THE DOCTRINE OF GOD Wellington

THEOLOGY PROPER:

THE DOCTRINE OF GOD

1. THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

A. Views Concerning God

* There are many varied views concerning the existence of God, and what kind of God exists. Here are some key views:

1. Atheism - There is no God.

2. Agnosticism - It is impossible to know whether or not there is a God.

If God exists, it is impossible to know Him.

3. Deism - There is a “God,” but he is not involved in the affairs of his creation.

He does not intervene in the lives of men.

He “wound up” the universe, but then he left it alone. (Voltaire, Thomas Jefferson)

4. Theism - There is a God and He is involved in the affairs of His creation.

5. Dualism - There are two equal and opposite forces or “Gods” - a good God and an evil God.

6. Polytheism - There are many gods of various levels of power and authority. (Idolatry, Greek & Roman religions, Hinduism, Zen Buddhism)

7. Pantheism - God is everything, and everything is god. God is in everything. (Hinduism, New Age beliefs, Star Wars’ “Force”)

8. Monotheism - There is only one true God. (Christianity, Judaism, Islam)

9. Trinitarianism - There is one true God Who exists in three Persons.

B. Proofs Of The Existence Of God - Apologetics

1. Definition * Apologetics is the field of study concerned with the defense of the faith.

There are two primary “schools” or approaches to apologetics:

a. Evidentiary apologetics provides arguments and proofs concerning the existence of God and the truthfulness of Scripture (e.g., Josh McDowell).

b. Presuppositional apologetics begins with the assumption (presupposition) that God exists and that the Bible is His Word.

Its approach is to “turn the Bible loose” to do its work (Rom 10:17; Lk 16:31).

Romans 10:17 KJV 1900

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Luke 16:31 KJV 1900

And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

2. Biblical Assumption

* The Bible does not set out to prove God’s existence.

Instead, His existence is assumed, or taken for granted, in Scripture - Gen 1:1; Ps 14:1; Rom 1:18-20; 2:14-15

Genesis 1:1 KJV 1900

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

Psalm 14:1 KJV 1900

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, There is none that doeth good.

Romans 1:18–20 KJV 1900

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

Romans 2:14–15 KJV 1900

For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)

* Charles Ryrie, however, states that passages such as Ps 19 do provide arguments for God’s existence.

Psalm 19 KJV 1900

To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, And night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, Where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, And rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, And his circuit unto the ends of it: And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof. The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: And in keeping of them there is great reward. Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; Let them not have dominion over me: Then shall I be upright, And I shall be innocent from the great transgression. Let the words of my mouth, And the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.

He concludes, “So the Bible does argue for as well as assume the existence of God” (A Survey of Bible Doctrine, Moody Press, 1972, pg. 15).

Most texts on Bible doctrine disagree with Ryrie.

3. Classical Philosophical Arguments For The Existence Of God

* Over the centuries, theologians and philosophers have tried to “prove” the existence of God.

None of these arguments is decisive, but taken together they offer strong support for the fact that God exists.

However, they also do not prove exactly what kind of God exists!

Here are some of the more well-known arguments:

a. Intuitional Argument - There is a worldwide, intuitive belief in all cultures of some type of God.

Man, by nature and without being taught, believes in some type of a God.

b. Cosmological Argument - The argument from cause and effect. The universe exists.

It must have had a cause.

c. Teleological Argument - The argument from design.

The universe exhibits a purposeful and orderly design, so there must have been a designer (creator).

d. Ontological Argument - The argument from being.

Man has an idea of an infinite and perfect Being.

We could not have come up with this concept on our own.

Therefore, such a Being must exist.

e. Anthropological Argument - The argument from morality.

Since humans exist with intellectual self-awareness and a moral nature, there must be a Creator who also has these qualities.

II. THE NATURE OF GOD

A. Spirituality - God Is A Spirit

* God is a Spirit Being, not a physical (material) Being - Jn 4:24

John 4:24 KJV 1900

God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.

