Foundation Study
God
What do these verses say about God?
1. Hebrews 11:6
Notes
God exists. (Daniel 2:28; Revelation 1:4,8, 11:17; Psalm 14:1) He is a Spirit-being. (John 4:24) His existence is evidential, 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, 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 broadcasts 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 and uses it as the foundation upon which to build an understanding of Himself. The understanding of God 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 part of 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 of a divine being is innate. Only fools refuse to believe it. The second half of these verses suggest that atheism is really 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. Scripture suggests that 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. 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
- Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible (Olive Tree Bible Software, Version 6.8.3) Notes on Psalm 14:1
- 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
2. Psalm 90:2
notes
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 began. (Genesis 1:1) He is not defined by space or time. In fact, 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
notes
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 inanimate and living thing. He simply spoke into being all that exists. He gives life and breath to every 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...
- Addresses the issue of ownership and establishes accountability. Psalm 24:1
- Answers the question of origin. Isaiah 45:12
- Evokes a sense of wonder. Psalm 33:6-9
- Lays the foundation for redemption. Isaiah 44:24
4. Malachi 3:6
notes
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 and always just. (Romans 11:22)
5. Psalm 103:19
notes
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 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."1
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, event 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."1
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, event 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)
- Charles C. Ryrie. Basic Theology: A Popular, Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago: Moody, 1999) 49 Kindle
6. Psalm 7:11
notes
God is righteous. (Psalm 50:6, 75:7, 96:13; Acts 17:31) God is just; He is the judge of all. He rightly punishes the wicked and justly holds the redeemed accountable. (2 Corinthians 5:10) He is actively judging and will one day judge both the living and the dead. (James 5:9; Revelation 11:18, 20:11–15) He is jealous for His children and disciplines them if they wander or become prideful. (Hebrews 12:5-9) His judgment flows from His zealous desire to possess what is rightfully His. (Deuteronomy 4:24, 5:9) His righteousness should prompt reverent living. 1 Peter 1:17; Revelation 14:7
7. Psalm 99:9
notes
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) The holiness of God is often misunderstood and under appreciated. When encountered in Scripture, God's holiness elicits spontaneous and passionate praise. (Isaiah 6:1-4; Revelation 4:8) His holiness is described as immeasurable brightness and unapproachable light (Matthew 17:2; 1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 1:16; Exodus 33:20) It 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."1
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."1
- Charles C. Ryrie. Basic Theology: A Popular, Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Truth (Chicago: Moody, 1999) 43 Kindle
8. Psalm 86:5
notes
God is good, forgiving, and loving. God is personable. He is not indifferent, distant or aloof, but involved, close 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 eternal 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 removes the sinner’s guilt, and restores 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). Forgiveness is the supreme expression of the love of God. John MacArthur states, "A believer is never more like God, then when he/she forgives."
God is loving. God is love. (1 John 4:8) All love originates from God. Any love a person experiences is an expression of Gods' love.
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 eternal 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 removes the sinner’s guilt, and restores 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). Forgiveness is the supreme expression of the love of God. John MacArthur states, "A believer is never more like God, then when he/she forgives."
God is loving. God is love. (1 John 4:8) All love originates from God. Any love a person experiences is an expression of Gods' love.
- His love is merciful. Ephesians 2:4. Mercy is compassion for the helpless (Romans 5:6), and hopeless. (Ephesians 2:12)
- His love is gracious. Grace is mercy in action. It is undeserved, unconditional, and unfailing. God's gracious 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, firm, but loving discipline. (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12; Hebrews 12:5–11)
- His love is patient. (2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4). God's love is long suffering. It prompts repentance and a grateful heart. It should not cause slowness or delay in responding. (Hebrews 3:15; 2 Corinthians 6:2)
- His love saves. (John 3:16; Titus 3:4-5) The ultimate result of God's love is salvation, forgiveness of sins, and eternal life.
9. Jeremiah 10:7
notes
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
notes
God is close and knowable. (Deuteronomy 4:7, 4:29; Psalm 34:18, 50:23, 85:9; Proverbs 8:17; Acts 17:27) 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!"1
- Warren Wiersbe, Be Basic: Believing The Simple Truth About God's Word (Be Series: Genesis 1-11), (Olive Tree Bible Software, Version 6.9.2 ) Comments on Genesis 3:8
11. God is Three in One.
notes
God is one being, yet three, distinct, co-equal, persons. Read Trinity for further study.
12. Video Resources
notes
- Does God Exist? (5:40) Got Questions
- What Does It Mean that the heavens declare the glory of God? (3:06) God Questions
- How a dice can show that God exists (4:31) Premier On Demand
- What You Are Saying When You Deny the Existence of God (1:31) David Platt
- What is the Moral Argument for the Existence of God? (3:25) Sean McDowell
- Questioning God’s existence (3:11) CNN 2012
- God Existence Debates Are Pointless (3:58) The Atheist Voice
- Atheist tells John Lennox “You can’t prove Christianity is true” (3:18) Unbelievable?
- Where did God come from? (3:25) Ghitamoldonan
- Why Don’t You Believe in God? (4:40) The Atheist Experience
- Who is God, What is God, How can we know God? (2:37) God Questions
- What is God like? (4:25) Seedbed
- Stephen Attempts to Convert Bill Maher (2:21) The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
- God (8:09) The Bible Project
- Elohim (3:07) The Bible Project
- What are the attributes of God (3:25) Got Questions
- Attributes of God (2:12) Reasonable Faith
- Bill Nye vs. Ken Ham (3:42) Mashable
- Evolution refuted. (2:36) Answers in Genesis
- The origin of races (3:38) Answers in Genesis
- Young Earth vs. Old Earth Believers (2:21) Ken Ham
- Climate change (1:39) Institute of Creation Research
- Where does evil come from? (3:07) National Geographic
- How can Christians respond to the problem of evil? (2:52) Summit Ministries
- Why does allow evil? (6:47) Got Questions
- Why Does God allow evil? (3:34) Sean McDowell
- Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people? (5:40) Got Questions
- Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? (3:40) Got Questions
- What comfort does the doctrine of providence bring to Christians during difficult times? (3:29) John MacArthur
- Pain and suffering. (2:16) Answers in Genesis
- Suffering and Evil: The Logical Problem (4:47) Dr. Craig Videos
- How Does Christianity Help Us Deal With Evil & Suffering. (2:53) Jeff and Alyssa
- If God Knows My Decision How Do I Have Free Will? (3:49) William Craig Lane
- Why Did God Create People He Knew Would Reject Him? (2:45) William Crain Lane
- If God is Perfect, Why Did He Need to Create People? (1:38) William Lane Craig
- Is It True That Everything Happens for a Reason? (6:01) Got Questions
- What does it mean to be the image of God? (14:10) Inspiring Philosophy
- What is the meaning of life (3:04) Veritas Forum (N.T. Wright)
- The Image of God (6:16) The Bible Project
- We are made in the image of God (2:26) Ligonier Ministries
- Created in God’s Image (4:50) John Piper
- What is means to be an image bearer (3:10) N.T. Wright
- Imago Dei: The Image of God (4:36) ERLC
- What does it mean that humanity is made in the image of God? (3:50) Got Questions
- What is the difference between the soul and spirit of man? (2:16) Got Questions
- What is the human soul? (3:52) Got Questions
What was the most significant verse in this study to you? Explain.