The Importance of The Importance of Knowing GodKnowing God

Copyright Norman L. Geisler 2008Copyright Norman L. Geisler 2008

A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Knowledge of the HolyHolyA. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the Knowledge of the HolyHoly

““What you think What you think of God is the of God is the most important most important thing about you” thing about you” (p. 1).(p. 1).

““What you think What you think of God is the of God is the most important most important thing about you” thing about you” (p. 1).(p. 1).

Outline:Outline:I.I. The Importance of Knowing GodThe Importance of Knowing God

II. A Contrast with False Views of GodII. A Contrast with False Views of God

III. Attributes of the True GodIII. Attributes of the True God

A. Non-Moral Attributes--GreatnessA. Non-Moral Attributes--Greatness

B. Moral Attributes-------GoodnessB. Moral Attributes-------Goodness

I.I. The Importance of Knowing GodThe Importance of Knowing God

II. A Contrast with False Views of GodII. A Contrast with False Views of God

III. Attributes of the True GodIII. Attributes of the True God

A. Non-Moral Attributes--GreatnessA. Non-Moral Attributes--Greatness

B. Moral Attributes-------GoodnessB. Moral Attributes-------Goodness

I. The Importance of Knowing I. The Importance of Knowing GodGod1. The most important thing about us is what we think 1. The most important thing about us is what we think

of God.of God.2. We can’t be like God unless we know what God is 2. We can’t be like God unless we know what God is like.like.3. We can’t know the true God unless we know the 3. We can’t know the true God unless we know the truth truth

about God.about God.4. We can’t recognize false gods unless we 4. We can’t recognize false gods unless we know the know the

true God.true God.5.5.Idols are idols whether they are mental or metal.Idols are idols whether they are mental or metal.6. We tend to become like the object we worship.6. We tend to become like the object we worship.7. An ultimate commitment to anything less 7. An ultimate commitment to anything less than than

ultimate will not ultimately satisfy.ultimate will not ultimately satisfy.

I.I. The Importance of Knowing the True The Importance of Knowing the True GodGodA. False gods cannot A. False gods cannot satisfy.satisfy.

“ “Nothing less than the ultimate will ultimately satisfy.”Nothing less than the ultimate will ultimately satisfy.”

B. False God’s God can’t B. False God’s God can’t save.save.

John 8:32:John 8:32: “You shall know the truth, and “You shall know the truth, and the truth the truth will set you free.”will set you free.”

1 John 5:20:1 John 5:20: “And we know that the Son of God has come “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son we are in Him who is true, in His Son

Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

I.I. The Importance of Knowing the True The Importance of Knowing the True GodGodA. False gods cannot A. False gods cannot satisfy.satisfy.

“ “Nothing less than the ultimate will ultimately satisfy.”Nothing less than the ultimate will ultimately satisfy.”

B. False God’s God can’t B. False God’s God can’t save.save.

John 8:32:John 8:32: “You shall know the truth, and “You shall know the truth, and the truth the truth will set you free.”will set you free.”

1 John 5:20:1 John 5:20: “And we know that the Son of God has come “And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true; and who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son we are in Him who is true, in His Son

Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

II. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodII. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodA. The Contrasts Stated:A. The Contrasts Stated:

The True God:The True God:

1. 1. ExistsExists vs. vs. AtheismAtheism

2. 2. InfiniteInfinite vs. vs. Finite godismFinite godism

3. 3. Transcendent Transcendent vs. vs. PantheismPantheism

4. 4. SupernaturalSupernatural vs. vs. DeismDeism

5. 5. OneOne vs. vs. PolytheismPolytheism

6. 6. Unchangeable Unchangeable vs. vs. PanentheismPanentheism

7. 7. All knowingAll knowing vs. vs. Open TheismOpen Theism

A. The Contrasts Stated:A. The Contrasts Stated:

The True God:The True God:

1. 1. ExistsExists vs. vs. AtheismAtheism

2. 2. InfiniteInfinite vs. vs. Finite godismFinite godism

3. 3. Transcendent Transcendent vs. vs. PantheismPantheism

4. 4. SupernaturalSupernatural vs. vs. DeismDeism

5. 5. OneOne vs. vs. PolytheismPolytheism

6. 6. Unchangeable Unchangeable vs. vs. PanentheismPanentheism

7. 7. All knowingAll knowing vs. vs. Open TheismOpen Theism

II. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodII. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodB. Warnings Given about False GodsB. Warnings Given about False Gods

Ex. 20:3Ex. 20:3----”Your shall ”Your shall have no other gods before me.”have no other gods before me.”

Deut. 13:1-3Deut. 13:1-3--”--”IIf there arises among you a prophet of a f there arises among you a prophet of a dreamer of dreams…saying, dreamer of dreams…saying, `̀Let us go after other Let us go after other gods,…you shall not listen to the words of that gods,…you shall not listen to the words of that prophet….’”prophet….’”

1Kings 10:4--”1Kings 10:4--”For it was so that when Solomon was old, For it was so that when Solomon was old, that that his wives turned his heart after other godshis wives turned his heart after other gods and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God….”and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God….”

