Theology 1: The Concept of God
Theology: Fundamentals • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
"In the beginning God... " (Genesis 1:1). The Bible begins with the presupposition that God exists, and does not offer philosophical arguments for His existence.
"In the beginning God... " (Genesis 1:1). The Bible begins with the presupposition that God exists, and does not offer philosophical arguments for His existence.
Theology Proper begins with two assumptions — that God exists, and that he has revealed Himself to man. These assumptions are neither illogical nor fanciful.
Theology Proper begins with two assumptions — that God exists, and that he has revealed Himself to man. These assumptions are neither illogical nor fanciful.
They are both reasonable and evidential.
They are both reasonable and evidential.
I. The Logic of a concept of God.
I. The Logic of a concept of God.
The fact of the existence of God is a "first truth."
The fact of the existence of God is a "first truth."
A "first truth" is knowledge that is intuitive. It is not derived from observation, reading, or reflection. "Intuition" may be defined as knowing something without having to be told.
A "first truth" is knowledge that is intuitive. It is not derived from observation, reading, or reflection. "Intuition" may be defined as knowing something without having to be told.
Our belief in God is intuitive. It exists in all men (whether admitted or not), and would exist even if it were possible from birth to allow the mind to develop apart from the senses - sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
Our belief in God is intuitive. It exists in all men (whether admitted or not), and would exist even if it were possible from birth to allow the mind to develop apart from the senses - sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.
The knowledge of God is the unique feature of man, who is a spiritual being, possessing God consciousness. Such a knowledge is:
The knowledge of God is the unique feature of man, who is a spiritual being, possessing God consciousness. Such a knowledge is:
a. Universal - because all men manifest a belief in some "God." Man
has a religious nature.
a. Universal - because all men manifest a belief in some "God." Man
has a religious nature.
b. Necessary - because the mind of man is compelled by its very nature
to a recognition of God.
b. Necessary - because the mind of man is compelled by its very nature
to a recognition of God.
c. Prime - because such knowledge cannot be broken down into
other basic forms, or does not need to be proved by other facts.
c. Prime - because such knowledge cannot be broken down into
other basic forms, or does not need to be proved by other facts.
This intuitive concept of God can be developed and established by observation, reflection, reason, and of course — revelation. However, it is independent of all these. We would know there is a supreme being even if there was no Bible.
This intuitive concept of God can be developed and established by observation, reflection, reason, and of course — revelation. However, it is independent of all these. We would know there is a supreme being even if there was no Bible.
This "first truth" says that "God is," and to some extent what God is.
This "first truth" says that "God is," and to some extent what God is.
Note: The scriptures assume this first truth. They assume God's existence and man's intuition of this fact.
Note: The scriptures assume this first truth. They assume God's existence and man's intuition of this fact.
1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
This "rational intuition" of God must be developed into a "factual presentation" of God.
This "rational intuition" of God must be developed into a "factual presentation" of God.
II. False concepts of God.
II. False concepts of God.
Belief in the existence of God as a "higher power" or "supreme being" is natural and normal. However, from this point man's understanding of God has deviated from the truth because of "vain imaginations" (Romans 1:21), resulting in many false concepts. Some of these are:
Belief in the existence of God as a "higher power" or "supreme being" is natural and normal. However, from this point man's understanding of God has deviated from the truth because of "vain imaginations" (Romans 1:21), resulting in many false concepts. Some of these are:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
A. Atheism — "a" (negative), "theism" (belief in God)
A. Atheism — "a" (negative), "theism" (belief in God)
Atheism is unnatural and abnormal because it is "a denial of the existence of God." It denies what is intuitive, and in most cases is really a fake or suppressed assertion by people.
Atheism is unnatural and abnormal because it is "a denial of the existence of God." It denies what is intuitive, and in most cases is really a fake or suppressed assertion by people.
Atheism manifests itself in 3 ways:
Atheism manifests itself in 3 ways:
1. Practical Atheism.
For various reasons many people have chosen to discard God from their thinking and life.
1. Practical Atheism.
For various reasons many people have chosen to discard God from their thinking and life.
2. Virtual Atheism.
People have adopted various philosophies (e.g. materialism or communism) which require no belief in God.
2. Virtual Atheism.
People have adopted various philosophies (e.g. materialism or communism) which require no belief in God.
