Just Who Do You Think He Is

Introduction

Ever since I first learned that there is a God, I have wrestled with an important question: How much of what I know about Him truly comes from God, and how much comes from man? My understanding of God has been shaped by parents, priests, ministers, friends, teachers, and countless other influences. This compels me to ask, “Is this really what God is like? Is this truly who God is? Or is my perception merely a reflection of what others think God is like?”

I know that God is Spirit, and therefore He is far beyond anything I can fully comprehend or imagine. It is possible that we sometimes honor and serve a version of God formed by our own assumptions rather than the reality of who He has revealed Himself to be. Yet Scripture provides the clearest insight into His nature.

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made.” Romans 1:20 ESV

It seems Paul had the same questions. It’s interesting to note that Paul’s previous statement says that we know Him and goes on to say we are without excuse.

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them Romans 1:19 ESV, and,

“For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Romans 1:21-22

This is my understanding:

God has made Himself known to mankind. Scripture declares that His eternal power and divine nature are clearly revealed through His creation, leaving humanity without excuse. Yet, despite this revelation, mankind has become casual and disrespective in its thinking, and our hearts have grown darkened. As a result, when people hear about God—whether believers or nonbelievers’—they often perceive Him somewhere between what His Word says about Him and what man says about Him.

This reminds me of the many times I have heard people say, “I know I haven’t read the Bible, but I know what it says.” Such confidence is misplaced. How can we truly know what God has spoken if we have not diligently searched His Word for ourselves?

Many have considered the very concept of God and concluded, “Impossible. No being could be that all-knowing or all-powerful and at everyplace at the same time.” This kind of thinking is carnal and not spiritual. This skepticism drives some to reject God altogether and place their faith solely in science, which seeks to explain the universe through logical and observable constructs. They look at the vastness of the heavens and think, “Not even a god could govern all of this.” Yet, the heavens display remarkable order, precision, and consistency. We read in the Book of Enoch about the luminaries and the heavenly tablets, and we begin to glimpse the immense complexity and grandeur of creation. Abraham saw evidence of this divine order and believed in the one true God who reigns above all as a result of his perception of the heavenlies.

I am recently reminded of reading about St. Augustine of Hippo reporting to have said on his deathbed (after having died and awakened) that “what I have written is like straw” (or words to that effect), expressing humility about his writings compared with the greatness of God. Hearing this you can’t blame the Roman Catholic Church for chaining the bible to the pulpit afraid we all would misinterpret its words. Of course this did nothing more than enforce the Churches’ position that the Pope was the only representation of Christ on Earth and only he could interpret God’s nature.

The Old Testament reveals a God of holiness, power, righteousness, and judgment. The New Testament reveals that same God overflowing with mercy, grace and love through Jesus Christ. These are not two different Gods but one unchanging God displaying different aspects of His perfect character. Without understanding this unity, one might mistakenly conclude that the God of the Old Testament differs from the God of the New Testament. Yet Scripture consistently reveals both His justice and His grace. We see grace proclaimed when Zerubbabel declares, “Grace, grace unto the mountain,” and we see the danger of abusing grace when Paul rebukes the Corinthian church for allowing sin to flourish under the guise of Christian liberty, even to the point of dishonoring the Lord’s Supper.

As believers seeking a deeper understanding of God, we must continually pursue the knowledge of His nature and character. Our goal is not merely to accumulate information but to be transformed into His likeness. We must guard ourselves against the wisdom of fallen humanity and devote ourselves to the diligent study of God’s Word. The more we seek Him through Scripture, prayer, and obedience, the more clearly we will understand who He truly is. Only then can we grow into the people He has called us to be and faithfully reflect His character in the world.

Another Gospel

We know there are three monotheistic religions in the world: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Here I cover Islam as another gospel which it certainly is and I also list two who call themselves Christian but definitely preach another gospel. Together these three religions are very popular and unquestionably contribute to different world views of who God is and His nature. Judaism is an exception not mentioned. Practicing Jews believe as we do regarding Old Testament Scriptures however, their eyes are still veiled regarding Jesus as their Messiah.

