The Personal Nature of God
Jump to: SubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the personal nature of God is foundational to understanding the character and attributes of God as revealed in the Bible. This personal nature is evident in God's interactions with humanity, His self-revelation, and His relational attributes.

1. God's Self-Revelation:

God reveals Himself as a personal being with whom individuals can have a relationship. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," indicating His self-existence and personal nature. This self-revelation is further emphasized in Isaiah 43:10-11, where God declares, "Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come. I, yes I, am the LORD, and there is no Savior but Me."

2. God's Relational Attributes:

God's personal nature is demonstrated through His relational attributes. He is described as a loving Father, as seen in 1 John 3:1: "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!" This fatherly relationship is further illustrated in Matthew 6:9, where Jesus teaches His disciples to pray, "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name."

3. God's Interactions with Humanity:

Throughout Scripture, God interacts with individuals in a personal manner. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram and establishes a covenant with him, promising to make him a great nation. This personal interaction is a recurring theme, as seen in God's relationship with figures such as Moses, David, and the prophets.

4. The Incarnation of Christ:

The ultimate expression of God's personal nature is found in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Through Jesus, God entered into human history, living among people and experiencing human life firsthand. This personal engagement is further highlighted in Hebrews 4:15, which describes Jesus as a high priest who can "sympathize with our weaknesses."

5. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit:

God's personal nature is also evident in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within believers. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, saying, "And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth." The Holy Spirit's presence within believers signifies a personal and ongoing relationship with God.

6. God's Personal Care and Guidance:

Scripture frequently portrays God as personally caring for and guiding His people. Psalm 23:1-3 illustrates this with the imagery of the Lord as a shepherd: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul; He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake."

7. God's Personal Communication:

God communicates personally with His people through His Word and prayer. Hebrews 1:1-2 affirms that God has spoken through His Son, and 2 Timothy 3:16-17 emphasizes the role of Scripture in teaching and guiding believers. Prayer is another avenue for personal communication, as seen in Philippians 4:6, which encourages believers to present their requests to God.

In summary, the personal nature of God is a central theme in the Bible, underscoring His desire for a relationship with humanity. Through His self-revelation, relational attributes, interactions, incarnation, indwelling Spirit, care, guidance, and communication, God demonstrates His personal engagement with His creation.
Subtopics

Interpersonal Relations

Personal

Personal Ornaments

Personal Responsibility

Related Terms

Comparative

Choose (116 Occurrences)

Chosen (197 Occurrences)

Woman (4043 Occurrences)

Messiah (9 Occurrences)

Creator (19 Occurrences)

Gifts (144 Occurrences)

Image (126 Occurrences)

Semites

Semitic

Judaeus

Philo

Life (6001 Occurrences)

Johannine

Kenosis

Dreamer (4 Occurrences)

Person (807 Occurrences)

Immortal (3 Occurrences)

Immortality (6 Occurrences)

Personal (15 Occurrences)

Personally (8 Occurrences)

Dream (82 Occurrences)

Testament (13 Occurrences)

Jeroboam (96 Occurrences)

Satan (50 Occurrences)

Adam (29 Occurrences)

Creation (35 Occurrences)

Anthropomorphism

Logos

Psychology

Job (60 Occurrences)

Holy (1097 Occurrences)

Volition

Zeruiah (25 Occurrences)

Oracle (57 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Godhead (5 Occurrences)

Guilt (180 Occurrences)

Daemoniac

Maachah (19 Occurrences)

Maacah (30 Occurrences)

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)

Presence (527 Occurrences)

Python (6 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

Creeds

Christology

Astonied (12 Occurrences)

Astonished (92 Occurrences)

Amazed (75 Occurrences)

Spirituality

Self (28 Occurrences)

Shoulder (72 Occurrences)

Ethics

Eli (36 Occurrences)

Infinitude

Healing (60 Occurrences)

Preaching (116 Occurrences)

Blasphemy (15 Occurrences)

Selfsurrender

Self-surrender

Family (438 Occurrences)

Infinite (8 Occurrences)

Charity (29 Occurrences)

Hymenaeus (2 Occurrences)

Figure (19 Occurrences)

Will (64996 Occurrences)

Apocryphal

Jericho (59 Occurrences)

Theology

God (45911 Occurrences)

Soul (554 Occurrences)

Ebionites

Ebionism

Heredity

Wrath (503 Occurrences)

General (9 Occurrences)

Exaltation (9 Occurrences)

The Personal Nature of Discipleship
Top of Page
Top of Page