*There are over 200 warnings about false gods in OT*There are over 200 warnings about false gods in OT

B. Warnings Given about False GodsB. Warnings Given about False Gods

Ex. 20:3Ex. 20:3----”Your shall ”Your shall have no other gods before me.”have no other gods before me.”

Deut. 13:1-3Deut. 13:1-3--”--”IIf there arises among you a prophet of a f there arises among you a prophet of a dreamer of dreams…saying, dreamer of dreams…saying, `̀Let us go after other Let us go after other gods,…you shall not listen to the words of that gods,…you shall not listen to the words of that prophet….’”prophet….’”

1Kings 10:4--”1Kings 10:4--”For it was so that when Solomon was old, For it was so that when Solomon was old, that that his wives turned his heart after other godshis wives turned his heart after other gods and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God….”and his heart was not loyal to the LORD his God….”

*There are over 200 warnings about false gods in OT*There are over 200 warnings about false gods in OT

II. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodII. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodA. False Gods Illustrated:A. False Gods Illustrated:A. False Gods Illustrated:A. False Gods Illustrated:

Theism:Theism:The True God The True God created created and sustains all and sustains all thingsthings

Theism:Theism:The True God The True God created created and sustains all and sustains all thingsthings

Recognizing False Recognizing False GodsGods

“Knowing the genuine is the only way to recognize a counterfeit.”

“Knowing the genuine is the only way to recognize a counterfeit.”

Deism:Deism: God made the God made the world but does not world but does not intervene in itintervene in it

Deism:Deism: God made the God made the world but does not world but does not intervene in itintervene in it

Finite Godism: Finite Godism: GodGod is is limitedlimited

in power and/or in power and/or perfectionperfection

Finite Godism: Finite Godism: GodGod is is limitedlimited

in power and/or in power and/or perfectionperfection

Atheism:Atheism: No God at No God at AllAll

Pantheism:Pantheism: God is All God is All and and All is GodAll is God

Panentheism:Panentheism: God is in God is in All as a Soul is in a BodyAll as a Soul is in a Body

Polytheism: Polytheism: There are There are many many finite gods in the finite gods in the worldworld

II. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodII. Contrast with False Views of II. Contrast with False Views of GodGodA. False Views IllustratedA. False Views Illustrated

B. False Views RefutedB. False Views Refuted

John said:John said: “ “You shall know You shall know the truth, the truth, and the truth shall set you free”and the truth shall set you free” (Jn. 8:32).(Jn. 8:32).

Jesus said to the Father:Jesus said to the Father: “Your “Your Word is truth”Word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). (Jn. 17:17).

A. False Views IllustratedA. False Views Illustrated

B. False Views RefutedB. False Views Refuted

John said:John said: “ “You shall know You shall know the truth, the truth, and the truth shall set you free”and the truth shall set you free” (Jn. 8:32).(Jn. 8:32).

Jesus said to the Father:Jesus said to the Father: “Your “Your Word is truth”Word is truth” (Jn. 17:17). (Jn. 17:17).

Deism:Deism: God made the world God made the world but but does not act does not act miraculously in itmiraculously in it

Deism:Deism: God made the world God made the world but but does not act does not act miraculously in itmiraculously in it

• Jefferson cut the miracles Jefferson cut the miracles out of his Bible.out of his Bible.

• He said, He said, “The day will come “The day will come when the account of the when the account of the birth of Christ as accepted birth of Christ as accepted in the Trinitarian churches in the Trinitarian churches will be classed with the will be classed with the fable of Minerva springing fable of Minerva springing from the brain of Jupiter” from the brain of Jupiter” ((Henry W. FooteHenry W. Foote, Thomas , Thomas Jefferson, 49).Jefferson, 49).

• Jefferson cut the miracles Jefferson cut the miracles out of his Bible.out of his Bible.

• He said, He said, “The day will come “The day will come when the account of the when the account of the birth of Christ as accepted birth of Christ as accepted in the Trinitarian churches in the Trinitarian churches will be classed with the will be classed with the fable of Minerva springing fable of Minerva springing from the brain of Jupiter” from the brain of Jupiter” ((Henry W. FooteHenry W. Foote, Thomas , Thomas Jefferson, 49).Jefferson, 49).

Thomas Jefferson

1. Deism:1. Deism: God made the God made the world world but does not act but does not act miraculously in it.miraculously in it.

1. Deism:1. Deism: God made the God made the world world but does not act but does not act miraculously in it.miraculously in it.

Gen. 18:14: “Is anything too hard for God?” Matt. 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but with God all

things are possible.” John 10:18: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down, and

I have power to take it again.”2Cor. 4:6: “For it is the God who commanded light to

shine out of darkness who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Rev. 19:6: “Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns.”

Gen. 18:14: “Is anything too hard for God?” Matt. 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but with God all

things are possible.” John 10:18: “No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down, and

I have power to take it again.”2Cor. 4:6: “For it is the God who commanded light to

shine out of darkness who has shown in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”

Rev. 19:6: “Alleluia! For the Lord God omnipotent reigns.”