* As Spirit, God does not have a physical or material body - Lk 24:39

Luke 24:39 KJV 1900

Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

* As Spirit, God is invisible by nature - I Tim 1:17; Col 1:15; Jn 1:18

1 Timothy 1:17 KJV 1900

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Colossians 1:15 KJV 1900

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

John 1:18 (KJV 1900)

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

~ “God is above sensuous perceptions” (William Evans, The Great Doctrines of the Bible, Moody Press, 1939, pg. 19)

~ God has, at times, taken on a visible form to interact with men

- Gen 3:8 (Adam & Eve) ;

Genesis 3:8 (KJV 1900)

And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.

Gen 12:7 (Abraham);

Genesis 12:7 KJV 1900

And the Lord appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the Lord, who appeared unto him.

Exo 33:18-23 (Moses)

Exodus 33:18–23 (KJV 1900)

And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory.

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live.

And the Lord said, Behold, there is a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock:

And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by:

And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.

B. Personality - God Is A Person

* Even though He is an invisible Spirit Being, God is still a true Person.

He is not simply a force or influence. He has the characteristics of personhood, including intellect, emotions, and will.

~ Intellect - Isa 40:12-14, 28; Rom 11:33-34

Isaiah 40:12–14 KJV 1900

Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, And meted out heaven with the span, And comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, And weighed the mountains in scales, And the hills in a balance? Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or being his counseller hath taught him? With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, And taught him in the path of judgment, And taught him knowledge, And shewed to him the way of understanding?

Isaiah 40:28 KJV 1900

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, That the everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.

Romans 11:33–34 (KJV 1900)

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

~ Emotions

- Love (I Jn 4:16);

1 John 4:16 KJV 1900

And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

Hatred (Pr 6:16-20);

Proverbs 6:16–20 (KJV 1900)

These six things doth the Lord hate: Yea, seven are an abomination unto him:

A proud look, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood,

An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, Feet that be swift in running to mischief,

A false witness that speaketh lies, And he that soweth discord among brethren.

My son, keep thy father’s commandment, And forsake not the law of thy mother:

Anger (Ps 79:5)

Psalm 79:5 KJV 1900

How long, Lord? wilt thou be angry for ever? Shall thy jealousy burn like fire?

~ Will - Eph 1:11; Heb 2:4; Jas 1:18

Ephesians 1:11 KJV 1900

In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Hebrews 2:4 (KJV 1900)

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?

James 1:18 KJV 1900

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

C. Self-Existence - God Is Not Dependent Upon Anything

* God is the uncaused Cause - nothing (no one) brought Him into existence.

He is not dependent upon anything or anyone.

He is self-sufficient. He needs nothing or no one - Exo 3:13-15; Rom 11:33-36

Exodus 3:13–15 KJV 1900

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

Romans 11:33–36 (KJV 1900)

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

D. Infinity - God Is Limitless

* God exists without limitations or boundaries.

His Being, and all His attributes, are without end - Ps 147:5; Job 11:7-9; I Kings 8:27

Psalm 147:5 KJV 1900

Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.

Job 11:7–9 KJV 1900

Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? Deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, And broader than the sea.

1 Kings 8:27 (KJV 1900)

But will God indeed dwell on the earth? behold, the heaven and heaven of heavens cannot contain thee; how much less this house that I have builded?

E. Unity - There Is Only One God

* The Old Testament clearly teaches there is only one true God - Deut 6:4; Deut 4:35; Isa 46:9

Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV 1900)

Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord:

Deuteronomy 4:35 KJV 1900

Unto thee it was shewed, that thou mightest know that the Lord he is God; there is none else beside him.

Isaiah 46:9 KJV 1900

Remember the former things of old: For I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,

* The New Testament clearly teaches there is only one true God - I Cor 8:4-6; Jas 2:19

1 Corinthians 8:4–6 KJV 1900

As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is none other God but one. For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.

James 2:19 KJV 1900

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

F. Trinity - One God Exists In Three Persons

1. The word “Trinity” is not found in Scripture.

This doctrine was developed because of two clear teachings found in the Bible:

a. There is only one true God

b. Three distinct Persons are known as God - The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit

2. Scriptural evidences of the deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit:

a. The Trinity is implied in the Old Testament:

(1) Elohim, one of the primary names for God, is plural - Gen 1:1

Genesis 1:1 KJV 1900

In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

(2) Plural pronouns (“us / our”) are used of God - Gen 1:26; 3:22; Isa 6:8

Genesis 1:26 KJV 1900

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

Genesis 3:22 KJV 1900

And the Lord God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:

Isaiah 6:8 KJV 1900

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me.

