Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Who then is God?

My previous discussions regarding my worldview were not exhaustive by any means.  In fact they really only answered one question, that being what is the nature of Man.   But there are just too many questions that are not answered by an understanding of Man for this to be enough.

The atheist is then faced then with a problem.  In a naturalistic worldview, the physical world is all that there is and the scientific method is the sole means of understanding truth.  How then can they answer the questions of origin, meaning, and destiny?  They can’t.  What a pity.

And for this reason, a worldview built around the existence of a deity, has not only always been with us, but will continue to remain the populist belief of nations everywhere.

So who then is God and what can we know about him?  I could try my hand at giving an answer, but it has been done before and with better diction that I could muster.  Here is the answer, as giving by the Westminster Catechism. 

What is God? 

Answer: God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, everywhere present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.

Are there more Gods than one?

Answer: There is but one only, the living and true God.

How many persons are there in the Godhead?

Answer: There are three persons in the Godhead, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one true, eternal God, the same in substance, equal in power and glory; although distinguished by their personal properties.

That in essence is the Christian understanding of the nature of God.  Do I understand how God is one, yet be composed of three persons?  No I do not.  But I believe it.  

Especially at this time of year when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, this view of the Godhead is essential for the proper understanding of what took place in a stable, in Bethlehem, so long ago.

So I will rejoice this Christmas, for Christ the Saviour is born!