Who is the true God?

The question of “Who is the true God?” is one of the most profound and fundamental inquiries in human existence. Throughout history, various cultures and religions have proposed different conceptions of God or gods. However, the Bible provides a clear and definitive revelation of the nature and character of the true God. This study will delve into the attributes of God, His relationship with humanity, and the significance of understanding Him as the true God according to biblical teachings.

The Nature of God

The Bible reveals the true God as unique and distinct from all other beings. The opening verse of Scripture declares His existence and sets the tone for understanding His nature.

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (NKJV). From the outset, the Bible establishes that God is the Creator, the source of all existence. This attribute of God as Creator signifies His sovereignty over all creation. Unlike false gods that people have worshiped, the true God is not a mere creation of human imagination; He exists outside of time and space and is not limited by physical constraints.

The Oneness of God

One of the fundamental truths about the true God is His oneness. In a world filled with polytheism and various gods, the Bible consistently emphasizes that there is only one true God.

Isaiah 45:5 says, “I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me” (NKJV). This declaration underscores God’s uniqueness and singularity. He is not one among many; He is the only God worthy of worship and devotion. The Shema, a central declaration of faith in Judaism, further emphasizes this truth:

Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (NKJV). The oneness of God serves as a foundation for monotheism, a core principle in the faith of the Israelites and later, Christianity.

The Attributes of God

Understanding the true God involves recognizing His attributes, which are characteristics that define who He is. The Bible describes various attributes of God, providing insight into His nature.

Holiness

One of the most significant attributes of God is His holiness. God is completely separate from sin and evil. Isaiah 6:3 says, “And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory'” (NKJV). God’s holiness signifies His moral perfection and purity. This attribute calls believers to recognize their own sinfulness and the need for redemption.

Love

The true God is also characterized by His love. Scripture reveals that God is not only loving but is love itself. 1 John 4:8 says, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (NKJV). God’s love is demonstrated through His actions, particularly in sending His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity from sin.

John 3:16 says, “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” (NKJV). This profound act of love showcases the nature of God as relational and compassionate, seeking a relationship with humanity.

Omnipotence

Another essential attribute of God is His omnipotence, meaning He is all-powerful. Jeremiah 32:17 says, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You” (NKJV). This attribute affirms that God has the ability to accomplish His will without limitation. His power is evident in creation, providence, and the redemption of His people.

Omniscience

God’s omniscience refers to His all-knowing nature. Psalm 139:1-4 says, “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether” (NKJV). This attribute signifies that God is aware of everything, including the thoughts and intentions of human hearts. His knowledge is perfect and complete, unlike human understanding, which is limited and often flawed.

Omnipresence

God’s omnipresence means that He is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10 says, “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” (NKJV). This attribute reassures believers that God is always with them, providing comfort and guidance.

The Relationship of God with Humanity

Understanding the true God involves recognizing His desire for a relationship with humanity. Throughout the Scriptures, God reveals Himself not only as Creator but also as a loving Father who desires to be in communion with His creation.

The Covenant Relationship

In the Old Testament, God established a covenant relationship with His people, Israel. He chose them to be His special possession, promising to be their God. Exodus 6:7 says, “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians” (NKJV). This covenant is characterized by mutual commitment-God’s faithfulness to His promises and the call for His people to be faithful to Him.

God’s Desire for Fellowship

God’s desire for fellowship with humanity is further exemplified in the New Testament through Jesus Christ. Jesus came to reveal the true nature of God and to restore the broken relationship between God and humanity due to sin. John 14:6 says, “Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me'” (NKJV). Through Jesus, individuals can have direct access to the Father, highlighting God’s willingness to engage in a personal relationship with each believer.

The Revelation of God in Jesus Christ

The ultimate revelation of the true God comes through Jesus Christ. The New Testament emphasizes that Jesus embodies the fullness of God.

The Incarnation of God

Colossians 2:9 says, “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” (NKJV). This verse emphasizes that Jesus is fully God and fully human. In the incarnation, God took on human form to relate to humanity in a personal way, demonstrating His love and commitment to redemption.

The Way to Know God

Jesus teaches that knowing Him is synonymous with knowing the Father. John 10:30 says, “I and My Father are one” (NKJV). In Christ, believers can see the character and nature of God most clearly. Jesus reveals God’s heart, exemplifying His attributes through His life, teachings, and sacrificial death.

The True God in Contrast to False Gods

The concept of the true God also necessitates a comparison with false gods. Throughout Scripture, the Bible warns against idolatry and the worship of false gods:

The Futility of Idolatry

Isaiah 44:9-10 says, “Those who make an image, all of them are useless, and their precious things shall not profit; they are their own witnesses; they neither see nor know, that they may be ashamed. Who would form a god or mold an image that profits him nothing” (NKJV). Idols are described as powerless and unable to save or provide for their worshippers. In contrast, the true God is alive, active, and sovereign.

The Consequences of Idolatry

The Bible frequently highlights the consequences of turning away from the true God to pursue false gods. This theme is prevalent in the prophetic books, where God calls His people back to Himself. Jeremiah 2:13 says, “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns-broken cisterns that can hold no water” (NKJV). This metaphor illustrates the futility of seeking fulfillment in anything other than God. He alone can satisfy the deep longings of the human soul.

The True God and Salvation

Understanding who the true God is also leads to the realization of His plan for salvation. The Bible reveals that God desires all people to come to repentance and to be reconciled to Him:

The Universal Call to Salvation

2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (NKJV). God’s desire is for every individual to have the opportunity to know Him and receive His grace. This underscores His love and patience.

Salvation Through Jesus Christ

The means by which humanity is reconciled to God is through faith in Jesus Christ. This central theme of the New Testament is encapsulated in Romans 10:9, “That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (NKJV). Salvation is offered freely to all who believe, highlighting the accessibility of the true God to everyone, regardless of background or circumstance.

The Importance of Worshiping the True God

Worship is a central theme in the life of a believer. Understanding who the true God is shapes the way we worship and live out our faith. The Bible teaches that true worship is rooted in the recognition of God’s nature:

Worship in Spirit and Truth

John 4:24 says, “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (NKJV). This verse emphasizes that genuine worship involves a heartfelt connection with God, grounded in the truth of who He is. False worship, characterized by empty rituals or misguided beliefs, is unacceptable to the true God.

The Call to Glorify God

Believers are called to glorify God in all aspects of their lives. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (NKJV). This holistic view of worship reflects the understanding that every action can be an expression of reverence and honor to the true God.

Conclusion

The quest for understanding who the true God is culminates in the rich tapestry of Scripture, which reveals His nature, character, and relationship with humanity. The true God is the Creator, characterized by holiness, love, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. He desires a personal relationship with each of us, as demonstrated through Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God and offers salvation to all.

As believers, acknowledging the true God shapes our understanding of worship, morality, and purpose. In a world filled with competing ideologies and beliefs, the Bible provides a clear and unambiguous declaration: the true God is one, and He is revealed through His Word and the person of Jesus Christ. Recognizing and worshiping the true God is not only a matter of faith; it is the foundation of a meaningful and fulfilling life. Through Him, we find our identity, purpose, and hope for eternity.