(3) Plural titles are used of God - “Creator” (Eccl 12:1) and “Maker” (Isa 54:5) are plural.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 KJV 1900

Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them;

Isaiah 54:5 KJV 1900

For thy Maker is thine husband; The Lord of hosts is his name; And thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

(4) There are indications of the Son in the Old Testament - Ps 2:7, 12; Isa 9:6-7 * The “Angel of the Lord” normally refers to Christ - Gen 22:11-15; Exo 3:2

Psalm 2:7 KJV 1900

I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee.

Psalm 2:12 KJV 1900

Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, And ye perish from the way, When his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Isaiah 9:6–7 KJV 1900

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, Upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, To order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice From henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Genesis 22:11–15 KJV 1900

And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me. And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram caught in a thicket by his horns: and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen. And the angel of the Lord called unto Abraham out of heaven the second time,

Exodus 3:2 KJV 1900

And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

(5) There are indications of the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament - Gen 1:2; Isa 11:1-2

Genesis 1:2 KJV 1900

And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

Isaiah 11:1–2 KJV 1900

And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of his roots: And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, The spirit of wisdom and understanding, The spirit of counsel and might, The spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord;

(6) There are indications of all three Persons of the Trinity in one passage - Isa 63:7-10

Isaiah 63:7–10 KJV 1900

I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the Lord, and the praises of the Lord, According to all that the Lord hath bestowed on us, And the great goodness toward the house of Israel, Which he hath bestowed on them according to his mercies, And according to the multitude of his lovingkindnesses. For he said, Surely they are my people, Children that will not lie: So he was their Saviour. In all their affliction he was afflicted, And the angel of his presence saved them: In his love and in his pity he redeemed them; And he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled, and vexed his holy Spirit: Therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them.

* The Lord - vs. 7 (Father)

* The angel of his presence - vs. 9 (Son)

* His holy Spirit - vs. 10 (Holy Spirit)

b. The Trinity is clearly taught in the New Testament

(1) The three Persons of the Trinity are each recognized as being God.

* Father - Jn 6:27; I Pet 1:2

John 6:27 KJV 1900

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

1 Peter 1:2 KJV 1900

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

* Son - Jn 1:1, 14; Jn 20:28

John 1:1 KJV 1900

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

John 1:14 KJV 1900

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John 20:28 KJV 1900

And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God.

* Holy Spirit - Acts 5:2-4; II Cor 3:17

Acts 5:2–4 KJV 1900

And kept back part of the price, his wife also being privy to it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land? Whiles it remained, was it not thine own? and after it was sold, was it not in thine own power? why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart? thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God.

2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV 1900

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

(2) The attributes of God are applied to all three Persons (Lewis Sperry Chafer, Chafer’s Systematic Theology, Vol. 1, Dallas Seminary Press, 1947, pp. 304-305)

Father Son Spirit Eternity Ps 90:2 Rev 1:8 Heb 9:14

Psalm 90:2 KJV 1900

Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Revelation 1:8 KJV 1900

I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Hebrews 9:14 KJV 1900

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Infinite power I Pet 1:5 II Cor 12:9 Rom 15:19

1 Peter 1:5 KJV 1900

Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 1900

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Romans 15:19 KJV 1900

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Omniscience Jer 17:10 Rev 2:23 I Cor 2:11

Jeremiah 17:10 KJV 1900

I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

Revelation 2:23 KJV 1900

And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.

1 Corinthians 2:11 KJV 1900

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.

Omnipresence Jer 23:24 Mt 18:20 Ps 139:7

Jeremiah 23:24 KJV 1900

Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord.

Matthew 18:20 KJV 1900

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Psalm 139:7 KJV 1900

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence?

