Introduction

The concept of Divine Identity is central to Christian theology, encapsulating the nature, attributes, and self-revelation of God as presented in the Bible. This entry explores the biblical understanding of God's identity, focusing on His self-disclosure, attributes, and the implications for believers.

Self-Revelation of God

God's identity is primarily revealed through His self-disclosure in Scripture. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" , signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. This foundational revelation underscores God's unchanging and independent existence.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ further reveals the Divine Identity. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" , directly associating Himself with the divine name revealed to Moses. This assertion of pre-existence and divinity is central to understanding the identity of Jesus as God incarnate.

Attributes of God

The Bible attributes numerous characteristics to God, each contributing to the understanding of His divine identity. These attributes include:

1. Omnipotence: God's all-powerful nature is evident in creation and His sovereign rule over the universe. Jeremiah 32:17 states, "Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You" .

2. Omniscience: God's all-knowing nature is affirmed in passages like Psalm 139:1-4, where David acknowledges that God knows his every thought and action.

3. Omnipresence: God's presence is not confined to any location. Psalm 139:7-10 reflects on God's pervasive presence, affirming that there is no place where one can flee from His Spirit.

4. Holiness: God's holiness is a defining attribute, setting Him apart from all creation. Isaiah 6:3 records the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" .

5. Love: God's love is central to His identity, demonstrated supremely in the sending of His Son. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" .

Trinitarian Identity

The doctrine of the Trinity is essential to understanding the Divine Identity in Christian theology. The Bible presents God as one in essence but existing in three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This is evident in the Great Commission, where Jesus instructs His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19).

The Trinitarian nature of God is also reflected in the baptism of Jesus, where the Father speaks from heaven, the Son is baptized, and the Spirit descends like a dove (Matthew 3:16-17).

Implications for Believers

Understanding the Divine Identity has profound implications for believers. It calls for worship, reverence, and obedience to God, who is both transcendent and immanent. Believers are invited into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to His will.

The Divine Identity also provides assurance of God's faithfulness and love, as seen in Romans 8:38-39, where Paul affirms that nothing can separate believers from the love of God in Christ Jesus. This assurance is rooted in the unchanging nature and promises of God, who is faithful to His covenant people.