Doctrine of Triune God: God is Incomprehensibility and Knowability

Incomprehensible Meaning?

Saying God is incomprehensible is not saying that we can know nothing about God but it is saying that since God is infinite, no finite human can ever describe God in a manner that is worthy, adequate, or all encompassing.

This is to say that as fallen humans made by a perfect God, we can never describe perfectly who God is or what He is like but there are things we know about God.

What do we know about God?

In the Doctrine of Scripture and Revelation (The Doctrine of The Bible) we learned that what can be known about God is what He has revealed to us through creation and His Word.

Let’s talk about how we can come to a knowledge of God...

Lexham Survey of Theology God’s Knowability

From the whole realm of nature people acquire perceptions that develop in them an impression or a sense about God and his existence. These impressions upon the minds of mankind are a limited kind of knowledge, enough to leave all without excuse before God at the judgment (Rom 1:18–21).

Lexham Survey of Theology (God’s Knowability)

Proofs from nature must be corrected, deepened, and clarified by special revelation.

Lexham Survey of Theology (God’s Knowability)

God’s knowability through nature, when submitted to biblical revelation, strengthens and expands the doctrines of the Christian faith.

Lexham Survey of Theology (God’s Knowability)

The ability to truly know God—to come into a salvific union with him—comes through Christ alone, who is God incarnate and who is made known to us through the illuminating work of the Holy Spirit through the words of Holy Scripture. It is in the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the only true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—that the blessed life, eternal life, consists.

Lexham Survey of Theology (God’s Knowability)

• 2 Co 4:6

2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

• Ro 1:18–21

Romans 1:18–21 ESV

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened.

• 1 Co 13:12

1 Corinthians 13:12 ESV

For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

• 1 Jn 3:2

1 John 3:2 ESV

Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.

Our response...

If we can know God, why wouldn’t we get to know God? If we get to know God, why wouldn’t we imitate God? If we imitate God, how can we let anyone in our lives not know what we know about God?

Time for you to be a theologian...

What do you know about God? (reflect and share)

Do you feel like your knowledge of God is complete? Why?

What do you do to learn more about God? What if you feel like you know everything, how do you submit to the doctrine of incomprehensibility?