Thursday, January 25, 2018

The Supreme Being As A Person

By Pamela Gray


Lots of people don't believe in any kind of divine entity, while others do think that someone or something 'of a higher order' created this world. However, even those with a belief in a supreme being may not choose to define the concept as far as accepting 'it' as a person. Christians, in contrast, do have a God with a definite character, one who created all things for His pleasure, who has revealed Himself in His word, and who interacts with humans on a personal level.

Millions believe that there are many paths to the afterlife. Others think that this life down here is the only one we will ever know. Lots of people believe that their 'good deeds' will get them to a happy place after they die. Christians believe that, even though they are not worthy of an eternally secure place in heaven, they can have life everlasting with a holy God through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross.

The Bible tells us that this is the case, however. God revealed Himself to the descendants of Adam by His creation. Man could know the nature of the Lord by observing what He had made. God also revealed Himself through the person and life of Jesus. Those who don't believe in this may still feel gratitude to something or someone for the world and the universe around them.

This belief system allows people to form their own view of God and their own morality. They may truly feel that mankind cannot know God and that every person's opinion has merit. They may also take this view because they do not want to be bound by any code of behavior, whether they realize this or not. Pride and independence of spirit lead many to deny the existence of a Deity who could and would reveal Himself to man.

It's interesting that many who profess to believe that the godhead is a concept rather than a person still feel that they can ask for favor from this nebulous spirit. It makes more sense to others that they are indeed 'made in God's image' and can become children of God. They like the idea of a heavenly father who looks out for them.

The Bible makes it clear that God has both masculine and feminine characteristics, with the ability to beget as well as to birth. However, He is clearly portrayed as a father figure, not a mother. His son, Jesus, is an historical figure, a man who was also God. The Bible is the oldest document we have, the most accurate historical account (as testified by archaeological discoveries), and the most influential of all sacred literature.

Christians 'know that they know' after accepting Jesus as their personal savior. They treasure the relationship with their creator and give up everything to preserve it if they are truly 'saved'. They acknowledge their sinful nature and strive to live holy lives, which is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit and careful self-analysis and self-control.

Eternal life is worth anything we can give up, and having a loving relationship with the creator of the universe makes life on earth incredible rich and fulfilling. People can talk to God; they can know Him through His word, and they can have the security of a code of conduct and a constant source of help and comfort.




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