Finite Godism: Finite Godism: God is God is limited limited in power and/or in power and/or perfectionperfection

Finite Godism: Finite Godism: God is God is limited limited in power and/or in power and/or perfectionperfection

Rabi Kushner said:Rabi Kushner said:““There are some things There are some things

God does not God does not control.”control.”

And we “…need to And we “…need to forgive God for not forgive God for not making a better making a better world…” world…” (When Bad (When Bad Things Happen to Good Things Happen to Good PeoplePeople, 45, 147)., 45, 147).

Rabi Kushner said:Rabi Kushner said:““There are some things There are some things

God does not God does not control.”control.”

And we “…need to And we “…need to forgive God for not forgive God for not making a better making a better world…” world…” (When Bad (When Bad Things Happen to Good Things Happen to Good PeoplePeople, 45, 147)., 45, 147).

2.2. Finite Godism:Finite Godism: God is God is limitedlimited in power and/or in power and/or perfectionperfection Psalm 147:5:Psalm 147:5: "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his

understanding has no limit."Job 11:7-9--"Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

They are higher than the heavens--what can you do?” Isa. 40:12--"Who has measured the waters in the

hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?"

Isa. 55:8-9--"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Psalm 147:5:Psalm 147:5: "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."

Job 11:7-9--"Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens--what can you do?”

Isa. 40:12--"Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance?"

Isa. 55:8-9--"As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Atheism: Nietzsche 1844-1900 Atheism: Nietzsche 1844-1900

“God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed

him. How shall we, the murderers of all murderers,

comfort ourselves?”

“God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed

him. How shall we, the murderers of all murderers,

comfort ourselves?”

God

3. Atheism:3. Atheism: No God at allNo God at all Psa. 14:1Psa. 14:1--”--”The fool has said in his heart, `There is no The fool has said in his heart, `There is no

God.’”God.’”

Psa. 19:1--Psa. 19:1--””The heavens declare the glory of God; and The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Rom. 1:19-20Rom. 1:19-20----”…what may be known of God is manifest in ”…what may be known of God is manifest in them…. For since the creation of the world them…. For since the creation of the world His invisible His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are madethe things that are made,, even His eternal power and even His eternal power and Godhead, so that the are without excuse….”Godhead, so that the are without excuse….”

Rom. 2:14-15--”Rom. 2:14-15--”When Gentiles, who do not have the law, When Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law [they]...show by nature do the things contained in the law [they]...show the work of the work of the law written in their hearts….”the law written in their hearts….”

Psa. 14:1Psa. 14:1--”--”The fool has said in his heart, `There is no The fool has said in his heart, `There is no God.’”God.’”

Psa. 19:1--Psa. 19:1--””The heavens declare the glory of God; and The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.”the firmament shows His handiwork.”

Rom. 1:19-20Rom. 1:19-20----”…what may be known of God is manifest in ”…what may be known of God is manifest in them…. For since the creation of the world them…. For since the creation of the world His invisible His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are madethe things that are made,, even His eternal power and even His eternal power and Godhead, so that the are without excuse….”Godhead, so that the are without excuse….”

Rom. 2:14-15--”Rom. 2:14-15--”When Gentiles, who do not have the law, When Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law [they]...show by nature do the things contained in the law [they]...show the work of the work of the law written in their hearts….”the law written in their hearts….”

4. Pantheism:4. Pantheism: God is AllGod is All4. Pantheism:4. Pantheism: God is AllGod is All

Science and HealthScience and Health““God is identical with natureGod is identical with nature, ,

but nature is spiritual and is but nature is spiritual and is not not expressedexpressed in matter” in matter” (119).(119).

““God is all…. Therefore, all God is all…. Therefore, all that really exists is in and of that really exists is in and of God”God” (339,-240).(339,-240).

““Evil is but an illusionEvil is but an illusion, and , and has no real basis” has no real basis” (480).(480).

Science and HealthScience and Health““God is identical with natureGod is identical with nature, ,

but nature is spiritual and is but nature is spiritual and is not not expressedexpressed in matter” in matter” (119).(119).

““God is all…. Therefore, all God is all…. Therefore, all that really exists is in and of that really exists is in and of God”God” (339,-240).(339,-240).

““Evil is but an illusionEvil is but an illusion, and , and has no real basis” has no real basis” (480).(480).

Mary Baker Eddy

4. Pantheism:4. Pantheism: God is AllGod is All 4. Pantheism:4. Pantheism: God is AllGod is All Gen. 1:1:Gen. 1:1: “In the beginning “In the beginning God created the heavens and God created the heavens and

the earth.” the earth.” 1Kings 8:27--"The heavens, even the highest heaven,

cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"

Job 11:7--"Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens--what can you do?

Psa. 8:1--"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens."

Psa. 57:5--"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."

Psa. 97:9--"For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods."

Gen. 1:1:Gen. 1:1: “In the beginning “In the beginning God created the heavens and God created the heavens and the earth.” the earth.”

1Kings 8:27--"The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!"

Job 11:7--"Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens--what can you do?

Psa. 8:1--"O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens."

Psa. 57:5--"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."