Holiness Rev 15:4 Acts 3:14

Revelation 15:4 KJV 1900

Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.

Acts 3:14 KJV 1900

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

“Holy Spirit” throughout Truth Jn 7:28 Rev 3:7 I Jn 5:6

John 7:28 KJV 1900

Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not.

Revelation 3:7 KJV 1900

And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

1 John 5:6 KJV 1900

This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.

Benevolence Rom 2:4 Eph 5:25 Neh 9:20

Romans 2:4 KJV 1900

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?

Ephesians 5:25 KJV 1900

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;

Nehemiah 9:20 KJV 1900

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Disposition for Communion I Jn 1:3 I Jn 1:3 II Cor 13:14

1 John 1:3 KJV 1900

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

1 John 1:3 KJV 1900

That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV 1900

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

3. Key Scriptures:

a. Mt 28:19 - All three Persons of the Trinity are mentioned, yet the word “name” is singular, not plural. This indicates oneness.

Matthew 28:19 KJV 1900

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

b. Mt 3:16-17 - All three Persons of the Trinity are present at the baptism of Christ.

Matthew 3:16–17 KJV 1900

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

c. II Cor 13:14 - The “Apostolic Benediction” includes all three Persons of the Trinity.

2 Corinthians 13:14 KJV 1900

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

d. Jn 14:16, 26 - All three Persons of the Trinity are mentioned as Christ promises that the Father would send the Holy Spirit.

John 14:16 KJV 1900

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26 KJV 1900

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

e. I Pet 1:2 - Peter mentions all three Persons of the Trinity in His greeting.

1 Peter 1:2 KJV 1900

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

4. Definition by B. B. Warfield: “The doctrine that there is one only and true God, but in the unity of the Godhead there are three eternal and co-equal Persons, the same in substance but distinct in subsistence.” (Quoted by Charles Ryrie in Understanding Bible Doctrine, pg. 42)

5. Errors to Avoid:

1. There are three separate individuals in the Godhead (Tritheism).

2. The Trinity is only one Person manifesting Himself in three ways (Modalism).

3. There is only one God. The Son and Holy Spirit are lesser beings created by God.

III. THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

A. Definitions

1. God’s attributes are those essential qualities or characteristics that make God Who He is.

2. God’s attributes have sometimes been categorized into groupings.

They are sometimes divided on the basis of those that are true of God alone, and those that can also be true of humans. Another way to categorize them is to divide those that are moral attributes from those that are attributes related to His essential being.

B. A Partial Listing Of God’s Attributes

1. Eternity: God had no beginning and He will have no end. He is not bound by time.

He is the “Eternal Now” - Ps 90:2, 4; Ps 102:24-27

Psalm 90:2 KJV 1900

Before the mountains were brought forth, Or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, Even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.

Psalm 90:4 KJV 1900

For a thousand years in thy sight Are but as yesterday when it is past, And as a watch in the night.

Psalm 102:24–27 KJV 1900

I said, O my God, take me not away in the midst of my days: Thy years are throughout all generations. Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: And the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: Yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; As a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, And thy years shall have no end.

2. Omniscience - God is literally “all-knowing.” He knows everything - Ps 139:1-6

Psalm 139:1–6 KJV 1900

O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me. Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compassest my path and my lying down, And art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, But, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether. Thou hast beset me behind and before, And laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain unto it.

* God’s knowledge covers all time - Acts 15:18

Acts 15:18 KJV 1900

Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

* God’s knowledge covers all creation

~ Inanimate creatures - Ps 147:4; Isa 40:28

Psalm 147:4 KJV 1900

He telleth the number of the stars; He calleth them all by their names.

Isaiah 40:28 KJV 1900

Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, That the everlasting God, the Lord, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Fainteth not, neither is weary? There is no searching of his understanding.

~ Animal creatures - Mt 10:29

Matthew 10:29 KJV 1900

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

~ Human creatures - Mt 6:8; Ps 139:2; Ps 94:11

Matthew 6:8 KJV 1900

Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.

Psalm 139:2 KJV 1900

Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, Thou understandest my thought afar off.

Psalm 94:11 KJV 1900

The Lord knoweth the thoughts of man, That they are vanity.

