Identity of God

The identity of God is foundational to Christian theology and is revealed through Scripture as the eternal, self-existent, and unchanging Creator of the universe. God is described as one in essence yet existing in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, a doctrine known as the Trinity. This triune nature is hinted at in the Old Testament and fully revealed in the New Testament.

In the Old Testament, God reveals Himself to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14), signifying His eternal existence and self-sufficiency. The name Yahweh, often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles, is used to denote His covenantal relationship with Israel. God is also described as the Creator in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" , establishing His authority over all creation.

The New Testament further reveals God's identity through the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:1-3 states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made." This passage affirms the divinity of Christ and His role in creation, identifying Him as God incarnate.

The Holy Spirit is also recognized as God, possessing attributes of deity such as omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence. Acts 5:3-4 equates lying to the Holy Spirit with lying to God, further affirming His divine identity.

Authority of God

God's authority is absolute and sovereign, extending over all creation. His authority is rooted in His nature as Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Psalm 24:1 declares, "The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein," emphasizing His ownership and rule over all.

God's authority is also evident in His moral law, which reflects His holy and righteous character. The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, are a direct expression of God's authority over human conduct (Exodus 20:1-17). God's authority is not limited to moral law but extends to the governance of nations and the course of history. Daniel 2:21 states, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them."

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is portrayed as possessing divine authority. Matthew 28:18 records Jesus saying, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His victory over sin and death through His resurrection.

The authority of God is also exercised through the Holy Spirit, who empowers and guides believers. Acts 1:8 promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you," indicating the Spirit's role in enabling the church to fulfill God's mission.

God's authority demands a response of worship, obedience, and submission from His creation. Romans 13:1 instructs, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God." This underscores the belief that all earthly authority is derived from and accountable to God.

In summary, God's identity as the triune Creator and His sovereign authority are central themes in the Bible, shaping the understanding of His nature and His relationship with the world.