The Bible opens with the words, “In the beginning, God…”  The subject of God is the greatest doctrine taught in the Bible.  The Bible does not take the time to debate the existence of God; instead, it assumes that its readers already acknowledge this obvious reality, and it treats harshly those who would attempt to deny the truth of His existence.

Romans 1:18-20 (ESV)
¹⁸  For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. ¹⁹  For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. ²⁰  For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

How are the invisible attributes of God seen?  They are seen by His creation.  David said, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaim His handiwork” (Psalm 19:1).  To conclude, as so many do today, that the heavens and earth came about by an explosion of dead matter billions of years ago, is a suppression of truth, and without excuse.  The universe, and the order thereof, demand the conclusion that there is an intelligent Creator, and the Bible teaches that this Creator is God.

While the creation reveals that there is a Supreme Being responsible for it, it does not reveal the extent of His power.  This is where the Bible helps us.  The Bible reveals just what the invisible attributes of God are.  It reveals that God is eternal (Psalm 90:2), omnipotent (Luke 1:37), omniscient (1 John 3:20), and omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-12).   No wonder we sing the song, “How Great Thou Art” in praise to God.  These are attributes that only belong to Deity.

Something else the creation does not reveal is the nature of God.  Knowing that God is so great is not comforting in itself.  Experience teaches us that power in the hands of a bad person is extremely dangerous.  Imagine limitless power in the hands of a God who is cruel.  Thankfully, the Bible doctrine of God assures us that He is far from cruel.  Instead, love is the essence of His being.

John 3:16 (ESV)
¹⁶  “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

This familiar passage reveals that God has a matchless love for mankind.  Since love is that which always acts in our best interest, we know that we have no reason to fear the greatness and power of God.  John said, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear…” (1 John 4:18).

Now that we know the nature of God, we can be filled with both godly fear and great comfort.  The Bible doctrine of God teaches us that He is our heavenly Father, and that, along with all of His divine attributes of power and strength, He possesses the lovingkindness, care, and concern of a father.  We should be extremely thankful for what the Bible teaches us about God.  It allows us to know who God is, develop a personal relationship with Him, and rejoice.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.