 3:20-21), and added to His church (Acts 2:47). Christians were taught to be faithful even to the point of death (Revelation 2:10).
Following the instructions of the Scriptures, members of Christ’s body [collectively called the “churches of Christ” Romans 16:16),] assemble as congregations for worship, encouragement, and Bible study. The congregation in your community welcomes you to investigate the Bible with us. With a spirit of brotherly love we would seek to reconcile any differences by following the Bible ONLY. We recognize the Bible as God’s inspired word, the ONLY reliable standard of faith and practice. We desire the unity for which Christ prayed and which the Bible emphasizes in the expression, “one Lord, one faith, one baptism.” Together we seek to maintain “the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
A friendly welcome awaits you. We do not wish to embarrass you in any way. You will not be asked for contributions. We assemble for Bible study and worship each Sunday morning and we welcome you to meet with us. We would be happy to talk to you about your questions and we want to be of encouragement.
If you have any comments or questions --- or would like the location and contact names of a congregation of the church belonging to Jesus Christ near you, please e-mail me at BibleTruthsToU@Gmail.com or call 253-396-0290. Thanks Dennis Crawford, editor.
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