3. Dogmatic Atheism:
Some people openly boast their denial of God's existence - Romans 1:22; Psalm 14:1.
3. Dogmatic Atheism:
Some people openly boast their denial of God's existence - Romans 1:22; Psalm 14:1.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
1 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.
B. Agnosticism.
B. Agnosticism.
The word comes from the Greek, "a"- 'not,' and "gnosko"- I know,' and literally means "not knowing." (The equivalent Latin word is "ignoramus.")
The word comes from the Greek, "a"- 'not,' and "gnosko"- I know,' and literally means "not knowing." (The equivalent Latin word is "ignoramus.")
Agnosticism affirms the impossibility of ever knowing the certainty of God.
Agnosticism affirms the impossibility of ever knowing the certainty of God.
It is a form of skepticism. Like atheism, this too is unnatural and abnormal.
It is a form of skepticism. Like atheism, this too is unnatural and abnormal.
Someone pointed out that the agnostic cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman - he's running away!
Someone pointed out that the agnostic cannot find God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman - he's running away!
C. Deism:
C. Deism:
Born out of the 18Th Century "Enlightenment" or "Age of Reason," deism believes that God exists, but not as a personal God. It holds that God is present in His creation only in His power - not in His being and nature.
Born out of the 18Th Century "Enlightenment" or "Age of Reason," deism believes that God exists, but not as a personal God. It holds that God is present in His creation only in His power - not in His being and nature.
Deism denies the need for (or the possibility of) special revelation, holding that man's reason is sufficient to know there is a 'Higher Being It is the "absentee God" theory; it sees God as some invisible clock maker Who wound up the universe, then left it for man to run. It was revived by the late 20TH century "God is dead" fad.
Deism denies the need for (or the possibility of) special revelation, holding that man's reason is sufficient to know there is a 'Higher Being It is the "absentee God" theory; it sees God as some invisible clock maker Who wound up the universe, then left it for man to run. It was revived by the late 20TH century "God is dead" fad.
Many of the early humanists were in fact deists. Twentieth- and twenty-first-century humanism places man at the center of the universe. Freemasonry (with its "Divine Architect" god) is also a product of deism.
Many of the early humanists were in fact deists. Twentieth- and twenty-first-century humanism places man at the center of the universe. Freemasonry (with its "Divine Architect" god) is also a product of deism.
D. Dualism
D. Dualism
This concept holds that there are two distinct and irreducible principles - Good (God), and Evil (Satan). It not only teaches that both God and Satan are co-eternal, but also that God is finite.
This concept holds that there are two distinct and irreducible principles - Good (God), and Evil (Satan). It not only teaches that both God and Satan are co-eternal, but also that God is finite.
It is a Ying-Yang philosophy.
It is a Ying-Yang philosophy.
Persian Zoroastrianism is a form of dualism — as was the ancient Eastern religion of Manichaanism. The Gnostic sects of early Christendom were also dualistic.
Persian Zoroastrianism is a form of dualism — as was the ancient Eastern religion of Manichaanism. The Gnostic sects of early Christendom were also dualistic.
E. PANTHEISM:
E. PANTHEISM:
Pantheism is the belief that all finite things are divine. Its motto is "God, otherwise Nature." In other words, God is a tree, a rock, an animal. All “nature" is God.
Pantheism is the belief that all finite things are divine. Its motto is "God, otherwise Nature." In other words, God is a tree, a rock, an animal. All “nature" is God.
New-Age environmentalism is a present day example of pantheism. Its
New-Age environmentalism is a present day example of pantheism. Its
"mother earth" concept is nothing more than the worship of things created.Hinduism is also pantheistic, and for that reason holds that all life is sacred. See: Romans 1:25
"mother earth" concept is nothing more than the worship of things created.Hinduism is also pantheistic, and for that reason holds that all life is sacred. See: Romans 1:25
Romans 1:25
Animism is the worship of objects - trees, rocks, etc., believing there are spirits behind them. See: I Corinthians 10:19,20.
19 What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing?
20 But I say, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils, and not to God: and I would not that ye should have fellowship with devils.
F. Polytheism.
F. Polytheism.
This is the belief in many (poly) gods. Many of the world's religions are polytheistic. The best example is Hinduism.
This is the belief in many (poly) gods. Many of the world's religions are polytheistic. The best example is Hinduism.
