The Scriptures as a Divine Resume: Affirming the Ultimate Fitness of the One True God
In the pursuit of understanding the divine, Christians have long sought evidence and assurances that the deity they worship is the one true God. The Christian scriptures, primarily the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, serve as a comprehensive and compelling resume, detailing the attributes, actions, and promises of God. These texts collectively affirm God's ultimate fitness for the role of the supreme being, demonstrating an unmatched blend of omniscience, omnipotence, omnipresence, moral and ethical authority, eternal existence, and a deep commitment to the well-being of creation. Through these scriptures, believers are provided with a robust framework that assures them of God's unique and eternal suitability as the one true God.
The foundational attribute of the Christian God, as detailed in the scriptures, is eternal existence. The Bible opens with the profound declaration in Genesis, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Genesis 1:1), marking the start of time itself and underscoring God's existence before time. This eternal nature is crucial, as it ensures that God's knowledge encompasses all of history, providing an unbroken continuity and direct experience with all past events. The Book of Revelation also reinforces God's eternal nature, stating, "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End" (Revelation 22:13). This eternal existence assures believers that God's wisdom and guidance are based on an infallible understanding of the entirety of creation.
Omniscience is another core attribute highlighted in the Christian scriptures. The Bible asserts that God's knowledge is all-encompassing, extending to every detail of the universe and every thought and intention of the human heart. Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." This comprehensive understanding includes not only the physical universe but also the innermost thoughts, prayers, and needs of all beings. The narratives of God’s interactions with the patriarchs, judges, prophets, and apostles further illustrate this omniscience, showing a divine awareness and involvement in the unfolding of history. This depth of knowledge assures believers that God’s guidance is always aligned with the highest good.
The omnipresence of the Christian God is another defining characteristic affirmed by the scriptures. The belief that God is present everywhere at all times is deeply rooted in Christian tradition. Jeremiah recounts God’s declaration, "Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them? Do not I fill heaven and earth? declares the Lord" (Jeremiah 23:23-24). This omnipresence ensures that God is accessible to all beings, transcending physical limitations. Worshippers are assured that their prayers are heard regardless of their location, and God’s guidance and support are always available. Jesus’ promise in the Gospel of Matthew, "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age" (Matthew 28:20), further reinforces this divine omnipresence, providing a sense of comfort and assurance to believers.
Central to the Christian scriptures is the role of God as the creator and sustainer of the universe. Genesis describes God’s creation of the world in six days, establishing God as the ultimate originator of life and the cosmos. This creative power is not just a historical act but an ongoing process, where God continuously sustains and upholds the natural order. The New Testament affirms this in Colossians 1:16-17, "For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together." This responsibility includes providing for the physical and spiritual needs of all creation, ensuring the ultimate salvation and well-being of all beings. The ability to resurrect the dead and grant eternal life is a crucial aspect of this role, as it assures worshippers that divine care and salvation extend beyond death. Jesus’ resurrection is a powerful testament to this capability, providing believers with hope and assurance of eternal life.
The moral and ethical authority of the Christian God is a defining characteristic emphasized throughout the scriptures. God embodies the highest standards of morality and ethics, ensuring that all actions and decrees are perfectly just and merciful. The Bible is replete with laws and commandments that reflect God’s justice, mercy, and righteousness. Jesus’ teachings in the Sermon on the Mount outline ethical guidelines that govern human conduct, emphasizing God’s role as the ultimate judge. This moral perfection influences and guides the ethical development of all beings, fostering an environment where justice, mercy, and righteousness prevail. God’s actions consistently reflect these principles, providing a model for worshippers to follow and establishing a foundation of trust and reverence.
The existential impact of the Christian God is profound, encompassing the ultimate salvation and well-being of creation. This includes providing protection and support for worshippers, fostering faithfulness and devotion, and influencing their spiritual growth and moral rectitude. The relationship between God and worshippers is characterized by mutual investment, often formalized through covenants in the Christian scriptures. These covenants outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties, ensuring that worshippers can fulfill their obligations while receiving the necessary support from God. The covenant with Abraham, the Mosaic covenant, and the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ all highlight this mutual commitment, reinforcing the deep bond between God and believers.
Engagement in spiritual and mystical experiences is a critical aspect of the Christian God’s role. This God communicates with worshippers through non-physical means, such as dreams, visions, and inspirations, supporting the innate human need for spiritual guidance and transcendence. The presence of the Holy Spirit, as promised by Jesus, is an example of how God’s presence is felt and experienced spiritually by believers. Jesus said, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you" (John 14:26). This spiritual communication allows worshippers to connect with the divine on a deeply personal level, fostering a sense of closeness and understanding that transcends the material world.
The Christian God’s commitment to the well-being of worshippers is unwavering. This includes guiding and supporting believers through challenges, providing the necessary strength and wisdom to navigate life’s complexities. God’s actions consistently reflect a deep sense of compassion and mercy, reinforcing the trust and devotion of worshippers. The relationship between God and worshippers is based on mutual investment and trust, often formalized through covenants that outline the expectations and responsibilities of both parties. This covenant relationship ensures that worshippers can fulfill their obligations while receiving the necessary support from God.
One of the unique strengths of the Christian God is the promise of eternal life and salvation. This assurance is a central tenet of the faith, providing believers with hope and comfort that divine care and protection extend beyond physical death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a powerful testament to this capability, providing believers with the ultimate assurance of eternal life. Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25). This promise of salvation provides a powerful incentive for faithfulness and devotion, reinforcing the deep bond between God and worshippers.
The Christian God’s supremacy is further reinforced by the historical and prophetic records found in the scriptures. The Bible provides a rich narrative of God’s interactions with humanity, demonstrating divine power, wisdom, and faithfulness throughout history. These records serve as a testament to God’s unchanging nature and ultimate authority, providing believers with confidence that their faith is well-placed. The fulfillment of prophecies, the consistency of divine messages, and the historical continuity of God’s actions all underscore the reliability and trustworthiness of the Christian God.
In conclusion, the Christian scriptures serve as a comprehensive resume that affirms the ultimate fitness of the Christian God as the one true God. Eternal existence, omniscience, omnipresence, omnipotence, perfect moral and ethical authority, and a deep commitment to the well-being of creation are foundational attributes that underscore God’s unique suitability for this role. The relationship between God and worshippers is characterized by mutual investment, trust, and covenantal commitments, ensuring that believers can fulfill their obligations while receiving the necessary support from God. The historical and prophetic records in the Christian scriptures provide further assurance of God’s unchanging nature and ultimate authority. Collectively, these attributes and assurances reinforce the belief that the Christian God is the one true God, whose supremacy will never be displaced by any future entity.
ChatGPT with Stephen D Green, 2024