Psa. 97:9--"For you, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods."

5. Panentheism: 5. Panentheism: God is God is inin allall5. Panentheism: 5. Panentheism: God is God is inin allall

• God is limitedGod is limited

• God has two polesGod has two poles

• The world is God’s The world is God’s bodybody

• God is ever changingGod is ever changing

• God is growing betterGod is growing better• God is not in controlGod is not in control

• God is limitedGod is limited

• God has two polesGod has two poles

• The world is God’s The world is God’s bodybody

• God is ever changingGod is ever changing

• God is growing betterGod is growing better• God is not in controlGod is not in control

Alfred North WhiteheadAlfred North Whitehead

5. Panentheism:5. Panentheism: God is God is inin all all and is and is continually changingcontinually changing 5. Panentheism:5. Panentheism: God is God is inin all all and is and is continually changingcontinually changing Num. 23:19--"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor

a son of man, that he should change his mind." Psa. 102:25-27--"They will perish, but you remain;

they will all wear out like a garment.... But you remain the same, and your years will never end."

Mal. 3:6--"I the LORD do not change.”Heb. 6:18--"God did this so that, by two unchangeable

things in which it is impossible for God to lie...."James 1:17--"Every good and perfect gift is from

above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Num. 23:19--"God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind."

Psa. 102:25-27--"They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment.... But you remain the same, and your years will never end."

Mal. 3:6--"I the LORD do not change.”Heb. 6:18--"God did this so that, by two unchangeable

things in which it is impossible for God to lie...."James 1:17--"Every good and perfect gift is from

above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Polytheism:Polytheism: Many finite Many finite godsgods

"We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see" (The Prophecies of Joseph Smith, 345).

"You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you…" (The Journal Of Discourses, 346).

"We have imagined and supposed that God was God from all eternity. I will refute that idea and take away the veil, so that you may see" (The Prophecies of Joseph Smith, 345).

"You have got to learn how to be Gods yourselves, and to be kings and priests to God, the same as all Gods have done before you…" (The Journal Of Discourses, 346).

Joseph Smith

6. Polytheism:6. Polytheism: Many finite Many finite godsgods

Gen. 1:1:Gen. 1:1: “In the beginning “In the beginning GodGod created the heavens created the heavens and the earth.”and the earth.”

Ex. 20:3:Ex. 20:3: “You shall have “You shall have no other godsno other gods before me.” before me.”

Deut. 6:4:Deut. 6:4: “Hear O Israel: “Hear O Israel: The LORD out God, the The LORD out God, the LORD is one!”LORD is one!”

Mark 12:29: Mark 12:29: Jesus saidJesus said, “the first of all the command- , “the first of all the command- ments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, ments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the the LORD our God, the LORD is one.’”LORD is one.’”

1Cor. 8:5-6: 1Cor. 8:5-6: “For even if there are “For even if there are so-called godsso-called gods… … yet there is for us yet there is for us only one Godonly one God, the Father of whom , the Father of whom are all things….”are all things….”

Gen. 1:1:Gen. 1:1: “In the beginning “In the beginning GodGod created the heavens created the heavens and the earth.”and the earth.”

Ex. 20:3:Ex. 20:3: “You shall have “You shall have no other godsno other gods before me.” before me.”

Deut. 6:4:Deut. 6:4: “Hear O Israel: “Hear O Israel: The LORD out God, the The LORD out God, the LORD is one!”LORD is one!”

Mark 12:29: Mark 12:29: Jesus saidJesus said, “the first of all the command- , “the first of all the command- ments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, ments is: ‘Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the the LORD our God, the LORD is one.’”LORD is one.’”

1Cor. 8:5-6: 1Cor. 8:5-6: “For even if there are “For even if there are so-called godsso-called gods… … yet there is for us yet there is for us only one Godonly one God, the Father of whom , the Father of whom are all things….”are all things….”

7. Open Theism: 7. Open Theism: God is God is limited limited in His knowledge of in His knowledge of the futurethe future

• God changes (God changes (143)143)

• God changes His mind (63)God changes His mind (63)

• God made false predictions God made false predictions (50-51)(50-51)

• God doesn’t know all God doesn’t know all (138)(138)

(Pinnock, (Pinnock, The Most Moved MoverThe Most Moved Mover))

• God changes (God changes (143)143)

• God changes His mind (63)God changes His mind (63)

• God made false predictions God made false predictions (50-51)(50-51)

• God doesn’t know all God doesn’t know all (138)(138)

(Pinnock, (Pinnock, The Most Moved MoverThe Most Moved Mover))Clark Pinnock Clark Pinnock

7. Open Theism:7. Open Theism: God is God is limited in His knowledge limited in His knowledge of the futureof the future Isa. 46:9-11: Isa. 46:9-11: ““II am God, and there is none like Me,am God, and there is none like Me,

declaring the end from the beginningdeclaring the end from the beginning…. Indeed I have …. Indeed I have spoken it; I will bring it to pass.”spoken it; I will bring it to pass.”

Rom. 8:29:Rom. 8:29: “For “For whom He foreknewwhom He foreknew, , He also predestinated….”He also predestinated….”

