The natural world around us with its order, complexity, and continuous systems is proof of the existence of a higher power. Our universe could not have come about by mere chance, nor could it have arisen from nothingness – it came from God.
But who is God? Let us consider four points that will help us begin to answer that question.
God Is an Eternal Being
The Bible opens with this phrase: “In the beginning God…” (Genesis 1:1). This means that God existed before the world. Matter is not eternal – this is a basic scientific rule. Therefore, there had to be something or someone who pre-existed the natural world of which we are a part. This is God.
God had no beginning. The psalmist wrote, “Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Psalm 90:2). Everything around us is temporary, yet God is eternal.
God Is Our Creator
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Though some ridicule this idea, the reality is that someone had to do this. The Hebrew writer stated a fundamental principle: “For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God” (Hebrews 3:4). Just as we understand that the house in which we live was not constructed by a series of fortunate accidents, it should be abundantly clear that our world could not come about in that way.
Jesus (the Son of God) was instrumental in the creation. John wrote, “All things came into being through Him [Jesus], and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being” (John 1:3). Not only did He make the world around us, He also gave “life” (John 1:4) to each one of us, showing His power and His personal interest in us.
God Is Our Provider
After the flood, God gave a promise to Noah that would apply to all mankind: “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). This refers to God’s providence. As He promised, these things continue today. Even “mockers” unwittingly acknowledge this when they question His promise by saying that “all continues just as it was from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:3-4).
James wrote, “Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). These blessings that we – and all mankind – enjoy in this life are a “witness” of God’s existence and care for us (Acts 14:17).
God Is All-Knowing
The characteristics of God are sometimes summarized to include His omnipotence (all-powerful), omnipresence (ever-present), omniscience (all-knowing), and eternality (no beginning or end). Omnipresence and omniscience are related. The psalmist wrote about these: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there” (Psalm 139:7-8). He is mindful of us wherever we are and whatever we do.
Furthermore, God even knows our thoughts. The psalmist also wrote, “Even before there is a word on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it all” (Psalm 139:4). The Hebrew writer explained that God, through His word, is “able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart” because nothing is “hidden from His sight” (Hebrews 4:12-13).
Conclusion
So who is God? He is the eternal One who created us, provides for us, and knows us perfectly. Therefore, it is important that we also know and serve Him.