* God’s knowledge covers all possibilities (what might have happened if . . .) - Mt 11:21, 23

Matthew 11:21 KJV 1900

Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

Matthew 11:23 KJV 1900

And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

~ “Open theism” is false!

2. Omnipresence - God is literally “all-present.”

Another way of phrasing it is that everything everywhere is in the presence of God - Ps 139:7-12; Jer 23:23-24

Psalm 139:7–12 KJV 1900

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: If I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, And thy right hand shall hold me. If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; Even the night shall be light about me. Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; But the night shineth as the day: The darkness and the light are both alike to thee.

3. Omnipotent - God is literally “all-powerful.” - Ps 139:13-19; Rev 19:6; Mt 19:26; Gen 18:14

Jeremiah 23:23–24:3 KJV 1900

Am I a God at hand, saith the Lord, and not a God afar off? Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the Lord. I have heard what the prophets said, that prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed. How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets that prophesy lies? yea, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart; Which think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every man to his neighbour, as their fathers have forgotten my name for Baal. The prophet that hath a dream, let him tell a dream; and he that hath my word, let him speak my word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat? saith the Lord. Is not my word like as a fire? saith the Lord; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that steal my words every one from his neighbour. Behold, I am against the prophets, saith the Lord, that use their tongues, and say, He saith. Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord. And when this people, or the prophet, or a priest, shall ask thee, saying, What is the burden of the Lord? thou shalt then say unto them, What burden? I will even forsake you, saith the Lord. And as for the prophet, and the priest, and the people, that shall say, The burden of the Lord, I will even punish that man and his house. Thus shall ye say every one to his neighbour, and every one to his brother, What hath the Lord answered? and, What hath the Lord spoken? And the burden of the Lord shall ye mention no more: for every man’s word shall be his burden; for ye have perverted the words of the living God, of the Lord of hosts our God. Thus shalt thou say to the prophet, What hath the Lord answered thee? and, What hath the Lord spoken? But since ye say, The burden of the Lord; therefore thus saith the Lord; Because ye say this word, The burden of the Lord, and I have sent unto you, saying, Ye shall not say, The burden of the Lord; Therefore, behold, I, even I, will utterly forget you, and I will forsake you, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of my presence: And I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten. The Lord shewed me, and, behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the Lord, after that Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon. One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe: and the other basket had very naughty figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad. Then said the Lord unto me, What seest thou, Jeremiah? And I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.

Psalm 139:13–19 KJV 1900

For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, When I was made in secret, And curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; And in thy book all my members were written, Which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: When I awake, I am still with thee. Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: Depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.

Revelation 19:6 (KJV 1900)

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Matthew 19:26 KJV 1900

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.

Genesis 18:14 (KJV 1900)

Is any thing too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

* He has power over nature - Ps 33:6-9; Hag 2:6

Psalm 33:6–9 (KJV 1900)

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; And all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap: He layeth up the depth in storehouses.

Let all the earth fear the Lord: Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him.

For he spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.

Haggai 2:6 (KJV 1900)

For thus saith the Lord of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, And I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;

* He has power over humans - Jas 4:12-15

James 4:12–15 KJV 1900

There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

* He has power over angels - Dan 4:25

Daniel 4:25 (KJV 1900)

That they shall drive thee from men, and thy dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make thee to eat grass as oxen, and they shall wet thee with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over thee, till thou know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will.

* He has power over Satan - Job 1:12; 2:6; Rev 20:2, 10

Job 1:12 KJV 1900

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Job 2:6 KJV 1900

And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.

Revelation 20:2 KJV 1900

And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,

Revelation 20:10 KJV 1900

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

* He has power over death - Eph 1:19-21

Ephesians 1:19–21 KJV 1900

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:

4. Immutability - God’s nature is absolutely unchangeable - Mal 3:6; Jas 1:17

Malachi 3:6 (KJV 1900)

For I am the Lord, I change not; Therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

James 1:17 KJV 1900

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

5. Freedom - God is independent of all His creatures - Isa 40:13-14; Rom 11:34-35

Isaiah 40:13–14 (KJV 1900)

Who hath directed the Spirit of the Lord, Or being his counseller hath taught him?

