God
"God" is the general name of the Supreme Being. While most people believe in some kind of God, these beliefs vary widely. Christians have a specific understanding of God:
- He exists independent of this universe (which he created).
- He is personal.
- He is Triune, subsisting in three divine Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Moreover, we believe that God can be known because he revealed himself, especially in the Bible; and that he is actively involved in the history of the world.
The study of God
The study of God is called theology, sometimes labels "theology (proper)" to distinguish it from the more general study of the Christian religion. It is the first of the six so-called loci of Reformed systematic theology. Topics include:
- the nature of God
- the Trinity
- the attributes of God
- the names of God
- God's work of creation and providence
- God's decree
More philosophical concerns, such as the knowability of God, are typically discussed under the heading of "Prolegomena".
Biblical data
God is the central focus of the Bible from beginning to end. The narrative books in the Bible present a historical record of the Magnalia Dei, the awesome deeds he accomplished, especially as the Savior of his people. The Psalms and prophetic books celebrate and explain the meaning of these deeds:
I will thank the Lord with all my heart;
I will declare all your wondrous works.
I will rejoice and boast about you;
I will sing about your name, Most High.
— Psalm 9:1
Key moments include:
- God created the world.
- He called Abraham and entered into covenant with him and his family.
- He rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and brought them into the Promised Land.
- He executed judgment on the wicked world: in the Flood, the destruction of Sodom, and even in the exile of his own nation, Israel.
- The climax of God's work is the coming of Jesus Christ into the world as the Savior.
- God will eventually judge the world and restore the world to perfection.
The concern of the New Testament is to present Jesus Christ as the one who brings God's plan to completion. It becomes clear that Jesus Christ is, in fact, himself God.
Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will also know my Father. From now on you do know him and have seen him.
— John 14:6-7