Issue link: https://discover.cph.org/i/991580
47 35. H O W D O W E K N O W T H E R E I S A G O D? Reason, nature, and experience all testify to the existence of God. A. We live in a world that we did not make. B. All people trust in something to organize their life, seeking meaning and purpose. C. The universe and all of life is orderly, governed by laws—the "laws of nature." D. Humanity shares many common moral ideas. E. Scientific discoveries increase life's deepest mysteries; they do not resolve them. These universal truths and observations are all best explained when we accept that God exists and is the Creator of all things. Yet, they do not tell us about the gracious nature and character of the true God. 36. W H O I S T H E O N LY T R U E G O D? The true God reveals Himself in Jesus Christ, crucified and raised from the dead for us. Jesus shows us the Father. The Father and Son give the Holy Spirit, who always points us to Jesus Christ, the Father's only Son. Thus, the only true God is the triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—three distinct persons in one divine being (the Holy Trinity). Read Genesis 1:1–3; Matthew 3:16–17; and John 1:1–3. Note how the three persons of the Trinity are present and active. 83 Matthew 28:19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 84 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 85 Numbers 6:24–26 The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. 37. W H AT A R E S O M E O F G O D ' S AT T R I B U T E S ? A. God is good (kind, desiring our welfare). 86 Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all, and His mercy is over all that He has made. B. God is gracious (showing undeserved kindness) and merciful (full of compassion). 87 Psalm 116:5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful. C. God is faithful (keeping His promises). 88 2 Timothy 2:13 If we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself. D. God is spirit (a personal being without a body). 89 John 4:24 God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. E. God is eternal (without beginning and end). 90 1 Timothy 1:17 To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. F. God is immutable (His nature, being, and promises do not change). 91 Malachi 3:6 For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. G. God is almighty, all-powerful (omnipotent). CONNECTIONS AND APPLICATIONS