Some of our beliefs about God come from other gospels and other sacred texts (apocryphal). This is dangerous indeed but unless we are persistent in pursuing His Word we will never know. Here are four of the most prominent “Other Gospels” in the world today.

Islam and The Quran (Koran)

There is approximately 2 billion followers of Islam against 2.6 billion Christians. The Quran, is the foundational religious text of Islam. Muslims, speak of Jesus (Isa) but it’s central focus is Muhammad who is the last Islamic prophet who was given a new revelation through the angel Gabriel, not Jesus (Isa). God is refereed to as Allah, the same God Christians adhere as the God of Abraham. Jesus is a minor prophet and there is no Trinity. Salvation is judged by works. This is definitely a different gospel.

Jehovah Witness and Watchtower Bible (New World Translation)

There are approximately 9 million Jehovah Witnesses in the World. Their gospel is preached in approximately 30 countries. There has been much criticism of their bible, the New World Translation. Many of these criticisms were considered to be biased in favor of specific Witness practices and views. Here are some things the Jehovah Witnesses don’t believe, as opposed to Christianity.

1. They do not believe in the Trinity
2. They do not believe the soul in immortal
3. They do not believe in an everlasting Hell
4. They do not believe in titles within the Church. That may include the five-fold ministry of Pastor, Teacher, Prophet, Evangelist and Apostle.
5. They do not believe in having a cross in their possession. It is considered an idol and furthermore they don’t believe Jesus died on a cross but on a simple stake.

The Church of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon

Statistics say there are about 17 million Mormons worldwide of which only 5 million are active. Mormonism was founded by Joseph Smith in western New York in the 1820s. Mormonism has many strange beliefs. One popular belief that was spread through the media and the popular sitcom “Touched by an Angel”, is that all men that are resurrected, judged, inherit the Celestial Kingdom and remain single and become angels in eternity. Obviously you do not become an angel when you die.

Some of their main beliefs are as follows:

1. Some still practice forms of marriage that deviate from mainstream Christian norms including polygamy. Sexuality is a means to celestial glory.
2. Many hold distinctive views of the nature of God, humanity, and salvation that differ significantly for traditional Christian theology.
3. It’s leaders following Joseph Smith they believe their teachings are on a par with scripture.
4. Jesus is a divine figure distinct from God the Father.
5. And much more.

We are advised to be observant and aware of existing and coming false doctrines and false Christs as attested by the scriptures below.

Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. Matthew 24:23-24

For you seem to gladly tolerate anyone who comes to you preaching a pseudo-Jesus, not the Jesus we have preached. You have accepted a spirit and gospel that is false, rather than the Spirit and gospel you once embraced. How tolerant you have become of these impostors! 2 Corinthians 11:4 TPT

There Is Divine Order

There is a divine order and purpose in all that God does. Throughout Scripture, God has consistently revealed that He is a God of order, holiness, and purpose. Consider where and how God chose to dwell among His people.

First, there was the Tabernacle in the wilderness during the days of Moses. God gave precise instructions for its construction because it was patterned after a heavenly reality. Every detail—from the furnishings to the sacrifices—was established according to His divine design. Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, disregarded God’s command and offered what Scripture calls “profane” or “strange fire” before the Lord. Whether through presumption, irreverence, or contempt, they chose their own way rather than God’s way. The consequence was immediate. Fire came from the presence of the Lord and consumed them. God’s response was clear:

“By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (Leviticus 10:3).

Irreverence toward God was not tolerated then, nor is it tolerated now. Aaron was not even permitted to publicly mourn his sons lest he also come under judgment. Their bodies were removed from the camp, a sobering testimony that God’s holiness is not to be treated lightly.

Second, King David desired to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. His intention was honorable, but God’s prescribed order was neglected. As the Ark was transported on a cart, the oxen stumbled and the Ark shifted. Uzzah instinctively reached out to steady it, and he died instantly. The issue was not merely the act itself but the failure to honor God’s established pattern. Good intentions can never replace obedience. Divine order had been ignored.

Third, after Solomon dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem, the glory of God descended with such overwhelming power that the priests could not stand to minister. Divine order had been established, and God’s presence filled His house. Yet following this remarkable manifestation, the people again drifted into rebellion and idolatry. As recorded in 2 Chronicles 36:14-19, they corrupted themselves and despised God’s warnings. Eventually Jerusalem was destroyed, the Temple was burned, and the people were carried away into captivity. Once again, divine order had been forsaken.