Eph. 1:4:Eph. 1:4: “ “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the He chose us in Him before the foundation of the worldworld that we would be holy….” that we would be holy….”

Num. 23:19:Num. 23:19: “ “God is not a man, that He should lieGod is not a man, that He should lie,, nor nor the son of man, that He should repentthe son of man, that He should repent. . Has He said, and Has He said, and will He not do it?”will He not do it?”

Deut. 18:22:Deut. 18:22: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD,“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken.”thing which the LORD has not spoken.”

Isa. 46:9-11: Isa. 46:9-11: ““II am God, and there is none like Me,am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginningdeclaring the end from the beginning…. Indeed I have …. Indeed I have spoken it; I will bring it to pass.”spoken it; I will bring it to pass.”

Rom. 8:29:Rom. 8:29: “For “For whom He foreknewwhom He foreknew, , He also predestinated….”He also predestinated….”

Eph. 1:4:Eph. 1:4: “ “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the He chose us in Him before the foundation of the worldworld that we would be holy….” that we would be holy….”

Num. 23:19:Num. 23:19: “ “God is not a man, that He should lieGod is not a man, that He should lie,, nor nor the son of man, that He should repentthe son of man, that He should repent. . Has He said, and Has He said, and will He not do it?”will He not do it?”

Deut. 18:22:Deut. 18:22: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD,“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the if the thing does not happen or come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken.”thing which the LORD has not spoken.”

Outline:Outline:I.I. The Importance of Knowing GodThe Importance of Knowing God

II. A Contrast with False Views of GodII. A Contrast with False Views of God

III. Attributes of the True GodIII. Attributes of the True God

AA. Moral Attributes-------. Moral Attributes-------GoodnessGoodness

BB. Non-Moral Attributes--. Non-Moral Attributes--GreatnessGreatness

I.I. The Importance of Knowing GodThe Importance of Knowing God

II. A Contrast with False Views of GodII. A Contrast with False Views of God

III. Attributes of the True GodIII. Attributes of the True God

AA. Moral Attributes-------. Moral Attributes-------GoodnessGoodness

BB. Non-Moral Attributes--. Non-Moral Attributes--GreatnessGreatness

A. Moral Attributes (We can be like A. Moral Attributes (We can be like these)these)A. Moral Attributes (We can be like A. Moral Attributes (We can be like these)these)1. 1. HolyHoly----””I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2)I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2)

2. 2. JustJust----"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psa.

89:14).

3. 3. TruthfulTruthful--”It is impossible for God to lie” (Hb. --”It is impossible for God to lie” (Hb. 6:18) 6:18)

4. 4. PerfectPerfect----””Your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt. Your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). 5:48).

5. 5. LoveLove----”God is love” (1Jn. 4:16)”God is love” (1Jn. 4:16)

1. 1. HolyHoly----””I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2)I the Lord your God am holy” (Lev. 19:2)

2. 2. JustJust----"Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne” (Psa.

89:14).

3. 3. TruthfulTruthful--”It is impossible for God to lie” (Hb. --”It is impossible for God to lie” (Hb. 6:18) 6:18)

4. 4. PerfectPerfect----””Your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt. Your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). 5:48).

5. 5. LoveLove----”God is love” (1Jn. 4:16)”God is love” (1Jn. 4:16)

B.B. Non-Moral Attributes Non-Moral Attributes (We can (We can notnot be like these) be like these)B.B. Non-Moral Attributes Non-Moral Attributes (We can (We can notnot be like these) be like these)

1. 1. InfiniteInfinite (unlimited) (unlimited)

2. 2. Self-existentSelf-existent (uncaused) (uncaused)

3. 3. ImmutableImmutable (unchangeable) (unchangeable)

4. 4. EternalEternal (non-temporal) (non-temporal)

5. 5. All-powerfulAll-powerful (omnipotent) (omnipotent)

6. 6. All-knowingAll-knowing (omniscient) (omniscient)

7. 7. Everywhere presentEverywhere present (omnipresent) (omnipresent)

8. 8. TriuneTriune (Three in One) (Three in One)

1. 1. InfiniteInfinite (unlimited) (unlimited)

2. 2. Self-existentSelf-existent (uncaused) (uncaused)

3. 3. ImmutableImmutable (unchangeable) (unchangeable)

4. 4. EternalEternal (non-temporal) (non-temporal)

5. 5. All-powerfulAll-powerful (omnipotent) (omnipotent)

6. 6. All-knowingAll-knowing (omniscient) (omniscient)

7. 7. Everywhere presentEverywhere present (omnipresent) (omnipresent)

8. 8. TriuneTriune (Three in One) (Three in One)

God’s ImmutabilityGod’s ImmutabilityMeaning:Meaning: God is unchangeable; He cannot change in His nature or God is unchangeable; He cannot change in His nature or

essence.essence.Support:Support: Num. 23:19Num. 23:19—”God is not a man that He should lie, nor —”God is not a man that He should lie, nor the son of man the son of man

that he should change His mind.”that he should change His mind.”1Sam. 15:291Sam. 15:29—”The Strength of Israel will not lie or —”The Strength of Israel will not lie or change His change His

mind. For He is not a man that He mind. For He is not a man that He should change His mind.”should change His mind.”Psa. 102:25-27Psa. 102:25-27—”The heavens are the work of your —”The heavens are the work of your hands. They hands. They

will perish, but you will endure. Yes, will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will grow old all of them will grow old like a garment…and theylike a garment…and they will be changed. But you are the will be changed. But you are the same.” same.”

