Foundation Study
God
What do these verses say about God?
1. Hebrews 11:6
God exists. (Daniel 2:28; Revelation 1:4,8, 11:17; Psalm 14:1) God is a Spirit-being. (John 4:24) His existence is evident, and is confirmed by the following.
- The blessings of God. (Acts 14:17) The provisions of life are proof of His existence and inherent goodness. The blessings of food, clothing, and shelter, a loving family, and caring friends, are all evidence of God’s loving presence. (James 1:17)
- The work of God. (Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1–4) Creation testifies of God's existence. Every day (and night) His infinite, and majestic nature is broadcast to all humanity. His immeasurable strength and divine majesty are displayed to everyone through what He has made. Everyone is held accountable to this level of knowledge of God.
- The name of God. (Exodus 3:14) The title I AM refers to one who is self-existent. Author Mark Taylor states, "God is self-sufficient...all encompassing and without limitations; the one being in the universe who is not dependent on something else for his existence.”1
- The concept of eternity. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Each human being can imagine the idea of forever. Every person can think of everlasting. The fact that everyone can conceive of the concept of eternity is further evidence of the existence of God. God plants this idea in everyone, then uses it as the foundation upon which to build an understanding of himself. That understanding comes in part from creation (Psalm 19:1-4), but is disclosed fully through Scripture. (2 Timothy 3:15-17) The concept of being able to imagine forever is also what defines man as being created in the image of God.
- The enemies of God. (James 2:19) Even the demons testify of God’s existence. However, they do not submit to His supremacy or obey His righteousness.
- The denial of God. (Psalm 14:1, 53:1) Evidence for the existence of God might actually come from those who deny it. The notion of the existence a divine being is innate. Only fools refuse to believe it. The second half of these verses suggest that atheism is a moral issue, not a philosophical one. Unbelief is actually an attempt to cut the umbilical cord of accountability between a creator and created beings. Rationalizing immorality is the underlying motive of atheism. Matthew Henry put it this way, "No man will say, there is no God, till he is so hardened in sin, that it is become [in] his interest that there should be none to call him to an account."1
Ryrie adds, "Everyone is a theologian. Even an atheist has a theology. He thinks about God, rejects His existence, and expresses that sometimes in creed and always in lifestyle."2
Author C.S. Lewis proposed that the atheist has to continually suppress the thought that God might actually exist instead of resting in the settled idea that he does not exist. He writes, "Now that I am a Christian I do not have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist, I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable."3
2. Psalm 90:2
God is eternal. (Genesis 21:33; Psalm 102:27; Jeremiah 10:10; 1 Timothy 1:17, 6:16; Isaiah 40:28) He is without beginning or end and referred to as existing before time. (Genesis 1:1) He is not defined by space or time. He created time and space as a means by which to be understood. He is due all glory and honor because of His eternal nature alone.
3. Revelation 4:11
God is Creator. (Genesis 1:1, 14:22; Nehemiah 9:6; Psalm 24:1–2, 33:6-9, 139:13; Isaiah 42:5, 45:18; Jeremiah 27:5; Zechariah 12:1, Acts 14:15; Ephesians 1:4) God made everything; the heavens, the earth, and every living thing. He spoke into being all that exists. He gives life and breath to every living creature. He created order and uniformity, not empty chaos. Our very existence is His purposeful, creative work. We did not evolve. We are not a surprise, unplanned, or an accident.
The significance of God as creator...
The significance of God as creator...
- It addresses the issue of ownership and establishes accountability. Psalm 24:1
- It answers the question of origin. Isaiah 45:12
- It evokes a sense of wonder. Psalm 33:6-9
- It lays the foundation for redemption. Isaiah 44:24
4. Malachi 3:6
God is unchanging (Numbers 23:19; James 1:17). God is immutable. He does not change. He was, is, and will always be the same. That's encouraging news for those trusting in His faithfulness, but sobering news for those who neglect His righteousness. He is always loving but always just. (Romans 11:22)
5. Psalm 103:19
God is sovereign. (Psalm 33:11, 47:8, 115:3; Isaiah 14:24, 46:10; Jeremiah 10:23; Ezekiel 12:28; Daniel 4:17; Acts 4:24) God alone is the supreme ruler. His authority is absolute; it does not require agreement or permission. He does as He pleases. He controls everything. He either authors or approves, all that occurs. Everything originates from Him or occurs by his permission. Nothing happens without His awareness or consent.