Fourth, today there is a new Temple. God no longer dwells in structures made by human hands. Through Christ, He dwells within His people—the Church. Pentecost was a glorious fulfillment of God’s purpose. The believers were gathered together in unity, of one heart and one accord, when the Holy Spirit descended with power. Order was restored, and thousands were brought into the Kingdom.

Now, as Paul declares:

“We are the temple of the living God. As God has said: ‘I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people'” (2 Corinthians 6:16).

Yet over the past two thousand years, much of the Church has again drifted from God’s divine order. We have often exchanged reverence for familiarity, holiness for convenience, and obedience for personal preference. There will be no other temple built for God to inhabit. We are His dwelling place on earth. The question before us is this: What comes next?

The lesson is unmistakable. John the Baptist was chosen by God to prepare the way for the coming Messiah. Before him stood the prophets who faithfully proclaimed God’s truth to their generations. Now that responsibility belongs to us. We are called to prepare the way for the King in the world around us.

God cannot be approached as though He were common. He is holy, and His people must once again cultivate reverence, awe, and godly fear. Before we can effectively make disciples, holiness must first transform our own hearts. Before we can call others to Christ, we ourselves must be fully surrendered to Him. Nothing less than our entire lives will suffice—our thoughts, our words, our actions, whether awake or asleep, at home or abroad. Every faculty of our being, including our reason, understanding, and spiritual nous, must be brought into submission to Christ. Our minds and hearts must be fixed upon Him alone. There must be one heart and one purpose. We must be of one accord—not only collectively as the Body of Christ, but individually in our own minds and spirits. The double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. The hour calls for singular devotion, unwavering obedience, and wholehearted surrender to the Lord.

As the return of Christ draws near, the Church must once again become a people marked by holiness, reverence, and divine order, preparing the way for the soon-coming King.

God Is

Beyond all doubt, we must first believe that God is. We may read countless books, and many can help guide us toward truth, while others may lead us astray. Therefore, the discernment of the Holy Spirit is essential.

The teachings and insights of great minds—from Enoch to Aristotle, and from the saints of old to today’s gifted preachers and teachers—can be valuable. Yet apart from the Word of God, all human wisdom is ultimately straw when compared to the eternal truth of Scripture. The Bible alone is the inspired revelation of God and the final authority for faith and life.

Deep within every person is a God-given awareness of eternity and an inward witness that points to the Creator. The conviction of the heart testifies that God is real and reveals something of who He is. Therefore, approach Him with reverence and humility—with head bowed, knee bent, and a holy fear within your heart. Remember that God has placed eternity within us, and through both creation and conscience He has made Himself known. Because of this, neither believer or unbeliever is without excuse before Him.

“He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man’s heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11 ESV)

“For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse”. Romans 1:19-20 ESV

Conclusion

So who is God? Is it truly possible for us to know Him? In many respects, the answer is no. His greatness, majesty, and eternal nature are far beyond the limits of human understanding. As Scripture reminds us, only when we stand before Him will we fully know Him, even as we are fully known by Him.

Yet this mystery should never discourage our pursuit. Rather, it should inspire it. We are called to continually ask, seek, and knock—not merely for our own needs and desires, but to know Him more deeply. Every step toward Him draws us further into reverent fear, holy awe, genuine love, and heartfelt praise.

The questions we have and the mysteries we cannot fully comprehend are not weaknesses in our faith. They magnify His greatness. The more we discover about God, the more we realize there is infinitely more to know. His immeasurable nature humbles us and calls us into deeper worship.

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

I often write about Enoch because his life provides profound insight into the ways of God. Yet after all that Enoch experienced, all that he witnessed, and all that he learned, his conclusion was remarkably simple:

“There is none better than he who fears the Lord.” (2 Enoch 43:2)

This is the wisdom toward which every true pursuit of God ultimately leads. The deeper we know Him, the greater our reverence becomes. And the greater our reverence, the closer we draw to the One whose glory, goodness, and holiness will occupy our hearts for all eternity.

Enough Said

“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 ESV