Mal. 3:6Mal. 3:6—”I the LORD change not.”—”I the LORD change not.”Heb. 6:18Heb. 6:18—”For it is impossible for God to lie.”—”For it is impossible for God to lie.”Titus 1:2Titus 1:2—”…in hope of eternal life which God, who —”…in hope of eternal life which God, who cannot lie, cannot lie,

promised before the world began….” promised before the world began….” Jas. 1:17Jas. 1:17—”Every good and perfect gift is from above, —”Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes and comes

down from the Father of lights, with down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”shadow of turning.”

God’s ImmutabilityGod’s ImmutabilityMeaning:Meaning: God is unchangeable; He cannot change God is unchangeable; He cannot change

in His Being.in His Being.

Support:Support: Num. 23:9; 1Sam. 15:29; Psa. 102:25-27; Num. 23:9; 1Sam. 15:29; Psa. 102:25-27; Mal. 3:6; Heb. 6:18; 2Tim. 2:13; Titus 1:2; Jas. 1:17.Mal. 3:6; Heb. 6:18; 2Tim. 2:13; Titus 1:2; Jas. 1:17.

Implications:Implications:1. We change in relation to God; He does not 1. We change in relation to God; He does not

change in relation to us.change in relation to us.2. Prayer is not a means by which we change 2. Prayer is not a means by which we change God; It is a means by which God changes us. God; It is a means by which God changes us. 3. We have a foundation for our life that we 3. We have a foundation for our life that we can always trustcan always trust..

God’s EternalityGod’s EternalityMeaning:Meaning: God is not bound by time. He is an eternal God is not bound by time. He is an eternal

Now. He has no past or future, just a present. Now. He has no past or future, just a present.

Support:Support: Gen 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"

Heb. 1:2: "In these last days he has spoke by his Son...through whom he framed the ages" (Heb 1:2). The word "ages" (Gk: aionos).

Ex. 3:14: "God said to Moses, `I am who I am.'" Jn. 8:58: Jesus said "Before Abraham was, I am." Psa 90:2 says "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

Isa 57:15: "For this is what the high and lofty One says--he who lives for ever...."

1Cor. 2:7: "No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.“

John 17:5, He declared: "Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began."

2 Tim 1:9 speaks of "This grace [that] was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time...."

Titus 1:2: Paul speaks of "the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time...."

Jude 25: Jude speaks of "the only wise God our Savior be glory...through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore."

Implications:Implications:1. God can see the future in His 1. God can see the future in His eternal eternal

present from all eternity (Isa. present from all eternity (Isa. 46:10). 46:10). 2. God knows who will accept him and 2. God knows who will accept him and

predestines them accordingly (1 Pet. predestines them accordingly (1 Pet. 1:2; 1:2; Rom. 8:29).Rom. 8:29).

3. There was no time before the 3. There was no time before the world world began. Hence, it is began. Hence, it is meaningless to ask meaningless to ask what God was what God was doing with all his time before doing with all his time before He He created.created.

4. God only exist in His eternal Now and 4. God only exist in His eternal Now and the only time we can meet him is our the only time we can meet him is our now. now.

Meeting God Now or Meeting God Now or NeverNever

““Humans live in time but our Humans live in time but our Enemy [God] destines them to Enemy [God] destines them to eternity. He therefore…wants eternity. He therefore…wants them to attend them to attend chieflychiefly to two to two things, to eternity itself, and to things, to eternity itself, and to that point of time which they call that point of time which they call the Present. For the Present is the Present. For the Present is the point at which time touches the point at which time touches eternity”eternity” (Lewis, ( (Lewis, (Screwtape Screwtape LettersLetters, 76)., 76).

ConclusionsConclusions1. We can’t be like God’s non-moral attributes.1. We can’t be like God’s non-moral attributes.

a. No verse says, a. No verse says, “I am infinite. Be ye infinite.”“I am infinite. Be ye infinite.”

b. No verse says, b. No verse says, “I am almighty. Be ye almighty.”“I am almighty. Be ye almighty.”

2. We should be like God’s moral attributes. 2. We should be like God’s moral attributes.

a. “Be perfect as God is perfect” (Mt. 5:48)a. “Be perfect as God is perfect” (Mt. 5:48)b. “Be holy as God is holy” (Lev. 19:2)b. “Be holy as God is holy” (Lev. 19:2)

c. “We love him because He first loved us” (1Jn. 4:19)c. “We love him because He first loved us” (1Jn. 4:19)

3. We can’t be God-like unless we know what God is like.3. We can’t be God-like unless we know what God is like.

4. To know the true God we must know the truth about 4. To know the true God we must know the truth about God.God.

5. The truth about God is found in the Word of God. 5. The truth about God is found in the Word of God.

1. We can’t be like God’s non-moral attributes.1. We can’t be like God’s non-moral attributes.a. No verse says, a. No verse says, “I am infinite. Be ye infinite.”“I am infinite. Be ye infinite.”

b. No verse says, b. No verse says, “I am almighty. Be ye almighty.”“I am almighty. Be ye almighty.”

