3.2.2 Nature of God

The Nature of God

Definition of God

Who and what is God?

God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth. Westminister Catechism

God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in whom all things have their source, support and end. Strong

Scriptural descriptions of God.

God is Spirit John 4:24

God is light I John 1:5

God is love I John 4:16

God is a consuming fire Deut. 4:24, Heb. 12:29

Names of God

God reveals Himself by His names.

The principal names of God are nine, falling into three classes of three names each which indicates the Trinity.

Three primary names of God

Elohim God

El strength or strong one

Alah verb from which Elohim comes from means, to bind oneself by an oath

The creation name of God

A plural noun

Used with the singular verb bara (create in Gen. 1:1.

Signifying the Trinity of God

Jehovah LORD

Comes from havah v. to be

The I AM

The Self Existent one

The Covenant keeping name of God

Jehovah-jireh (the LORD will provide) Gen. 22:14

Jehovah-rapha (the LORD that healeth) Ex. 15:26

Jehovah-nissi (the LORD our banner) Ex. 17:8-15

Jehovah-shalom (the LORD our peace) Judges 6:24

Jehovah-ra'ah (the LORD my shepherd) Ps. 23:1

Jehovah-tsidkenu (the LORD our righteousness) Jer. 23:6

Jehovah- shammah (the LORD is there) Ezk. 48:35

Adonai Lord

Lord or master Gen. 15:2, Ex. 23:17

Conveys the idea of rulership and dominion

Three names compounded with El (The Strong One)

El Shaddai Almighty God Gen. 17:1; Ex. 6:3

The God who is sufficient

Shad breast

Used in Scripture for a woman's breast Gen. 49:25

God is the nourisher, the satisfier(the contented babe)

El Elyon Most High God Gen.14:18-22

El Olam Everlasting God Gen. 21:33

Three names compounded with Jehovah

Jehovah Elohim LORD God Gen. 2:4

Shows God's relationship to man

As Creator books.Genesis 2:7-15

As Master books.Genesis 2:16,17

As Ruler books.Genesis 2:18-24

As Redeemer books.Genesis 3:8-15,21

Shows God's relationship to Israel --

Gen. 24:7, Ex. 3:15, Deut. 12:1

Adonai Jehovah - Lord LORD (Lord God KJV)

Emphasizes Jehovah is Master Gen. 15:1,2,

Deut. 3:24, 9:26, Joshua 7:7

Jehovah Sabaoth LORD of Hosts I Sam. 1:3, Ps. 24:10, 46:7,11

Occurs with special reference to warfare

Used of Jehovah Manifesting His power and glory

Occurs in the crises of Israel's need

Hosts primarily refers to angels

The idea of all Heavenly power as available for the needs of God's people