Defining God

[Lafon]

Originally Posted by HaShaliach

What I am looking for is the process for transitioning from spiritually childish concepts to the mature understand of who and what God actually is. Not the old man on a cloud picture for five year olds, and not the "mighty hand of God" for those who know not that God is Spirit, I know a number of people who know a lot about Abraham Lincoln and George Washiton, even to what that ate at different meals, but I never met anyone who actually knew these men.

So, let us turn our attention back to spiritual realities and concepts that approach the infinite. Those of us who claim to know know God should also have the ability to describe Him. Looking for a pat answer, such as, "its in the Bible" will not make it - by its self. Including Book chapter, verse(s) presented with translation/interpretation and application would also be required.

Therefore, let us begin anew.

How can one define (describe) God in both personal and spiritually meaningful terms that demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of God’s true nature and His relationship to His creation?

Great question!

The first thought as I read the many comments posted here in response, had to begin with answering the question - Is it even possible for imperfect mortal man to really know and understand God, or has He chosen to limit the degree of knowledge we might attain concerning Him, His character, attributes, and the underlying purpose for creation? After some searching I believe one can answer this question positively by reliance upon the things found recorded within the context of the following passages:

"Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and rightesousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD." (Jeremiah 9:23-24)

As made unmistakenly clear by these words, yes, we can KNOW and UNDERSTAND God! Indeed, as we read the opening words of Genesis 1:1, and discover that it was God who created all things in the beginning, then it should become apparent that chief among the initial steps one must undertake to accomplish (that is, if they do truly desire to acquire knowledge of all things), is to learn something about God - who, what, where is He, and how might I truly come to KNOW and UNDERSTAND Him? It would seem, to me at least, that in the absence of confronting and answering this important question, all other efforts to properly comprehend the contents of the Bible would be expended in vain. This is why I find this discussion to be of such great interest, for it brings to the fore the very first step one must take in seeking to fulfill the first and greatest commandment - to love God with all of our being (see Mark 12:30).

At the moment my time is rather limited, however, I shall attempt to add further comments to this important topic later, perhaps yet this afternoon.

[A.W. Bowman]

While attempting to draft a reply post, this one [by staysharp] gets published! Thank you.

Now, for the post I was working on - -

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by mizpeh

1)I know God on a personal level because He is in me.

2)I know Him personally because of what He has done in my life.

3)I also know of Him, what He likes and dislikes, His attributes through His word.

4)I can see His "fingerprints" in creation.

5)I know Him because Christ, His Son, makes Him known.

There's much more I could say, but I'm not sure what you want. So why don't you start us off by answering your own question and define God.

Right!

From post number 6, "BTW, I don’t have the definitive answer either! Still working on it."

This thread is not about trick questions, it is about how does one move beyond Heb 6:1 ¶ Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works {useless rituals}, and of faith toward God, {principles...: or, word of the beginning of} 2 Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And this will we do, if God permit.

What is being demonstrated so far, is that none of us really know how to progress beyond the elementary concepts of God. For example, this thread has received a lot of attention, but except for a very few brave souls, no one has ventured into the discussion. Another example: We banter around conceptual terms such as God is love, holy, righteous, just, etc. We might ask, If God is love, define the term. What do we get? Answers like God sent His son to die for (redeem) us. However, this is really only an expression of God's love, not a definition. WE might find quotes from 1Cor 13. Love is .....

This "love chapter" is most likely the closest we can get to defining love. However, from experience, we can also conclude that very few people actually understand or accept this definition simply because so few folks practice it! This, in spite of Paul declaring that it is "a more excellent way" of living the Christian life. Further, this chapter is almost never taught with God being the object of the term! Of course, God is more than just "love". Therefore, what we must do, in order to move beyond our current mode of our thinking (concrete bounds of perceiving creation/reality) is embrace a more conceptual world view.

Therefore, as requested, I will be posting my own attempt at answering the question within the next day or two. But, this should not detour others from expressing their own thoughts on the subject.

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by Lafon

… I shall attempt to add further comments to this important topic later, perhaps yet this afternoon.

Yet another post slipping in while I was drafting my earlier reply.

Another wonderful precept. I see progress being made and looking forward to your further contribution to this discussion.

[bkstokes]

I have looked at the Larry Crabb book and he really addresses the problems within us that keep us doubting. Thus, when one has doubt he or she cannot seek The LORD properly. If anyone is interested in that type of information just let me know and I will post a brief summary.

[A.W. Bowman]

Originally Posted by bkstokes

I have looked at the Larry Crabb book and he really addresses the problems within us that keep us doubting. Thus, when one has doubt he or she cannot seek The LORD properly. If anyone is interested in that type of information just let me know and I will post a brief summary.

Please post away! You might also post a link for ordering the book - for those who might be interested.

[Joelel]

One race was created as sons of God and was created only with spirit bodies.Other races was created with flesh bodies with spirit's.Known as sons of God and sons of man.All spirits of both came from God.Sons of God were created as spirit beings from the beginning.Adam was a son of God ,a preacher of God that preached the ways of the Lord to the sons of man.Sons of God mixed with sons of man after Adam fell from his spirit body creation.God showed me he is Spirit and his Spirit is as electric.

[Michael The Disciple]

Originally Posted by Sam

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. Matthew 11:25-27

10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:10-11

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called the Angel of great counsel, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9:6-7

23 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches:
24 But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
Jeremiah 9:23, 24

20 And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life. 1 John 5:20

Good post Sam. It not as hard as some want to make it. I am reminded of the Apostle who said some are ever learning but never coming to the knowledge of the truth.

[Beard]

there is a "ginosko" Knowing (where the church as the body of Christ is at in glory at this present time); ...then God will move the church from glory to the next step of glory, an "epiginosko" knowing when that which is perfect is come, being known as we are known, face to face; however, Jesus knew the Father perfectly in all things which is "eido"....

you go Sam and Michael....

[nathan_slatter]

Perhaps it is as easy as believing that "He is". Perhaps the blasphemy is in our making God into our own image by proclaiming that we KNOW God, and while I do not believe that we can know God in that capacity (fully) we can know some things about him (his wishes, for instance). Here's the big question - if we can't know each other completely unless we are open to one another, and even then we maintain privacy from one another, can we completely know He who created us?

I can't help but think about my marriage. My wife and I know one another and the way we know each other isn't about lists and pretentious explorations of what to do's and what not to do's, rather our relationship is based on living with one another and learning from that life about one another. The purpose of our lives together isn't rules and regulations but about living - learning happens automatically and naturally. I've had friends in the past whose marriages were based on rules and regulations with pretentious, contrived, rituals - their marriages usually failed. But in these relationships, either one or both weren't committed to the other fully so there was no KNOWING of the other person - only a farce of love or marriage.

Perhaps the answer to defining God isn't about definition but about seeking, knocking, and asking. I saw a cartoon the other day that showed a guy sitting at a desk, books piled about him, with Jesus standing beside him. The guy at the desk looks to Jesus and said, "Can you come back in a few hours? I'm trying to get to know you better." Reminds me of myself. The need to know Jesus and trying to do so with books and commentaries alone.