Dear friends, fellow seekers, and those newly awakened to the wonders of faith, we embark today on a journey more daring than any mountain climb, more vast than any earthly voyage - to grasp the essence of who is God. This task, I confess, fills me with both exhilarating awe and humbling trepidation. How can mere words, crafted by finite minds, hope to capture the infinite glory of the Divine? Yet, as the Psalmist declares, "the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Psalm 19:1). Surely, if the cosmos whispers His name, we shouldn't remain silent.
So, with reverent hearts and open minds, let us approach this ineffable mystery, drawing wisdom from the sacred wellspring of Scripture and the insights of theological giants like Martin Luther, Augustine of Hippo, and John Wesley. Remember, this is not a definitive exposition, but an invitation to journey together, a shared reflection on the greatest question humanity has ever pondered: who is God?
Beyond Description, Yet Revealed:
Imagine, if you will, a being so vast that galaxies swirl within His thoughts, so intricate that every atom vibrates with His presence. This is the God revealed in Scripture, a being transcending human comprehension yet intimately present in our world. As Augustine, the brilliant early church father, eloquently stated, "You are more inward than my inmost being, and higher than my highest" (Confessions, III.1.1). God is not some distant deity, unconcerned with our lives. He is, as Wesley passionately proclaimed, "closer to thee than thou art to thyself" (Journal, Nov 1, 1737).
This inherent mystery doesn't mean we're left in the dark. God, in His infinite love, chooses to unveil Himself through creation and, most profoundly, through His Word, the Bible. It's a love letter penned in the ink of creation, a roadmap guiding us through life's labyrinth, and a personal invitation into the depths of His heart. As Luther wisely declared, "God is hidden in everything, yet shows himself nowhere except in his Word" (LW 35:221).
Glimpsing the Divine Attributes:
Though we cannot fully comprehend the divine essence, Scripture offers glimpses into God's character through His attributes:
Unbounding Love: Forget Hallmark sentimentality; God's love is a consuming fire, brimming with justice and righteousness, yet tempered with boundless compassion. As the Old Testament reveals, "The Lord is a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:7). This love, Wesley affirmed, is the very essence of God's being: "The God of the Christians is the God of love—all love, nothing else" (Sermons II, 50).
Transcendent Presence: God isn't confined by space or time. He's beyond our physical limitations, existing everywhere and nowhere, as Augustine beautifully expressed, "not contained by place, but contains all places in himself" (LW 31:325). Yet, despite this transcendence, He chooses to be intimately present with His children, especially through prayer and sacraments (LW 35:222).
Perfect Justice and Unwavering Mercy: Sin has consequences, and God's perfect justice demands accountability. But as Luther reminds us, "God's justice and mercy are not contradictory, but rather two sides of the same coin" (LW 26:352). Through the sacrifice of Christ, God extends forgiveness and redemption, demonstrating the exquisite balance of these attributes (John 3:16).
From Understanding to Transformation:
Knowing God's nature isn't merely an intellectual exercise; it's transformational. As Wesley emphasized, true faith involves experiencing God's love in a real and personal way (Journal, Nov 1, 1737). This experience isn't reserved for the select few; it's an invitation for everyone. It might come through answered prayers, moments of peace amidst trials, or the overwhelming sense of His presence in worship.
Seeking and Growing:
Your journey to know God is just beginning. The Bible is the map for your journey, guiding you deeper into His heart. Prayer is your direct line of communication. And a supportive community of believers, like the one we foster at Rescue Culture Church, provides encouragement and accountability.
Join Us: If you're yearning to explore the depths
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