The Nature of God - Biblical View
Who and what is God. The Westminster Catechism says: "God is Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth.
The Bible tells us plainly that Gods existence is clearly seen in creation (Rom 1:19-20). But to know Him personally through Christ is salvation and this comes by the Word of God and the Spirit. The former is called general revelation the latter is special revelation. One must turn to the Bible to know the nature of God, how to have there sins forgiven and how to please Him. God reveals Himself in the Bible in various different ways. A scriptural definition may be formed through a study of His names.
To worship God is to fear His name and to call upon His name (Deut 28:58 and Gen 12:8). Its wickedness to take His name in vain (Ex. 20:7) or to profane or blaspheme it (Lev 18:21 and 24:16). To reverence God is to sanctify or hollow His name (Matt 6:9). Gods name defends His people (Ps 20:1) and for His name sake He will not forsake them 1 Samuel 12:22).
The following is a list of the most commonly used names of God in the Bible;
| El (translated Heb God), the singular for occurs about 250 times in the Bible and emphasizes the idea of strength see ( Gen 14:18-22). |
| Elohim ( God) occurs over 2000 times in the OT; it is usually connected with God's creative power, omnipotence and care of mankind and the universe. Its plural signifies fullness of power foreshadowing the Trinity see ( Gen 1:26 and 3:22). |
| Yahweh or Jehovah; (Translated Lord) A noun meaning God. The word refers to the proper name of the God of Israel, particularly the name by which He revealed Himself to Moses (Exo_6:2-3). The divine name has traditionally not been pronounced, primarily out of respect for its sacredness (cf. Exo_20:7; Deu_28:58). Until the Renaissance, it was written without vowels in the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, being rendered as YHWH. It occurs some 7000 times in the Bible. Its meaning is "He will actively continue to be" Jehovah comes from the verb TO BE and includes the three tenses of that verb- Past, present and future. The name means therefor He who was, is and is to come; in other words the eternal one. Since Jehovah is the God who reveals Himself to man the name means; I have manifested, do manifest and will yet manifest Myself. God is actively working in His creation. |
What God does for His people is expressed by His names, and when His people experience His grace it is said that they "know His name". Jehovah's relationship to Israel is summed up in Jehovah's covenant names.
| Jehovah-Rapha "The Lord that healeth thee." (Ex 15:26) rāpha‛: A verb meaning to heal, to make fresh. It describes the process of healing, being restored to health, made healthy. To cure: - thoroughly, make whole. |
| Jehovah-Nissi "The Lord our Banner" (Ex 17:8-15) After defeating Amalek in the desert Mosses erected an altar to this name in honor of God our Banner the one who fights our enemies. Amalek is a people who is a type of the flesh or old fallen nature, but through God our Banner we are more than conquers. Pressed by the enemy of our soul the devil and the flesh we must call upon "The Lord our Banner" and fight the good fight of faith. |
| Jehovah-Shalom "The Lord our Peace" (Judges 6:24) Gideon built an altar to the Lord after God confirmed to him his calling to deliver Israel. The Spirit of God gives witness with our spirit in our calling and gives us peace and grace to do His will. |
| Jehovah-Ra'ah "The Lord my shepherd" (Ps 23:1) Jesus is the good shepherd and the shepherd of our soul who watches over us in all things. |
| Jehovah-Tsidkneu "The Lord our Righteousness" (Jer 23:6) The devil sometimes tries to bring false condemnation, but if you've repented of your sins and our living for God there's no condemnation to those in Christ. When God forgives he casts our sins as far as the east is from the west (Ps 103:11,12). |
| Jehova-Jireh "The Lord who provides" (Gen 22:14) God has provided salvation and all our needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil 4:19). |
| Adonai means literally "Lord or Master" (Ex 23:17) The name in the NT is applied to the glorified Christ. |
| Father is employed in the Old Testament and the New. Its widest meaning is that God is the producer of all things and creator of man; so that in the creative since all my be called God's offspring (Acts17:28). Although this is not salvation only those who have been quickened into new life by His Spirit are His children in the intimate and saving since (John1:12,13). |