Topical Encyclopedia
God In the Christian tradition, God is understood as the supreme being, the creator and sustainer of the universe. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, embodying perfect holiness, justice, love, and truth. The Bible reveals God as a personal being who desires a relationship with humanity. In the Old Testament, God is often referred to by names such as Yahweh (LORD), Elohim, and Adonai, each reflecting different aspects of His character and relationship with His people.
The Bible begins with the declaration of God's creative power: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (
Genesis 1:1). This foundational statement establishes God as the origin of all things. Throughout the Scriptures, God's sovereignty and authority are emphasized, as seen in passages like
Isaiah 46:9-10 : "I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done."
God's nature is further revealed through His interactions with humanity. He is depicted as a covenant-making God, establishing promises with figures such as Noah, Abraham, and Moses. These covenants demonstrate God's faithfulness and His desire to bless and redeem His creation. In
Exodus 34:6-7 , God proclaims His character to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin."
Father The concept of God as Father is a central theme in the New Testament, where it is most fully revealed through the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus frequently referred to God as His Father, emphasizing a unique and intimate relationship. This understanding of God as Father extends to all believers, who are invited to enter into a familial relationship with Him through faith in Christ.
In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus instructs His disciples to address God as "Our Father in heaven" (
Matthew 6:9), highlighting the personal and relational nature of God. This fatherhood is characterized by love, provision, and care. Jesus assures His followers of God's attentive care in
Matthew 6:26 : "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the fatherhood of God, teaching that believers are adopted into God's family through the Spirit. In
Romans 8:15 , Paul writes, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" This adoption signifies a profound transformation, granting believers the rights and privileges of children of God.
God's fatherly discipline is also a theme in Scripture, reflecting His desire for the growth and maturity of His children.
Hebrews 12:7-10 explains, "Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons."
In summary, the Bible presents God as both the transcendent Creator and the immanent Father, inviting humanity into a relationship marked by love, grace, and truth. Through Jesus Christ, believers are welcomed into the family of God, experiencing His fatherly care and guidance.