2. We should be like God’s moral attributes. 2. We should be like God’s moral attributes.

a. “Be perfect as God is perfect” (Mt. 5:48)a. “Be perfect as God is perfect” (Mt. 5:48)b. “Be holy as God is holy” (Lev. 19:2)b. “Be holy as God is holy” (Lev. 19:2)

c. “We love him because He first loved us” (1Jn. 4:19)c. “We love him because He first loved us” (1Jn. 4:19)

3. We can’t be God-like unless we know what God is like.3. We can’t be God-like unless we know what God is like.

4. To know the true God we must know the truth about 4. To know the true God we must know the truth about God.God.

5. The truth about God is found in the Word of God. 5. The truth about God is found in the Word of God.

ConclusionsConclusions6. We must study the Word of God to know 6. We must study the Word of God to know the God the God

of the Word.of the Word.

7. If we are not overcoming our difficulties, 7. If we are not overcoming our difficulties, then--then--Our problems are not too big, but Our problems are not too big, but our God is too our God is too small.small.

Gen. 18:14: “Is anything too hard for God?” Matt. 19:26: “With men this is impossible, but

with God all things are possible.” 8. If we do not feel loved, then we do not lack love.

We lack a proper view of God’s love. 9. If we feel lonely, we do not lack God’s presence. We

lack a recognition of His presence.

Some Other Helpful Some Other Helpful Books…Books…Some Other Helpful Some Other Helpful Books…Books…J. I. Packer, J. I. Packer, Knowing God.Knowing God.J. B. Phillips. J. B. Phillips. Your God is Too SmallYour God is Too Small..A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the Holy. . A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God.The Pursuit of God.R. C. Sproul.R. C. Sproul. The Holiness of God. The Holiness of God.Stephen Charnock.Stephen Charnock. The Existence and The Existence and

Attributes of God.Attributes of God.Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas. The Summa Theologica. The Summa Theologica. . Peter Kreeft.Peter Kreeft. A Summa of the Summa. A Summa of the Summa.Norman Geisler. Norman Geisler. Systematic Theology,Systematic Theology, Vol. 2. Vol. 2.

J. I. Packer, J. I. Packer, Knowing God.Knowing God.J. B. Phillips. J. B. Phillips. Your God is Too SmallYour God is Too Small..A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, Knowledge of the HolyKnowledge of the Holy. . A. W. Tozer, A. W. Tozer, The Pursuit of God.The Pursuit of God.R. C. Sproul.R. C. Sproul. The Holiness of God. The Holiness of God.Stephen Charnock.Stephen Charnock. The Existence and The Existence and

Attributes of God.Attributes of God.Thomas AquinasThomas Aquinas. The Summa Theologica. The Summa Theologica. . Peter Kreeft.Peter Kreeft. A Summa of the Summa. A Summa of the Summa.Norman Geisler. Norman Geisler. Systematic Theology,Systematic Theology, Vol. 2. Vol. 2.

God is OneGod is OneGod is OneGod is OneA. There is Only One God, not Many

1. Deut. 6:4--”Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” 2. Ex. 20:3-"You shall have no other gods before me."3. Isa. 45:18-"I am the LORD, and there is no other." 4. Mark 12:29--"The most important one [command]," answered Jesus, "is this": `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.'"5. 1 Cor. 8:4--"We know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one."6. 1 Tim. 2:5--"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...."

A. There is Only One God, not Many 1. Deut. 6:4--”Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” 2. Ex. 20:3-"You shall have no other gods before me."3. Isa. 45:18-"I am the LORD, and there is no other." 4. Mark 12:29--"The most important one [command]," answered Jesus, "is this": `Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.'"5. 1 Cor. 8:4--"We know that an idol [is] nothing in the world, and that [there is] none other God but one."6. 1 Tim. 2:5--"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus...."

B. Three Different Persons Are God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1. All three are called God.

a. The Father is God (Jn. 6:27; Rom. 1:7; Gal. 1:1). b. The Son is God (Jn. 1:1; 8:58; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Col. 2:9). c. The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 3:17; Heb. 9:14).

2. All three are persons including the Holy Spirit: a. He has Mind (Jn. 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:11). b. He has Will (1Cor. 12:11). c. He has Feeling (Eph. 4:30).

B. Three Different Persons Are God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 1. All three are called God.

a. The Father is God (Jn. 6:27; Rom. 1:7; Gal. 1:1). b. The Son is God (Jn. 1:1; 8:58; 20:28; Heb. 1:8; Col. 2:9). c. The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 2 Cor. 3:17; Heb. 9:14).

