WHAT DOES THE BIBLE TEACH ABOUT GOD? (NKJV)
By Pastor Steve Carr
http://www.covenantkeepers.org.
1. The Nature of God
1.1. God is a spirit
1.2. The personality of God verses pantheism
1.3. The unity of God verses polytheism, verses the trinity verses Unitarianism
1.3.1. Each person is called God. (Now remember, there is only one God.)
1.3.2. Each person has the attributes of God
i. Omnipresence
ii Eternal
1.3.3. Each person does the same work of God alone
i. Creation
ii. Sanctification
iii Who raised Jesus from the dead?
iv. Who inspired the Prophets?
v. Who strengthens me?
1.3.4. Further evidence for the one God being the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
2. The Attributes of God
2.1 The natural attributes of God
2.1.1 The omniscience of God
2.1.2. The omnipotence of God
2.1.3. The omnipresence of God
2.1.4. The eternity and immutability of God
2.2. The Moral Attributes of God
2.2.1 The Holiness of God
2.2.2 The love of God, justice of God and mercy of God
What Does The Bible Teach About God?
By Pastor Steve Carr
1. The Nature of God
1.1 God is a spirit
"God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24) God has revealed himself as one having no physical body or form. Jesus said, "a spirit has not flesh and bones as you see Me have" (Luke 24:39). So as a spirit, God requires us to worship him in spirit and truth because He is invisible and everywhere at the same time. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.(1 Tim. 1:17) God declares, "do not I fill the heaven and the earth" (Jer. 23:24). This is the reason why God forbade the Jews to make any graven image to worship before, because God is a spirit. "Take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no form when the LORD spoke to you at Horeb out of the midst of the fire, lest you act corruptly and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, the likeness of any animal that is on the earth or the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the air, the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground or the likeness of any fish that is in the water beneath the earth. And take heed, lest you lift your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun, the moon, and the stars, all the host of heaven, you feel driven to worship them and serve them, which the LORD your God has given to all the peoples under the whole heaven as a heritage. But the LORD has taken you and brought you out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be His people, an inheritance, as you are this day. Furthermore the LORD was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I would not cross over the Jordan, and that I would not enter the good land which the LORD your God is giving you as an inheritance. But I must die in this land, I must not cross over the Jordan; but you shall cross over and possess that good land. Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the LORD your God which He made with you, and make for yourselves a carved image in the form of anything which the LORD your God has forbidden you.(Deut. 4:15-23) "To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal? says the Holy One. (Is. 40:25).
1.2. The personality of God verses pantheism
Personality is characterized by knowledge, feeling and will. God is a living God who hears, sees, knows, feels, wills, and acts as a person. He is more than the pantheistic view of God that states; God is everything, or that He is the energy in all living things. He is more than his creation, He is the creator. He is more than energy or power. He declares his own eternal existence and personality when He said, "I AM WHO I AM" (Ex. 3:14). Also note that a power or force cannot grieve. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. (Eph. 4:30), or will But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Cor. 12:11), or love "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (Jn. 3:16), only one who has a personality.
1.3. The unity of God verses polytheism, verses the trinity verses Unitarianism
God has clearly revealed Himself to be the only God in the universe. He says, Beside me there is no God" (Is. 44:6). The Scripture is without contradiction on this point from beginning to end. In both the Old and New Testament, this truth is clearly stated. "To you it was shown, that you might know that the LORD Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.(Deut. 4:35) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,(1 Tim. 2:5). Yet, in the nature of the one true God there are three persons revealed; the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three persons are the one true and living God. To fully understand with our finite minds the nature of an almighty and infinite God is impossible. Today we only know in part. For we know in part and we prophesy in part.(1 Cor. 13:9). Where do we see this tri-unity taught in Scripture?
1.3.1. Each person is called God. (Now remember, there is only one God.)
a. The Father Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 1:3).
b. The Son But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. (Heb. 1:8).
c. The Holy Spirit But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."(Acts 5:3,4).