With whom took he counsel, and who instructed him, And taught him in the path of judgment, And taught him knowledge, And shewed to him the way of understanding?

Romans 11:34–35 (KJV 1900)

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

6. Sovereignty - God is the supreme authority and power in the universe - Ps 2; Rom 9; Eph 1

Psalm 2 KJV 1900

Why do the heathen rage, And the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, And cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: The Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, And vex them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king Upon my holy hill of Zion. I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: Be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, And ye perish from the way, When his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

Romans 9 KJV 1900

I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost, That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac; (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved: For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha. What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Ephesians 1 KJV 1900

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

* This is a difficult doctrine.

The Bible clearly teaches that God is sovereign - His will is always accomplished on earth.

However, the Bible also clearly teaches that God is not the Author of sin (Jas 1:13-14).

James 1:13–14 KJV 1900

Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Therefore, we typically divide God’s permissive will (what He has chosen to allow) from His causal will (what He has chosen to actively do, or cause, Himself).

7. Holiness -

Negatively, God is totally separate from all evil and defilement.

Positively, God’s moral nature is the absolute standard of perfection and purity - I Jn 1:5; Exo 15:11; Lev 11:44-45; Isa 6:2-3; Isa 57:15

1 John 1:5 KJV 1900

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

Exodus 15:11 KJV 1900

Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders?

Leviticus 11:44–45 (KJV 1900)

For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy: neither shall ye defile yourselves with any manner of creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.

For I am the Lord that bringeth you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: ye shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

Isaiah 6:2–3 (KJV 1900)

Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with twain he did fly.

And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: The whole earth is full of his glory.

Isaiah 57:15 KJV 1900

For thus saith the high and lofty One That inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, With him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

* Note: This is God’s most often mentioned attribute!

8. Justice or Righteousness - God’s holiness as applied to His dealings with others.

He treats everyone fairly and equitably. He always does what is right - Zeph 3:5; Ps 19:9

Zephaniah 3:5 KJV 1900

The just Lord is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity: Every morning doth he bring his judgment to light, he faileth not; But the unjust knoweth no shame.

Psalm 19:9 KJV 1900

The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.

9. Truth - God’s holiness applied to His communication. God is consistent with Himself in everything He says and does - Rom 3:4; Jn 14:6

Romans 3:4 KJV 1900

God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

John 14:6 KJV 1900

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

10. Love - God seeks the highest good (His will) for humans, even at infinite cost - I Jn 4:8; Jn 3:16; Rom 5:8

1 John 4:8 KJV 1900

He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 (KJV 1900)

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

* God’s holiness demands that sin must be punished.

God’s love provides Christ to satisfy that demand.

11. Goodness - God is always good in His character and His actions.

He seeks the welfare of those He loves - Ps 145:9; Exo 33:19; Jas 1:17

Psalm 145:9 KJV 1900

The Lord is good to all: And his tender mercies are over all his works.

Exodus 33:19 KJV 1900

And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

James 1:17 KJV 1900

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

12. Grace - God demonstrates unmerited favor toward those He loves - Exo 34:6; Eph 1:6-7; Tit 2:11

Exodus 34:6 KJV 1900

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Ephesians 1:6–7 KJV 1900

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Titus 2:11 KJV 1900

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

13. Merciful - God shows compassion and pity upon those in need - Exo 3:7, 17; Ps 103:13; Mt 9:36

Exodus 3:7 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

Exodus 3:17 (KJV 1900)

And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey.

Psalm 103:13 KJV 1900

Like as a father pitieth his children, So the Lord pitieth them that fear him.

Matthew 9:36 (KJV 1900)

But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.

* Mercy - We don’t get what we deserve (judgment & hell) Grace - We get what we don’t deserve (eternal life & heaven . . .)

14. Faithfulness - God always keeps His promises - Num 23:19; I Thess 5:24; I Jn 1:9

Numbers 23:19 (KJV 1900)

God is not a man, that he should lie; Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and shall he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (KJV 1900)

Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.