He rules over the activity of Satan. (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Job 1:12)
God's authority extends over all humanity. He guides man, while at the same time preserving his free will. This is both an unexplainable mystery, and a trustworthy principle. (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9, 20:24) Ryrie states, "Sovereignty must not obliterate free will, and free will must never dilute sovereignty."4
God's sovereignty guides the lost to salvation, and conforms the saved into the image of His Son. (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 8:29) God does not waste any circumstance, or relationship. Everything is sovereignly planned, divinely purposed, and providentially orchestrated. Ultimately, all things are guided towards this one final outcome; the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11, 2:11, 1 Peter 4:11)
He rules over the activity of Satan. (Isaiah 14:12-17; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Job 1:12)
God's authority extends over all humanity. He guides man, while at the same time preserving his free will. This is both an unexplainable mystery, and a trustworthy principle. (Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:9, 20:24) Ryrie states, "Sovereignty must not obliterate free will, and free will must never dilute sovereignty."4
God's sovereignty guides the lost to salvation, and conforms the saved into the image of His Son. (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 8:29) God does not waste any circumstance, or relationship. Everything is sovereignly planned, divinely purposed, and providentially orchestrated. Ultimately, all things are guided towards this one final outcome; the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:11, 2:11, 1 Peter 4:11)
6. Psalm 7:11
God is righteous. (Psalm 50:6, 75:7, 96:13; Acts 17:31) He is just; the judge of all. He rightly punishes the wicked and holds the redeemed accountable. (2 Corinthians 5:10) He is actively judging, and will one day judge both the living and the dead with a final, eternal punishment. (James 5:9; Revelation 11:18, 20:11–15) He is jealous for His children and disciplines them if they wander or become prideful. His judgment flows from His zealous desire to possess what is rightfully His. (Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9) His righteous should prompt reverent living. (1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 14:7)
7. Psalm 99:9
God is holy. (Exodus 15:11; Psalm 22:3, 99:3–5; Revelation 15:4; 1 Samuel 2:2; 1 John 1:5; 1 Peter 1:15) God's holiness triggers spontaneous and passionate praise. (Isaiah 6:1-4; Revelation 4:8) His holiness consists of infinite perfection. Therefore, everyone falls infinitely short, no matter how good we try to be. Steve Elliott states, "The holiness of God is defined not just by what it isn't, but by what it is: God's holiness consists of the presence of perfect righteousness, not just the absence of anything related to sin."
God's holiness is reflected in the lives of His children. Charles Ryrie says, "This should put to an end the often-useless discussions over what is permitted and what is not in the Christian life. This simple question can test proper conduct. Is it holy? This is the believer's standard. Although he does not always measure up to it, he must never compromise it."6
God's holiness is reflected in the lives of His children. Charles Ryrie says, "This should put to an end the often-useless discussions over what is permitted and what is not in the Christian life. This simple question can test proper conduct. Is it holy? This is the believer's standard. Although he does not always measure up to it, he must never compromise it."6
8. Psalm 86:5
God is good, forgiving, and loving. God is personable. He is not static or distant, but involved and engaged. He does not observe creation from afar. He is personally involved in the life of each person He created. (Luke 12:7)
God is good. The goodness of God is a foundational truth that determines how we perceive every situation in life. He lovingly orchestrates all circumstances for the ultimate benefit of His children. He desires to bless those who are His. The goodness of God prompts thanksgiving and centers on His everlasting love. (Psalm 34:8, 107:1, 145:9, Romans 8:28)
God is forgiving. He is ready to remove the sinner’s guilt, and restore the relationship between the sinner and Himself (Psalm 130:4; Exodus 34:7; Nehemiah 9:17; Isaiah 55:7; Daniel 9:9; Romans 4:5; 5:15; 1 John 1:9).
God is loving. God is love. (1 John 4:8) All love we receive is an extension of His love for us. He expresses his love for us through the love of others.
God is good. The goodness of God is a foundational truth that determines how we perceive every situation in life. He lovingly orchestrates all circumstances for the ultimate benefit of His children. He desires to bless those who are His. The goodness of God prompts thanksgiving and centers on His everlasting love. (Psalm 34:8, 107:1, 145:9, Romans 8:28)
God is forgiving. He is ready to remove the sinner’s guilt, and restore the relationship between the sinner and Himself (Psalm 130:4; Exodus 34:7; Nehemiah 9:17; Isaiah 55:7; Daniel 9:9; Romans 4:5; 5:15; 1 John 1:9).