1.3.2. Each person has the attributes of God
i. Omnipresence
a. The Father Am I a God near at hand, says the LORD, And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him? says the LORD; Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD.(Jer. 23:23,24).
b. The Son "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them." (Matt. 18:20).
c. The Holy Spirit Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.(Ps.139:7-10).
ii. Eternal
a. The Father The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!' (Deut. 33:27) For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Isaiah 57:15).
b. The Son But to the Son He says: Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom. (Heb. 1:8) "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting." (Micah 5:2) The people answered Him, We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, 'The Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?" (John 12:34).
c. The Holy Spirit how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without spot to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Heb. 9:14).
1.3.3. Each person does the same work of God alone
i. Creation
a. The Father In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. (Gen. 1:1,2) For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God. (Heb. 3:4).
b. The Son In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. (John 1:1-3) He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. (John 1:10).
c. The Holy Spirit The Spirit of God has made me, And the breath of the Almighty gives me life. (Job 33:4) You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the earth. (Ps.104:30).
ii. Sanctification
a. The Father Jude, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are called, sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ: (Jude 1).
b. The Son To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Cor. 1:2).
c. The Holy Spirit elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied. (1 Peter 1:2).
iii. Who raised Jesus from the dead?
a. The Father "To you first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from your iniquities." (Acts 3:26) and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. (1 Thess. 1:10) Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead),(Gal. 1:1).
b. The Son Jesus answered and said to them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.Then the Jews said, It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days? But He was speaking of the temple of His body. (John 2:19-21) "Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father." (John 10:17-18).
c. The Holy Spirit But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. (Rom. 8:11) For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (1 Peter 3:18).
iv Who inspired the Prophets?
a. The Father "Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, For He has visited and redeemed His people, And has raised up a horn of salvation for us In the house of His servant David, As He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, Who have been since the world began, (Luke 1:68-70).
b. The Son searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.(1 Peter 1:11).
c. The Holy Spirit "Men and brethren, this Scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus; (Acts 1:16) for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.(2 Peter 1:21).
v. Who strengthens me?
a. The Father But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. (1 Peter 5:10).
b. The Son I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Phil. 4:13).
c. The Holy Spirit that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man,(Eph. 3:16).
1.3.4. Further evidence for the one God being the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
i. The Old Testament usage of the word one. The Hebrew word, Echad describes a united one, or compound unity. (Strongs Concordance).
Examples where this word is used.
a. A husband and wife become one flesh Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. (Gen. 2:24).
b. The people are one And the LORD said, Indeed the people are one and they all have one language, and this is what they begin to do; now nothing that they propose to do will be withheld from them. (Gen. 11:6).
c. The Lord our God is one Lord "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one! (Deut. 6:4).
ii. The New Testament reveals the same usage.
a. We are all one in Christ There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:28).
b. Paul and Apollos described as one I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. (1 Cor.3:6-8).
iii. Plural pronouns used when God speaks of Himself.
a. Let us make man in our image. Then God said, Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." (Gen. 1:26).
b. Let us go down ... "Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech." (Gen. 11:7).
c. Who will go for us... Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Whom shall I send, And who will go for Us? Then I said, Here am I! Send me." (Isaiah 6:8)?
iv. The divine name of God used as a plural In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. (Gen. 1:1) Elohim.
v. The baptism of Christ. The Father speaks from heaven to the Son being baptized while the Spirit descends in the shape of a dove When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matt. 3:16-17).
vi. The simplest way to see the work of God revealed from Scripture is:
a. The Father is the fullness of the Godhead invisible Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever.(1 Tim. 1:17).
b. The Son is the fullness of the Godhead bodily For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; (Col. 2:9).
c. The Holy Spirit is the fullness of the Godhead acting immediately upon the believer But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. (1 Cor. 2:9-12).
d. What are the practical results of having a correct understanding of God's nature?
i. You will never be deceived by cultic teachings of who God is.
ii. Knowing the spirituality and personality of God you will be drawn to a spiritual and personal relationship with him. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24).
