Basic Principles of the Christian Faith: Who is God?

Basic Principles of the Christian Faith: Who is God?

To begin telling the story of Christianity, we must first start with the Author Himself.

Famous pastor and writer A.W. Tozer once said: “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”[1]  

If we try to skip this step and dive straight into our place in this world, we risk focusing too strongly on ourselves. This danger needs to be avoided, for if we place ourselves too high as idols, we will surely be miserable.

That is not intended as a negative view of humanity. On the contrary, God has shown us His love towards us and, consequently, our value through the price He was willing to pay for reconciliation. There is beauty in worshipping our Creator and acknowledging Him as Lord over all things.

Therefore, we start with who God is.

He has chosen to reveal Himself through His Word, through the Bible.

Inspired by the books Guide to Christian Belief and the Knowledge of the Holy, the following are the revealed characteristics of God.[2]

  • God is Infinite: This means that He is the beginning and the end. Thus, He always existed and will always exist. He is eternal. (Psalm 90:2; Psalm 41:13; Revelation 1:8)
  • God is Self-Sufficient: He is independent of His creation and is not reliant on anything or anyone for His existence (Psalm 115:3).
  • God is Sovereign: God rules over all creation (1 Timothy 6:14-15)
  • God is Unchanging: He is immutable, meaning He stays the same (James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8).
  • God is Omnipresent: He is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12)
  • God is Omnipotent: He is all-powerful (Rev. 19:6)
  • God is Omniscient: He is all-knowing (Psalm 139:1-4)
  • God is Holy: Only He is set apart from sin perfectly (Rev. 4:8) He also calls us as believers, to be set apart from sin (2 Corinthians 6:17)
  • God is Patient: He is not quick to anger but is persistent (Psalm 145:8)
  • God is Love: He is perfect love (1 John 4:8)
  • God is Merciful: He is compassionate to a sinful humanity and to those who are suffering (Luke 6:36)
  • God is Graceful: God gives undeserved favor (Eph. 2:8-9)
  • God is Just: God demonstrates perfect fairness and equity (Rom. 2:11)
  • God is Faithful: He keeps His promises and will never forsake his children (Num 23:19; Heb 13:5)
  • God is Perfectly Good: (Psalm 23:6; Exodus 33:19; Psalm 145:9).

These characteristics are the basis for the rest of the principles of the Christian faith. The very foundation of our faith is not based on our works, our culture, or even ourselves. It rests entirely on who God truly is.

It may be tempting to scan this list of qualities quickly.

However, I encourage you to do something that the Lord had laid on my heart to do.

Take time to meditate on each trait in your quiet time and as you go about your day. A trait might be “simple” to understand. However, I’m finding that taking the time to reflect on each trait allows the truth to penetrate my heart. It reminds me, in the face of fear or uncertainty, that there is a God whom I have every reason to trust.

I hope these words bless you as you continue your jounrey.

In Christ,

[1] Tozer, A. W. The Knowledge of the Holy: The Attributes of God: Their Meaning in the Christian Life. New York, NY: HarperOne, 1992.1

[2] G., Stibbe Mark W. Guide to Christian Belief. Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.