There are many misconceptions about God and who He is. These misconceptions can have damaging effects upon the souls that trust them. This article was not written to provide all that the scripture says about God, but to reveal some of the characteristics and attributes about God.

Genesis 1:1 begins by stating, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (NASB) There are many things this statement infers. It would infer that God is powerful and mighty. If God is the creator, he would be the king and ruler of that which He made. It would infer that He would know all, and know what is best for mankind and His creation. In looking at the creation of God we learn many things about God and His providence. Romans 1:20 teaches, "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse." (NASB)

GOD IS ALMIGHTY

In Psalm 47:7, "For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with a skillful psalm." (NASB)
1 John 3:20, "in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart, and knows all things." (NASB)
1 Cor 1:25, "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (NASB) This passage does not say that God is foolish or that He is weak; only that if one was inclined to think so. You must read the previous verses to get the context.
Isaiah 55:8-9. "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts." (NASB)
Jeremiah 10:23. "I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself; nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps." (NASB)

What we learn from these passages is how small mankind really is. We must learn to submit ourselves to God. He knows what is best for us because He created us.

GOD IS SPIRITUAL

The Bible teaches that God is spirit, (John 4:24). The Bible also teaches that a spirit does not have flesh and bones, (Luke 24:39). We can draw from these statements that God must live on a higher plane. His dwelling place is above the physical realm. The Bible teaches God dwells in heaven. Psalm 115:3, "But our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases." (NASB) Ecclesiastes 5:2, "Do not be hasty in word or impulsive in thought to bring up a matter in the presence of God. For God is in heaven and you are on the earth; therefore let your words be few." (NASB)

GOD IS LOVING AND COMPASSIONATE

From the creation we understand that God is a loving and compassionate God. 1 John 4:8, "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (NASB) God sends the rain and gives us food to enjoy. He gives us all the physical and spiritual blessings to enjoy. Deuteronomy 4:31, "For the LORD your God is a compassionate God;" (NASB) God is understanding and knows our frailties. Our needs, whatever they may be, are intimately known by God. He has revealed to us through His words the answers to our problems of life. Through this and our obedience to His conditions, all our needs will be met.

GOD IS RIGHTEOUS AND JUST

Psalm 7:11. "God is a righteous judge, and a God who has indignation every day." (NASB)
Romans 8:33. "Who will bring a charge against God's elect? God is the one who justifies;" (NASB)
Deut. 10:18. "He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing." (NASB)
Deut. 10:17. "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God who does not show partiality, nor take a bribe." (NASB) We live in a world where the victims of violence cry out for justice. Little is found. Habakkuk said plainly, "Therefore, the law is ignored and justice is never upheld. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore, justice comes out perverted." Hab. 1:4. (NASB) But with God, He will righteously judge mankind. No one will get away with anything.

GOD IS HOLY

Psalm 77:13-14. "Thy way, O God, is holy; what god is great like our God? Thou art the God who workest wonders; Thou hast made known Thy strength among the peoples." (NASB) God is pure and separated from sinners.

GOD IS LIGHT

1 John 1:5. "And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." (NASB) God will show us the path we are to walk. He has revealed to us all we need to know about life and godliness, 2 Peter 1:3.

GOD IS TRUE

John 3:33. "He who has received His witness has set his seal to this, that God is true." (NASB)
Numbers 23:19. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (NASB) God is not one of contradiction or of lies. All that can be said about God is summed up in truth. Not one place in all the scripture can we find God lying about anything. But on the contrary, He always keeps His word and tells the truth.

GOD IS A SHIELD (A PROTECTOR)

Proverbs 30:5-6. "Every word of God is tested; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Do not add to His words lest He reprove you, and you be proved a liar." (NASB)

GOD IS A GOD OF PEACE

1 Corinthians 14:33. "for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints." (NASB)

CONCLUSION

God is also a merciful God. He sent Jesus to die for us that through Christ we might receive forgiveness of sins and have the hope of living with God in heaven in the end time, (Eph. 1:7; John 14:6; 1 Thess. 4:16-18). Jesus Christ is the complete revelation of God, Col. 2:9. "For in Him all the fulness of Deity dwells in bodily form," (NASB) As we learn more about Jesus, we learn more about God for He is the Son of God. John 20:31, "but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name." (NASB) Do not be deceived of who God is. Learn who He is; glorify Him and love Him.