2. The Attributes of God
2.1. The natural attributes of God
2.1.1. The omniscience of God
The Bible teaches that God knows all things. He has perfect and infinite knowledge For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. (1 John 3:20) Do you know how the clouds are balanced, Those wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? (Job 37:16) Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite. (Psalms 147:5).
i. He knows what goes on in every place The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good. (Prov. 15:3).
ii. He knows every word man speaks For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. (Ps. 139:4)
iii. He knows all your sorrows And the LORD said: I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. (Ex. 3:7).
iv. He knows your thoughts O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. (Ps. 139:1,2) "I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. (Rev. 2:23).
v. He
knows the outcome of all human history "Known to God from eternity are all
His works. (Acts 15:18) Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white
horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness
He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head
were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.
He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of
God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed
Him on white horses.Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He
should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He
Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He
has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF
LORDS. (Rev. 19:11-16) .
vi. What is the importance of this teaching? It promotes honesty in your relationship with Him. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:13). It also causes you to rest in trials knowing He knows. and delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the filthy conduct of the wicked (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, tormented his righteous soul from day to day by seeing and hearing their lawless deeds); then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment, (2 Peter 2:7-9). He knows the truth when you are falsely accused Why? Because I do not love you? God knows! (2 Cor. 11:11).
2.1.2. The omnipotence of God
This teaching reveals the all powerful, almighty God we serve. He can do all things, nothing is too hard for Him, all things are possible with Him "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." (Gen. 18:14) But Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matt. 19:26).
i. He has revealed His power in creation In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters. Then God said, Let there be light; and there was light. And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. So the evening and the morning were the first day. Then God said, Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters. Thus God made the firmament, and divided the waters which were under the firmament from the waters which were above the firmament; and it was so. And God called the firmament Heaven. So the evening and the morning were the second day. Then God said, Let the waters under the heavens be gathered together into one place, and let the dry land appear; and it was so. And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. Then God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth; and it was so. And the earth brought forth grass, the herb that yields seed according to its kind, and the tree that yields fruit, whose seed is in itself according to its kind. And God saw that it was good. So the evening and the morning were the third day.(Gen. 1:1-13).
ii. He has revealed His power by ruling in the affairs of nations And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses." (Dan. 4:32).
iii. He has revealed His power in that one day all his servants will sing, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!" And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! (Rev. 19:6) This occurs when God exercises his power to bring his kingdom to reign here on earth.
iv. His power in only limited by his own will and timing Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (1 John 5:14,15) which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, (1 Tim. 6:15).
v. What is the importance of this teaching? It is a great encouragement to believers that, what He has promised, He is able to perform He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.(Rom. 4:20,21). He can do the impossible in you Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Eph. 3:20) Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.(Heb. 7:25)
2.1.3. The omnipresence of God
Here the Bible teaches that God is everywhere present. He is in all parts of the universe and also near to you at the same time Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me. (Ps. 139:7-10) "Am I a God near at hand, says the LORD, And not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him? says the LORD; Do I not fill heaven and earth? says the LORD. (Jer. 23:23,24) "God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' (Acts 17:24-28).
i. This truth must not be confused with the pantheistic view that God is everything. He is everywhere because that is the greatness of our God. Solomon said, "The heaven even the heaven of heavens cannot contain you..."(2 Chron. 6:18).
ii. What is the importance of this teaching? This helps me to know that He is always near me, especially in hard times But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (2 Tim. 4:17). He is a very present help in time of trouble God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1) When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. (Is. 43:2).
