God
A study of God's existence, character, nature, family and purpose for mankind.
God is the eternal, ever-present and all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Scripture reveals one God family presently consisting of the Father and Jesus Christ the Son. God is loving, merciful and purposeful, and His plan ultimately involves bringing human beings into His family.
Knowing the Creator
One of mankind's most fundamental needs is to recognize that God exists and to understand His character, personality and purpose. Without an accurate picture of the Creator, man cannot fully understand why he exists or where human life is ultimately headed.
Arguments alone cannot force another person to believe in God. Faith and conviction cannot simply be imposed through debate. Yet an individual can develop personal certainty through his own relationship with God, including conversion, prayer and experiencing God's involvement in his life.
Creation itself also provides powerful testimony of a Creator. The universe, life and the orderly laws that sustain them point beyond themselves. Psalm 19:1 declares that the heavens reveal God's glory, while Romans 1:20 explains that aspects of God's power and nature may be understood through what He has made.
Scripture reveals the God family as presently consisting of the Father and the Son, Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John describes the Father and Christ as existing together, sharing divine glory and power, while maintaining an order of authority.
God is spirit rather than flesh. Biblical descriptions of His appearance emphasize extraordinary brilliance, majesty and power. At the same time, Scripture presents God as personal, compassionate and deeply concerned with human beings.
God's character is defined above all by love. His love is demonstrated through His mercy, forgiveness, provision, guidance and especially through His plan for mankind. Humanity was created in God's image for a purpose much greater than physical existence alone.
What Scripture Reveals About God
God Created and Sustains the Universe
The existence of creation, life and the laws governing the universe testify to a Creator, Life-Giver and Sustainer.
The Father and the Son
Scripture presently reveals the God family as consisting of God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, who have existed together in divine glory.
God Is Love
Love is central to God's nature. His mercy, compassion, forgiveness and desire for mankind's ultimate success flow from that character.
Mankind Was Created in God's Image
Human life has a divine purpose. Scripture describes mankind as created in God's image and points toward God's plan to add sons to His family.
A Plan for the Human Family
God's purpose extends far beyond merely creating physical human life. Humanity was made in His image and given the opportunity to develop character and ultimately become part of His Kingdom and family.
The Bible presents God as both the ruler of the universe and a personal God who is concerned with individual human lives. His plan reflects His desire for mankind to obtain salvation and ultimately share in the future He has prepared.
God presently rules from heaven with Jesus Christ beside Him. Scripture ultimately points toward God's government being established with His family in the new earth described in Revelation.
Key Scriptures for This Lesson
Read these passages in your own Bible as you study the character, nature and purpose of God.
Questions
Review the lesson and answer each question before opening the answer key below.
How many members of the God family are presently revealed in Scripture?
- a) 1
- b) 2
- c) 3
