Understanding who God is and what He is like is one of the most important questions a person can explore. Throughout history, people have sought to understand God’s nature, His character, and how He interacts with humanity. The Bible provides the clearest revelation of who God is, describing His attributes, His love, and His justice.
In this article, we will explore what God is like based on Scripture, His attributes, and how His nature impacts our lives.
The Nature of God
Before we explore God’s attributes, it is important to understand that God is beyond human comprehension. While we can know aspects of His nature, we will never fully grasp His greatness.
Biblical Reference:
- Isaiah 55:8-9 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God has revealed Himself through the Bible, creation, and Jesus Christ. Through these revelations, we can learn what He is like.
The Attributes of God
God’s attributes describe His nature and character. These attributes can be classified into two categories:
Incommunicable Attributes – Qualities that belong only to God and cannot be shared by humans.
Communicable Attributes – Qualities that humans can reflect in a limited way.
The Incommunicable Attributes of God
These attributes highlight God’s uniqueness and divinity.
1. God Is Eternal
God has no beginning or end. He exists outside of time.
Biblical Reference:
- Psalm 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.”
What This Means for Us:
- We can trust that God is always present.
- His plans and purposes are eternal.
2. God Is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)
God has unlimited power and can do all things consistent with His nature.
Biblical Reference:
- Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”
What This Means for Us:
- We can rely on God’s strength.
- He can do the impossible.
3. God Is Omniscient (All-Knowing)
God knows everything—past, present, and future.
Biblical Reference:
- Psalm 147:5 – “Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.”
What This Means for Us:
- God knows our struggles and needs.
- We can trust His wisdom.
4. God Is Omnipresent (Everywhere)
God is not limited by space. He is present everywhere.
Biblical Reference:
- Psalm 139:7-8 – “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?”
What This Means for Us:
- We are never alone.
- God is always near to help and guide.
5. God Is Unchanging (Immutable)
God does not change. His character remains constant.
Biblical Reference:
- Malachi 3:6 – “For I am the LORD, I change not.”
What This Means for Us:
- We can trust in God’s promises.
- His love and justice remain the same.
The Communicable Attributes of God
These are attributes that humans can reflect, though imperfectly.
1. God Is Love
God’s love is unconditional, sacrificial, and everlasting.
Biblical Reference:
- 1 John 4:8 – “He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.”
- John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.”
What This Means for Us:
- We are loved by God no matter what.
- We are called to love others.
2. God Is Holy
God is pure, perfect, and completely separate from sin.
Biblical Reference:
- Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory.”
What This Means for Us:
- We should strive to live holy lives.
- God calls us to be set apart from sin.
3. God Is Just
God is perfectly just and will judge all things righteously.
Biblical Reference:
- Deuteronomy 32:4 – “A God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.”
What This Means for Us:
- We can trust that God will bring justice.
- We should live righteously.
4. God Is Merciful
God is compassionate and offers forgiveness.
Biblical Reference:
- Lamentations 3:22-23 – “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.”
What This Means for Us:
- We can seek God’s forgiveness.
- We should show mercy to others.
5. God Is Faithful
God always keeps His promises and remains loyal to His people.
Biblical Reference:
- 2 Timothy 2:13 – “If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.”
What This Means for Us:
- We can trust in God’s promises.
- We should be faithful to Him.
How We Can Know God
Knowing what God is like is not just about understanding facts. It is about having a relationship with Him.
1. Through the Bible
The Bible is God’s Word and reveals His nature.
Biblical Reference:
- 2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
2. Through Jesus Christ
Jesus is the full revelation of God in human form.
Biblical Reference:
- John 14:9 – “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.”
3. Through Prayer
We can know God personally through prayer and communication with Him.
Biblical Reference:
- Jeremiah 29:13 – “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
4. Through Creation
God’s power and nature are displayed in His creation.
Biblical Reference:
- Romans 1:20 – “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen.”
Why Knowing God Matters
1. It Strengthens Our Faith
Understanding God’s character helps us trust Him more.
2. It Guides Our Lives
Knowing God’s holiness, love, and justice helps us live according to His will.
3. It Brings Us Closer to Him
The more we know about God, the deeper our relationship with Him grows.
Conclusion
What do you think God is like? The Bible reveals that He is all-powerful, all-knowing, loving, just, and faithful. He desires a personal relationship with us, and we can know Him through His Word, Jesus Christ, prayer, and creation.
Understanding God’s nature shapes our faith, guides our decisions, and gives us hope. As we seek to know Him more, we can experience His love, grace, and presence in our daily lives.
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