Understanding God's identity is a central theme in Christian theology and is foundational to the faith. The Bible provides a comprehensive revelation of who God is, His nature, and His attributes. This entry explores key aspects of God's identity as revealed in the Scriptures.

1. The Oneness of God

The Bible affirms the oneness of God, emphasizing that there is only one true God. In Deuteronomy 6:4, known as the Shema, it is declared, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." This foundational truth is reiterated throughout Scripture, underscoring the monotheistic belief that God is singular and unique.

2. The Trinity

While God is one, He is also revealed in three distinct persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. This triune nature is a mystery but is clearly presented in the New Testament. In Matthew 28:19, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." Each person of the Trinity is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal, yet they are not three gods but one.

3. God's Attributes

The Bible describes numerous attributes of God that help believers understand His identity:

· Omnipotence: God is all-powerful. 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."

· Omniscience: God is all-knowing. Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit."

· Omnipresence: God is present everywhere. Psalm 139:7-10 illustrates this by asking, "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?"

· Holiness: God is perfectly holy and set apart. Isaiah 6:3 records the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."

· Love: God's nature is love. 1 John 4:8 affirms, "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."

· Justice: God is just and righteous. Psalm 89:14 states, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You."

4. God's Self-Revelation

God reveals Himself through His creation, His Word, and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ. Romans 1:20 explains that God's invisible qualities are evident in creation, "being understood from His workmanship." The Bible, as God's inspired Word, provides a detailed revelation of His character and will. Hebrews 1:1-2 highlights that in these last days, God has spoken to us by His Son, "whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe."

5. The Name of God

In the Bible, God's name is significant and reveals aspects of His identity. In Exodus 3:14, God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. Other names, such as Yahweh, Elohim, and Adonai, further express His power, majesty, and lordship.

6. God's Covenant Relationship

God's identity is also understood through His covenant relationship with His people. Throughout the Bible, God establishes covenants with individuals and nations, demonstrating His faithfulness and commitment. In Genesis 17:7, God promises Abraham, "I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

7. The Incarnation

The incarnation of Jesus Christ is a profound revelation of God's identity. John 1:14 declares, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." In Christ, the fullness of God dwells bodily (Colossians 2:9), providing the ultimate revelation of God's character and purpose.

Understanding God's identity is a lifelong journey for believers, as they seek to know Him more deeply through Scripture, prayer, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.