2.1.4. The eternity and immutability of God
The word eternal denotes existence which has no beginning nor ending, or any limitation of time. There is no past, present, or future in eternity Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. (1 Tim. 1:17) For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, To revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones. (Is. 57:15). The immutability of God describes His nature, which is absolutely unchangeable. God remains forever the same "For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (Mal.3:6) Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Heb.13:8) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. (James 1:17).
i. Why is this teaching important? To come to a God who is eternal and never changes gives me great assurance. God won't change with mood swings or with the fad of the day. He will be faithful, because He is always there when I need Him, and He never changes. He is also seeking to make me a faithful and unwavering person. A person who keeps his word and who is faithful to commitments In whose eyes a vile person is despised, But he honors those who fear the LORD; He who swears to his own hurt and does not change; (Ps. 15:4) "He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much. (Luke 16:10)
ii. 2.2. The Moral Attributes of God
2.2.1. The Holiness of God. Holiness is the foundation of God's moral nature. He is called "the Holy one" throughout Scripture. When Moses or Isaiah had God reveal himself to them, they were immediately struck by the holiness of God Then He said, Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground." (Ex. 3:5) And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" (Is.6:3). Holiness means God is free from any defilement, impurity or unrighteousness 'You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps; nor shall you make yourselves unclean with them, lest you be defiled by them. For I am the LORD your God. You shall therefore consecrate yourselves, and you shall be holy; for I am holy. Neither shall you defile yourselves with any creeping thing that creeps on the earth. For I am the LORD who brings you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:43-45) "For the LORD your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and give your enemies over to you; therefore your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing among you, and turn away from you. (Deut. 23:14) This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5).
i. The holiness of God is manifested by his hatred of sin Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. (Gen. 6:5,6) The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.(Prov. 15:9).
ii. The holiness of God is manifested by his love of righteousness The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who follows righteousness.(Prov. 15:9).
iii. The holiness of God is manifested by his punishment of the sinner For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.(Ps. 5:4-6).
iv. The holiness of God is manifested by his punishment of sin on His Son For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, (1 Peter 3:18).
v. Why is this teaching important? When you see this holiness you see your sin. So I said: Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having in his hand a live coal which he had taken with the tongs from the altar. (Isaiah 6:5,6). This keeps you from self-righteousness. Yet, it also reveals His great love. Because a Holy God sent His Son to die for unholy men "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)
2.2.2. The love of God, justice of God and mercy of God Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face. (Ps. 89:14) The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. (Ps. 103:8). The reason why we must look at these three together is very important. Love is a perfect balance of justice and mercy. Real love must have both. Love is patient and kind and forgiving, yet love cannot be taken for granted, or rejected without a consequence. To the motorist who commits a minor offense the judge, in justice, tempered by mercy, gives a small fine. However, for the motorist who is a multiple drunk driving offender, he must in justice, without mercy, revoke his license to drive. This shows his love and care for the rest of the drivers on the road, lest this injure them because of his rejection of prior mercy.
i God is love He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. (1 John 4:8).
a. Love is manifested in mercy The LORD is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. (Ps. 145:8).
b. Love is manifested in grace and longsuffering But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, Longsuffering and abundant in mercy and truth. (Ps. 86:15).
c. Love is manifested in justice and righteousness by keeping His promise to forgive the repentant If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
d. Love is manifested toward believers by God's just separation of all that would hurt or offend his people at the final judgment "And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says: 'Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive; (Matt. 13:14) "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He will sit on the throne of His glory. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. And He will set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left.Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: (Matt. 25:31-34).
ii. Why is this teaching important? When you see the balance of His love, mercy and justice it will cause you to become more balanced and more like Him. He wants to transform you in these areas.
a. You will love Him when you see his love for you
We love Him because He first loved us. (1 John 4:19).
b. You will become more merciful
"Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. (Luke 6:36).
c. You will become just and fair in your dealings with others
Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. (Col. 4:1) Defend the poor and fatherless; Do justice to the afflicted and needy. (Ps. 82:3).
d. You will love others as well
By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. (1 John 3:16)