We know that Christians and non-Christians alike, often think about God.
He is known by different names. He is called God, Heavenly Father, Yaweh, Jehovah and Creator.
As human beings, with curious minds, we want to know more about God and assuredly we have so much more to learn.
If someone should come up to you and ask “what is your God like, or how do you describe Him, do you know what you would say? If someone should ask you to tell them about God, how would you go about it?
It is certainly worth thinking about, as it is very possible that these types of questions will come your way at some point in your life.
Therefore, this will be a “bullet-point” type lesson discussing some of the attributes of God.
Let us take a look at just a few of the known characteristics of our Heavenly Father.
GOD IS THE CREATOR OF ALL THINGS
Genesis 1:1 KJV
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Romans 11:36 KJV
36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
Psalm 103:19 KJ
19 The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.
Our knowledge of the characteristics of God must begin here. God is the creator of all things and is sovereign over all things. I like to say “I see God in all things; I feel God in all things; I know God is in all things; for HE created ALL things.”
GOD IS A SPIRIT
John 4:24 KJV
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
The dictionary defines “spirit” as the non-physical part of a person which is the seat of emotions and character. We often talk about “ seeking harmony between body and spirit” in human terms.
When God is defined as a “Spirit” this is certainly not confining Him. For God as creator of ALL things can assume whatever shape or form He chooses. We find in Genesis, chapter 18, where God appeared unbeknownst to Abraham in the form of a man.
GOD IS OMNIPOTENT
Revelation 19:6 KJV
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Omnipotent is defined as having unlimited power; able to do anything…THIS is God. THIS is why we call God “Almighty.” The ONE who had the power to create ALL things, has the power to do ALL things.
GOD IS OMNISCIENT
1 John 3:20 KJV
20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
God is ALL knowing, ALL wise, ALL seeing. God knows everything; Past, Present and Future.
GOD IS OMNIPRESENT
Psalm 139:7-10 KJV
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
This means that God is present everywhere, at the same time. He is not bound by space and time. God indwells every Christian, in the form of the Holy Spirit. God is in all things, at all places, at the same time.
GOD IS A TRIUNE BEING
1 John 5:7 KJV
7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
The Godhead is made up of God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All are distinct beings, yet all are God. ONE God manifesting His being in three distinct beings.
GOD IS HOLY
Psalm 99:5 KJV
5 Exalt ye the Lord our God, and worship at his footstool; for he is holy.
God is a righteous and holy God, who knows no sin. God cannot tolerate sin and seeks for us to be made righteous through the blood of Jesus and commit ourselves to living a holy life.
GOD IS LOVING
1 John 4:8 KJV
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
John 3:16 KJV
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
God is love and provides everything that we need. He wants us to know Him, worship Him and praise Him.
AND, as His children we are to show that same love to others.
Kindness, love and compassion are never forgotten, and our lives may be what someone else needs in order for them to find God, through Christ our Lord.
GOD IS JUST
Acts 10:34 KJV
34 Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:
God is a just God. As the scripture says, He is no respecter of persons. In other words, we get what we deserve as we stand in His court. The scripture gives us a “farmer analogy.” When the farmer plants corn seed, he reaps or harvests corn. Likewise in our earthly lives, we also “reap what we sow.” What we “do” with Jesus Christ (whether we accept Him as our Lord or reject Him) and how we live is the “sowing” part and will determine what we reap in the everlasting.
GOD SPEAKS TO US
Hebrews 4:12 KJV
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
All of the Bible was given through the inspiration of God. He spoke through those He used to write down His word. Now, God speaks to us through that very Word and the instruction and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Each time we read God’s Word, we feel His presence and we often get a different message or thought from frequently read scriptures.
WHEN SOMEONE ASKS, BE READY
Each of us must respond to questions about God in our own manner and way. And hopefully these scriptures and words will help you to prepare for the next time someone asks or is curious about God. Those who do not have a relationship with Him are searching for love, hope, peace and happiness. They are looking for God and you can be the “light” that helps them see and find Him.
RVH