1 John 1:9 (KJV 1900)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

IV. THE NAMES OF GOD

A. Why Are The Names Of God Important?

1. God’s Names Are Part Of His Self-Revelation - Exo 34:5-8 * In the Bible we have a number of ways that God has revealed Himself to us.

Exodus 34:5–8 (KJV 1900)

And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord.

And the Lord passed by before him, and proclaimed, The Lord, The Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,

Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children’s children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.

And Moses made haste, and bowed his head toward the earth, and worshipped.

We learn about Him from how He interacts with men, from statements concerning His attributes, and from His names and titles.

I have one list in a book in my library that gives about 300 names and titles for God in the Bible!

Some of these are titles that have been given to Him by His people, but most are titles that He Himself has used to reveal Himself to us!

2. God’s Names Help Us Know Him Better - Exo 3:13-15

Exodus 3:13–15 KJV 1900

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

* Studying the names of God will help us get to know Him better! We will learn about His nature, and His character, and His attributes, and His glory, and His ways - how and why He does things.

We will learn more about Who God is, and how He has chosen to relate to His people.

3. God’s Name Receives Special Honor In Scripture

a. It Is Holy - Ps 99:3; 103:1

Psalm 99:3 KJV 1900

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; For it is holy.

Psalm 103:1 KJV 1900

Bless the Lord, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

* Ps 99:3 Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for it is holy.

Psalm 99:3 KJV 1900

Let them praise thy great and terrible name; For it is holy.

* Ps 103:1 Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

Psalm 103:1 KJV 1900

Bless the Lord, O my soul: And all that is within me, bless his holy name.

b. It Is Glorious - I Chron 29:13; Ps 72:19

1 Chronicles 29:13 KJV 1900

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

Psalm 72:19 KJV 1900

And blessed be his glorious name for ever: And let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

* I Chron 29:13 Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

1 Chronicles 29:13 KJV 1900

Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.

* Ps 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

Psalm 72:19 KJV 1900

And blessed be his glorious name for ever: And let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen.

c. It Is Eternal - Ps 72:17 * Ps 72:17 His name shall endure for ever: his name shall be continued as long as the sun: and men shall be blessed in him: all nations shall call him blessed.

Psalm 72:17 KJV 1900

His name shall endure for ever: His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him: All nations shall call him blessed.

Psalm 72:17 KJV 1900

His name shall endure for ever: His name shall be continued as long as the sun: And men shall be blessed in him: All nations shall call him blessed.

d. It Brings Worldwide Worship - Mal 1:11

Malachi 1:11 KJV 1900

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My name shall be great among the Gentiles; And in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: For my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.

* Mal 1:11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

Malachi 1:11 KJV 1900

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same My name shall be great among the Gentiles; And in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: For my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.

e. It Must Not Be Taken In Vain - Exo 20:7

Exodus 20:7 KJV 1900

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

* Exo 20:7 Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

Exodus 20:7 KJV 1900

Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.

* We must not use God’s name in an empty fashion. We must not treat it as being worthless.

God’s name is precious, because it represents God Himself!

The way we treat His name is the way that we are treating Him!

B. The Primary Old Testament Names For God

1. EL, ELOHIM, (ELAH, ELOAH)

a. The Most General Name or Title For God

b. Primary Translations: God; god(s)

* Because this name is found in many languages, and because it is used as a title for what God is, the name “El” is used of the true God as well as false gods.

c. Also Used Of False Deities, Humans, And Angels

* Since this is a general term or title for God, it can refer to false gods, or false deities, or idols.

It is also occasionally used in the Old Testament to refer to angels and even to men.

But most of the time it refers to the true God of Israel.

d. Used Over 3000 Times In The Old Testament

* About 300 of these are references to false gods.

e. Root Meaning: Power, Might, Strength

2. ADONAI

a. Two Forms: ADON (Singular) and ADONAI (Plural)

b. Primary Translations: Lord; Master

c. Meaning: Master, Owner, One who rules

d. Used Almost 770 Times In The Old Testament

e. Also Used Of Humans (Over 300 Times - Mostly ADON)

* Used of human masters of slaves - Gen 24:9-10

Genesis 24:9–10 KJV 1900

And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter. And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

* Used of human husbands - Gen 18:12; cf. I Pet 3:6

Genesis 18:12 KJV 1900

Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

1 Peter 3:6 KJV 1900

Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.

