by Kenneth Bray

It is a great tragedy for one to go through life with the wrong concept of God. This leads to unbelief, hostility, or indifference. On the other hand, the greatest blessing that one can experience is that of having a proper understanding of God. This leads to a happy and harmonious relationship with Him and His world. Therefore, it is very important that we understand three basic factors concerning God so that we might have the proper relationship with Him.

The Existence of God Prompts Faith

The first thing that one must understand about God is that He exists. To provide us with the needed information about His existence, God has created a beautiful and orderly world which, in the fact of its own existence, declares His reality (Psalm 19:1). Furthermore, in His Word, the Bible, God is described so clearly that anyone of average intelligence is able to draw the conclusion that He does exist.

This affirmation of the existence of God is known as faith, which involves trust, acceptance, and confidence. Without this trust in the reality of God, it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6). Our faith, therefore, must be fortified, strengthened, exercised, and fed. Upon this faith all the other virtues are based (2 Peter 1:5-7).

The Authority of God Prompts Obedience

As one learns about the existence of God, he is immediately impressed with the power or the authority of God. God is the creator of the universe, the regulator of human affairs, and the final judge of all who have lived (Acts 17:22-31).

When any honest, sincere, thinking person realizes the greatness of God, then the obvious reaction will be submission and obedience to His will and authority. For our own good God has revealed a plan of living which involves two things: first, what we must do to attain the right relationship with Him, and, second, what we must do to maintain that harmonious relationship.

All of this involves our obedience to His revealed will. Regarding this salvation Jesus said: "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

The Nature of God Prompts Love

One of the most comprehensive descriptions of the nature of God is found in this beloved passage: "God is love" (1 John 4:8). It is true that God has a severe side and will punish the wicked (Romans 11:22), yet we need to keep in mind the love, compassion, and grace that so clearly depict His nature.

Since God first loved us, we then should love Him in return (1 John 4:19). This love means that we think of Him constantly throughout the day, that we take Him into our plans, that we joyfully serve Him, and that we allow Him to comfort and strengthen us in our difficulties.

Conclusion

Faith, obedience, and love blend to form the foundation of the Christian life. When these three qualities are present, the result will be a strong spiritual life. But remember, all of these qualities are prompted by our correct understanding of God. We gain that understanding through the revelation He has made of Himself through His creation and through His inspired word.