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.