Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the Divine Being in Christian theology is central to understanding the nature and character of God as revealed in the Bible. The Divine Being is often referred to as God, the Creator, and the Sustainer of all things. This entry explores the attributes, nature, and revelation of the Divine Being as presented in the Scriptures.Attributes of the Divine Being 1. Omnipotence: The Divine Being is all-powerful, having unlimited authority and influence over the universe. This is evident in the creation narrative where God speaks the world into existence. "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1). God's omnipotence is further affirmed in Jeremiah 32:17, "Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You." 2. Omniscience: God possesses complete and perfect knowledge. He knows all things past, present, and future. Psalm 147:5 states, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This attribute assures believers that God is aware of all circumstances and events. 3. Omnipresence: The Divine Being is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10 reflects this truth: "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there." 4. Eternality: God is eternal, having no beginning or end. He exists outside the constraints of time. Revelation 1:8 declares, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, says the Lord God, who is and was and is to come—the Almighty." 5. Immutability: The Divine Being is unchanging in nature, character, and purpose. Malachi 3:6 affirms, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." 6. Holiness: God is morally perfect and separate from sin. Isaiah 6:3 describes the seraphim calling out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." 7. Love: The Divine Being is characterized by perfect love, demonstrated supremely in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ. 1 John 4:8 states, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." Nature of the Divine Being The nature of the Divine Being is complex and is most fully revealed in the doctrine of the Trinity. The Trinity is the belief in one God in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal, yet there is only one God. This is a mystery that is foundational to Christian faith. Revelation of the Divine Being 1. General Revelation: The Divine Being reveals Himself through creation, which displays His power and divine nature. Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." 2. Special Revelation: God has revealed Himself through the Scriptures and supremely through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2 explains, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe." 3. Incarnation: The Divine Being took on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The Divine Being, as revealed in the Bible, is the foundation of Christian belief and worship. Understanding His attributes, nature, and revelation is essential for a deeper relationship with God and a fuller comprehension of His purposes for humanity. |