What do people have to understand about God?

Post by **_Ely** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 2:59 am

Okay, so when we speak of "Jesus" what are we supposed to understand by this? I understand that we are talking about a Jewish man who lived around 2,000 years ago, who was born in Bethlehem to a woman called Mary who was a virgin. Jesus was a very great man who preached a very signifiicant message about "God." He was a righteous man who did not commit any sin. This man was killed and then was raised up from the grave back to life three days later and a little time after that, ascended into heaven. This man will one day return to Earth and will rule over it.

All good I hope.

But, when we speak of "God," what are we meant to understand by this term? Again, many people say that "God" exists - but only as a concept (or concepts) or idea (ideas) in the minds of men. Is this what the scriptures expect men to understand about "God"?

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 7:00 am

But, when we speak of "God," what are we meant to understand by this term? Again, many people say that "God" exists - but only as a concept (or concepts) or idea (ideas) in the minds of men. Is this what the scriptures expect men to understand about "God"?

IMO the scriptures expect us to know God is the Creator of the universe ,omniscient,omnipresent,omnipotent and that there is one God. One God who transcends his diety over the physical limitations of his creation. And that God's character is revealed through scripture particularly through Jesus. And John says "God is love" which the first three attributes are , justice mercy and faithfulness.

Post by **_JC** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:47 am

I like what you have said here. Would this apply to Muslims and Hindus?

Yes, but probably not the way most people think. God reveals himself to the humble and lowely of stature, which is why fishermen believed his message but the religious elect did not, for the most part. A hindu or Muslim who is humbled before God (it would seem the vast majority are not) will recieve whatever information is required for salvation.

Peter, Andrew and John didn't seem to know much at all, even after they'd been with Jesus for a long time. I'm sure if they'd died before Pentecost they'd still be in Heaven.

I guess most people don't think of humility and meekness as a requirement for salvation, but have you ever seen an arrogant person (without humbling themselves) submit their lives to Christ? I would actually think that reading the words of Jesus would humble anyone but I guess it doesn't work that way for everyone.

Post by **_Perry** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:51 am

Your question brings to mind Philip asking for Jesus to show him the Father. (Maybe "the Father" and "God" are not interchangeable in this context, but the impression I have is that this is what you're getting at.)

Remember that Jesus hadn't yet died and been resurrected when He said to Philip, "Have I been so long with you and you don't know what God is like?". So while Jesus' death and resurrections were events in His life, it was how He conducted His life that revealed God to us.

Jesus revealed God by how He lived His life.

Perry

Post by **_Father_of_five** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 3:21 pm

Perry wrote:Jesus revealed God by how He lived His life.

That is right. He also lived His life as example for us to follow. He went about doing good, healing the sick, serving, teaching love, showing kindness. This is what God wants for us - a life filled with God's righteousness where "love your neighbor" is the priority of each day. True Godly joy comes from loving, serving, giving. This was Christ's message.

Too often in today's teaching the focus is on the after-life at the expense of edifying our daily life. But it seems I am off-topic.

Todd

Post by **_Ely** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 4:57 pm

STEVE7150 wrote:and that there is one God.

Right! So, what are people expected to understand by this phrase "there is one God"?

Post by **_Paidion** » Mon Jul 09, 2007 9:49 pm

Okay, so when we speak of "Jesus" what are we supposed to understand by this? I understand that we are talking about a Jewish man who lived around 2,000 years ago, who was born in Bethlehem to a woman called Mary who was a virgin. Jesus was a very great man who preached a very signifiicant message about "God." He was a righteous man who did not commit any sin. This man was killed and then was raised up from the grave back to life three days later and a little time after that, ascended into heaven. This man will one day return to Earth and will rule over it.

A couple of questions about your understanding, Ely.

1. Did Jesus exist in any sense prior to his birth?
2. When did Jesus become "the son of God"?

Post by **_Ely** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 3:17 am

Paidion wrote:1. Did Jesus exist in any sense prior to his birth?
2. When did Jesus become "the son of God"?

1. Only in the foreknowledge of God (1 Pet 1:20).
2. At his conception. (Luke 1:35, cf. 2 Sam 7:14)

Post by **_STEVE7150** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 6:30 am

Right! So, what are people expected to understand by this phrase "there is one God"?

My understanding is that God's "One Diety" transcends the physical limitation of one body. However i understand why you believe God is one person and i acknowledge the bible really could be more clear on this subject. Therefore i guess the definition of what it means for Jesus to be someone's Lord may be the key question.
Can another man's blood sacrifice save me and all of humanity from our sins? IMO this would not make sense and would violate the OT therefore Jesus must be someone greater then humanity. Paul said to the saints that they will judge the angels therefore Jesus must be greater then the angels also.
So what's left? What does Lord mean?

Post by **_Ely** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 12:07 pm

STEVE7150 wrote:My understanding is that God's "One Diety" transcends the physical limitation of one body. However i understand why you believe God is one person and i acknowledge the bible really could be more clear on this subject.

Do you guys not think the one and only-ness of God is the most essential, fundamental, foundational truth about God which the scriptures seek to communicate and which men are expected to understand?