2. All three are persons including the Holy Spirit: a. He has Mind (Jn. 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:11). b. He has Will (1Cor. 12:11). c. He has Feeling (Eph. 4:30).

C.They are Different Persons at the same Time1. The Father Speaking to the Son "The LORD [Father] says to my Lord [Son]: `Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'" (Psa. 110:1). "Your throne, O God [Son], will last for ever and ever;...therefore God [Father], your God, has set you above your companions..."(Psa. 45:6-7).2. The Son Speaking to the Father "Then the angel of the LORD [Son] said, `LORD Almighty [Father], how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem...?'" (Zech. 1:12). "After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: `Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you'" (Jn. 17:1).

C.They are Different Persons at the same Time1. The Father Speaking to the Son "The LORD [Father] says to my Lord [Son]: `Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet'" (Psa. 110:1). "Your throne, O God [Son], will last for ever and ever;...therefore God [Father], your God, has set you above your companions..."(Psa. 45:6-7).2. The Son Speaking to the Father "Then the angel of the LORD [Son] said, `LORD Almighty [Father], how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem...?'" (Zech. 1:12). "After Jesus said this, he looked towards heaven and prayed: `Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you'" (Jn. 17:1).

3.All Three Persons Together at Oncea. In Isa. 63:7--"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD...according to all the LORD [Father] has done for us...In all their distress he too was distressed, and the Messenger of his Presence [Son] saved them…. Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit."b. Matt. 3:16-17--At the Baptism of Jesus "As soon as Jesus [Son] was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God [Spirit] descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven [Father] said, `This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

3.All Three Persons Together at Oncea. In Isa. 63:7--"I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD...according to all the LORD [Father] has done for us...In all their distress he too was distressed, and the Messenger of his Presence [Son] saved them…. Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit."b. Matt. 3:16-17--At the Baptism of Jesus "As soon as Jesus [Son] was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God [Spirit] descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven [Father] said, `This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.'"

c. In the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19). "Therefore go and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

d. In the Apostolic Benedictions (2 Cor. 13:14)-- "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

[Son], and the love of God [Father], and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

c. In the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19). "Therefore go and make disciples of all

nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"

d. In the Apostolic Benedictions (2 Cor. 13:14)-- "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ

[Son], and the love of God [Father], and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."

Illustrations of the Trinity: Good and Illustrations of the Trinity: Good and BadBadIllustrations of the Trinity: Good and Illustrations of the Trinity: Good and BadBad

Two ExtremesTwo Extremes (Heresies) to Avoid: (Heresies) to Avoid:

Modalism:Modalism: Only one person in the Only one person in the Godhead Godhead (in three different roles)(in three different roles)

Tritheism:Tritheism: Three different beings, entities Three different beings, entities or individuals in the Godhead.or individuals in the Godhead.

Bad Illustrations:Bad Illustrations:

1. Three links in a chain (Tritheism)1. Three links in a chain (Tritheism)

2. Three parts of an egg (Tritheism)2. Three parts of an egg (Tritheism)

3. Three states of water (Modalism)3. Three states of water (Modalism)

4. Body, soul, and spirit (Tritheism)4. Body, soul, and spirit (Tritheism)

5. One actor playing three roles (Modalism)5. One actor playing three roles (Modalism)

Two ExtremesTwo Extremes (Heresies) to Avoid: (Heresies) to Avoid:

Modalism:Modalism: Only one person in the Only one person in the Godhead Godhead (in three different roles)(in three different roles)

Tritheism:Tritheism: Three different beings, entities Three different beings, entities or individuals in the Godhead.or individuals in the Godhead.

Bad Illustrations:Bad Illustrations:

1. Three links in a chain (Tritheism)1. Three links in a chain (Tritheism)

2. Three parts of an egg (Tritheism)2. Three parts of an egg (Tritheism)

3. Three states of water (Modalism)3. Three states of water (Modalism)

4. Body, soul, and spirit (Tritheism)4. Body, soul, and spirit (Tritheism)

5. One actor playing three roles (Modalism)5. One actor playing three roles (Modalism)

Illustrations of the Trinity: Good and Illustrations of the Trinity: Good and BadBadIllustrations of the Trinity: Good and Illustrations of the Trinity: Good and BadBad

• Good Illustrations:Good Illustrations:• 1. Triangle: One triangle but three corners.1. Triangle: One triangle but three corners.

• 2. One to the third power: 1x1x1=1 (not 2. One to the third power: 1x1x1=1 (not 1+1+1=3) 1+1+1=3)

• 3. Love is trifold: Lover, loved one, spirit of love.3. Love is trifold: Lover, loved one, spirit of love.

• 4. Mind, ideas, and words are one but distinct.4. Mind, ideas, and words are one but distinct.

• 5. Allah and the Quran; Both are united and 5. Allah and the Quran; Both are united and eternal eternal but one is the expression of the other but one is the expression of the other and and distinct from the other. distinct from the other.

Father

Holy

Spirit

SonHuma

nNatur

e

DivineNatur

e

Father

Who³Who²

Human Nature

(Divine Nature)

Who¹

What²

What¹

(Son) (Holy Spirit)