* Used of rulers of a country - Gen 40:1; 42:30, 33

Genesis 40:1 KJV 1900

And it came to pass after these things, that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt.

Genesis 42:30 KJV 1900

The man, who is the lord of the land, spake roughly to us, and took us for spies of the country.

Genesis 42:33 KJV 1900

And the man, the lord of the country, said unto us, Hereby shall I know that ye are true men; leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone:

* Used as a title of respect - Ruth 2:13; I Sam 1:15, 26

Ruth 2:13 KJV 1900

Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

1 Samuel 1:15 KJV 1900

And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.

3. JEHOVAH (JAH); YAHWEH

1 Samuel 26:3 KJV 1900

And Saul pitched in the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the way. But David abode in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness.

a. Two Forms: Jehovah and Jah

* Jah - Shortened, or contracted, form; Found about 50 times in the Old Testament (twice in Exodus, 3 times in Isaiah, the rest in Psalms)

b. Primary Translations: LORD, GOD

* Typically, “LORD”; Translated “GOD” just over 300 times, usually when used with Adonai - Adonai Jehovah = The Lord GOD

* Technically, these are not translations of the Hebrew word. They are substitutions that our translators have used.

In other words, the word “Jehovah” does not MEAN “Lord” or “God.”

But since it is God’s name, the translators have used LORD and GOD to translate it into English.

* Translated “Jehovah” 4 times and “Jah” once in the KJV (Passages with strong emphasis on the name)

c. Used Almost 7000 Times In The Old Testament

d. The Personal Name For God

* This is the most specific name for God. It is His personal name.

Adonai is His title - He is the Lord.

El or Elohim are His office - He is God.

But Jehovah is His name.

e. A Very Sacred And Reverenced Name For God

(1) Jewish Customs Reflect Its Sacred Nature

* Many scribes would actually bathe and change their clothes before writing the name Jehovah.

Others would clean their pen or get new ink.

It was a sacred name, and the scribes almost became superstitious about abusing it or taking it in vain.

* When the Scriptures were read aloud, tradition ultimately caused them to never read the name aloud. Again, they were worried about using this name for God lightly.

So, as they read, they would substitute Adonai for Jehovah, or if the context demanded it, they would use the name Elohim in its place.

(2) Its Pronunciation Has Been Lost

* The Hebrew text did not contain vowels.

The vowels were added as people read the Scriptures aloud.

Since pious Jews stopped reading this name for God, its pronunciation was lost.

* Tetragrammaton: YHWH or JHVH

~ “Tetragrammaton” is a technical word that is used for this four-letter name for God.

“Tetragrammaton” literally means “four-letter word.”

* Vowels were added from Adonai - YeHoWaH or JeHoVaH

* There is no way to know what pronunciation is correct!

f. Never Used Of False “Gods”

* Unlike “El” and “Elohim,” this was Israel’s special name for her true God.

It is never used of false gods or idols.

C. There Are Numerous Compounds Based On These 3

V. THE PARTICULAR WORKS OF GOD THE FATHER

* These are listed directly from the textbook for this study, Survey of Bible Doctrines by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Press, pp. 34-35.

A. He Was The Author Of The Decree (Plan) Of God - Ps 2:7-9

Psalm 2:7–9 KJV 1900

I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

B. He Was The Author Of Our Election - Eph 1:3-6

Ephesians 1:3–6 KJV 1900

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

C. He Sent The Son To Be The Savior - Jn 5:37; I Jn 4:14

John 5:37 KJV 1900

And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me. Ye have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

1 John 4:14 KJV 1900

And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

D. He Disciplines His Children - Heb 12:9 Psalm 2:7–9 (KJV 1900)

Hebrews 12:9 KJV 1900

Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

Psalm 2:7–9 KJV 1900

I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

I will declare the decree: The Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; This day have I begotten thee.

Ask of me, And I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, And the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.