THE GOD OF THE BIBLE

By Curtis Pugh     

            The authentic Christian says with Paul, “For though there be that are called gods, whether in heaven or in earth, (as there be gods many, and lords many,) But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him,” (1 Corinthians 8:5-6). God is in absolute control as Creator and Sustainer of all things. The Psalmist wrote of Him, “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain,” (Psalm 76:10). God is able even to use the wrath (and other sins) of men to glorify Himself!

            There is one problem with the God of the Bible. Men do not like Him. They either deny His existence or change Him into someone more to their taste. God said, “...thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself...” (Psalm 50:21). Men still do this. Their god has limitations like men. In their thinking He has to be allowed to do what He wants to do. Sinners are told that they must “let God” save them. They think that if they do not “let God” do what He wants to do, He is powerless to accomplish His will.

            But the Bible presents a God who is able to do and who does do all He wants to do. That includes saving whom He wants to save when He wants to save them. God says: “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,  Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure,” (Isaiah 46:9-10). There is only one God and nothing else approaches to being like Him! He has planned all things that shall occur from the beginning! He can and does say that His plan shall stand. He will do what He has determined to be done! You and I must either believe this verse or throw out the Bible!

            And so mankind stands in rebellion against such a God. Sinners do not like this God. The Bible says that “...the carnal mind [the minds of those yet unregenerate] is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be,” (Romans 8:7). That is the true condition of those who have not been born from above. It is contrary to human nature to love God. If natural men loved God they would not be rebels against God, but they are rebels. All are rebels until and unless God changes them inwardly. Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again, (John 3:6-7).