God is loving. God is love. (1 John 4:8) All love we receive is an extension of His love for us. He expresses his love for us through the love of others.
- His love is merciful. Ephesians 2:4. Mercy is compassionate care for the helpless (Romans 5:6), and hopeless. (Ephesians 2:12)
- His love is gracious. It is undeserved, unconditional, and unfailing. God's unending love is stated throughout Scripture (Psalm 100:5, 136:1; 1 Chronicles 16:34,41; 2 Chronicles 7:3), and fully demonstrated at the cross. (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:4–8; Romans 3:23–25; 5:6-8; 8:39; 1 John 4:10)
- His love is fatherly. He loves as a father loves his children; with tenderness, encouragement, provision, and when necessary, discipline. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; Hebrews 12:5–11)
- His love is patient (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4). God's long suffering should prompt repentance and a grateful heart. It should not cause slowness or delay in responding. (Hebrews 3:15; 2 Corinthians 6:2)
- His love saves. (Titus 3:4-5) The ultimate result of God's love is our salvation; forgiveness of sins, a transformed life, and everlasting life.
9. Jeremiah 10:7
God is matchless. (1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Kings 8:23; Deuteronomy 4:35, 32:39; 2 Samuel 7:22; Exodus 15:11; Isaiah 40:25, 44:8; Psalm 86:8, 145:3) God is unrivaled, unequaled, and incomparable. This holds true for all his attributes, including His majesty (Psalm 104:1–2, 93:1; 1 Timothy 6:16), knowledge (Romans 11:34–36), and power. (2 Chronicles 20:6)
God is omniscient; He knows all things. (1 John 3:20, 1 Kings 8:39, Isaiah 46:9-10) He is omnipresent; He is everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12; Jeremiah 23:24). He is omnipotent; He is all powerful. (Job 42:2, Psalm 33:6)
God is supreme. His supremacy is the grand theme of Scripture. (Joshua 2:11; Psalm 83:18, 97:9) His supremacy is declared as our great Creator (Genesis 1:1), demonstrated as our gracious Redeemer (Psalm 19:14; Galatians 3:13) Genesis 3-Revelation 20), and displayed as our glorious King. (Psalm 9:7; Revelation 19:16)
God is omniscient; He knows all things. (1 John 3:20, 1 Kings 8:39, Isaiah 46:9-10) He is omnipresent; He is everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12; Jeremiah 23:24). He is omnipotent; He is all powerful. (Job 42:2, Psalm 33:6)
God is supreme. His supremacy is the grand theme of Scripture. (Joshua 2:11; Psalm 83:18, 97:9) His supremacy is declared as our great Creator (Genesis 1:1), demonstrated as our gracious Redeemer (Psalm 19:14; Galatians 3:13) Genesis 3-Revelation 20), and displayed as our glorious King. (Psalm 9:7; Revelation 19:16)
10. Psalm 119:151
God is near and knowable. (Deuteronomy 4:7, 4:29; Psalm 34:18, 50:23, 85:9; Proverbs 8:17; Acts 17:27) He is not distant but close. He is found by those who seek him: now (Isaiah 55:6), continuously (Matthew 7:7-8), unreservedly (Jeremiah 29:13), honestly (Psalm 145:18), sorrowfully (Psalm 51:17), and who are centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ. (Romans 10:13, John 3:16) Warren Wiersbe writes, "The American evangelist Billy Sunday used to say that sinners can’t find God for the same reason criminals can’t find policemen–they aren’t looking!"
11. God is Three in One.
God is one being, yet three, distinct, co-equal persons. Read Trinity for further study.
What was the most significant verse in this study to you? Explain.
- Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Spokane: Olive Tree Bible Software, Version 6.8.3, 2020) Notes on Psalm 14:1
- Mark Taylor, The NLT Study Bible (Spokane: Olive Tree Bible Software, Version 6.5.3, 2019) Notes on Exodus 3:14
- Charles C. Ryrie. Basic Theology: A Popular, Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago: Moody, 1999) 9 Kindle
- C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996), 125.
- Ryrie, Basic Theology, 49 Kindle.
- Ryrie, Basic Theology, 42 Kindle.