Saturday, March 17, 2018

The Supreme Being As A Person

By Pamela Gray


Even those who think this world and its universe too complex and perfect to be the product of chance may not want to believe that there is a higher power with intelligence and a plan. Many religions share a belief in a supreme being. Christians believe they can know God both through His expressed word as recorded in the Bible and through personal experience. They believe that God is a spirit but also has a distinct character. They also believe that God assumed humanity to come to earth as the man Jesus.

Modern society seems to be determined to assert that there are many paths to a blissful afterlife. It makes sense to many that a sincere belief in almost anything should qualify as acceptable to God as well as to man. Christianity teaches that there is only one way to get to eternal life with God. Other religious belief systems may also feel that their truth is exclusive. There are many views of what a supernatural 'god' is like.

The Bible tells us that God has shown Himself to men by His creation. Abraham Lincoln remarked that he could not understand how anyone could look at the starry sky and not believe in a creator. Perhaps this is why many feel gratitude for the natural order of the universe without taking the step of faith to put a name and a face to the one responsible for our world. This is called 'deism'.

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.

There are definite benefits to accepting the idea of a God as portrayed in the Bible. A believer has a code of behavior established on absolute truth. He or she has a relationship with a saving God who promises to provide for, protect, and direct His followers forever. The responsibilities of living a godly life are a small return for eternal security.

The Bible is mankind's oldest and best documented spiritual book. Jesus is well established as a historical figure, and even His miracles and virgin birth are unquestioned by numerous ancient historians. People today can have an intimate relationship with a God of love and power, if they allow Him to reveal Himself as He chooses to do.




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