III. True Concepts of God.
III. True Concepts of God.
A development of the "first truth" intuition of God by reason and revelation leads us into a true concept of God. We may understand this by considering a series of three steps:
A development of the "first truth" intuition of God by reason and revelation leads us into a true concept of God. We may understand this by considering a series of three steps:
A. Step 1 - Theism.
A. Step 1 - Theism.
Theism is the belief in a personal, infinite God. Theism opposes atheism and agnosticism, but does not necessarily exclude polytheism.
Theism is the belief in a personal, infinite God. Theism opposes atheism and agnosticism, but does not necessarily exclude polytheism.
B. Step 2 - Monotheism.
B. Step 2 - Monotheism.
This is an extension of theism into the belief of the existence of only one personal, infinite God. While this is a Christian concept of God, it is also a Jewish, Islamic, and Unitarian concept.
This is an extension of theism into the belief of the existence of only one personal, infinite God. While this is a Christian concept of God, it is also a Jewish, Islamic, and Unitarian concept.
C. Step 3 - Triune Monotheism.
C. Step 3 - Triune Monotheism.
This form of monotheism declares the full, Biblical revelation of God — one God existing co-equally, co-eternally, and co-essentially as three persons. Our future studies will proceed from this point.
This form of monotheism declares the full, Biblical revelation of God — one God existing co-equally, co-eternally, and co-essentially as three persons. Our future studies will proceed from this point.
IV. "Definitions” of God.
IV. "Definitions” of God.
The fact is, God cannot be defined. Our God is above definition. He is incomprehensible, eternally and infinitely above the trite intellect of man.
The fact is, God cannot be defined. Our God is above definition. He is incomprehensible, eternally and infinitely above the trite intellect of man.
Any attempted definition of God is anthropomorphic (i.e. it can only be put in human terms, for a true definition of God is inexpressible in any language).
Any attempted definition of God is anthropomorphic (i.e. it can only be put in human terms, for a true definition of God is inexpressible in any language).
A. Scriptural Designations of what God is
A. Scriptural Designations of what God is
There are four statements given in the Bible as to what God is:
There are four statements given in the Bible as to what God is:
1. God IS A Spirit — John 4:24.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
See also: Numbers 23:19.
This is a statement referring to His essence.
1. God IS A Spirit — John 4:24.
"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
See also: Numbers 23:19.
This is a statement referring to His essence.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.
19 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?
2. God IS Light - 1 John 1:5.
"God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
Since light is the opposite to darkness, this is a statement of His holiness.
2. God IS Light - 1 John 1:5.
"God is light, and in him is no darkness at all."
Since light is the opposite to darkness, this is a statement of His holiness.
5 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.
3.God IS Love - 1 John 4:8.
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
This is a declaration of His love.
3.God IS Love - 1 John 4:8.
"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."
This is a declaration of His love.
8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
4. God IS A Consuming Fire — Hebrews 12:29.
"For our God is a consuming fire."
Fire is symbolic of judgment. This is a statement of the righteousness and justice of God. It also speaks of His jealousy - Deuteronomy 4:24.
4. God IS A Consuming Fire — Hebrews 12:29.
"For our God is a consuming fire."
Fire is symbolic of judgment. This is a statement of the righteousness and justice of God. It also speaks of His jealousy - Deuteronomy 4:24.
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
24 For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.
B. Theological Designations of God.
B. Theological Designations of God.
1. Westminster Shorter Catechism — Presbyterian.
1. Westminster Shorter Catechism — Presbyterian.
"God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth."
"God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth."
2. A. H. Strong — Baptist.
2. A. H. Strong — Baptist.
"God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in Whom all things have their source, support, and end."
"God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in Whom all things have their source, support, and end."
3. London Confession, 1644 (by seven Particular Baptist churches)
3. London Confession, 1644 (by seven Particular Baptist churches)
"That God is of Himself, that is, neither from another, nor of another, nor by another, nor for another: But is a Spirit, Who as His being is of Himself, so he gives being, moving, and preservation to all other things, being in Himself eternal, most holy, every way infinite in greatness, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and truth."
"That God is of Himself, that is, neither from another, nor of another, nor by another, nor for another: But is a Spirit, Who as His being is of Himself, so he gives being, moving, and preservation to all other things, being in Himself eternal, most holy, every way infinite in greatness, wisdom, power, justice, goodness, and truth."
