ntchurch - A Living and True God

A Living and True God In the Greek language, the word used to describe God's eternal nature is "alethinos". It describes God as being very God like and identifies Him as real and genuine. Jesus' prayer recorded in John 17:3, is addressed to "the only true God." Ephesians 4:8 reveals that there is only one God. Thus we have the basis for determining that all other gods are false. They actually do not exist, except in the mind of mankind. Humanity has continually sought means to worship them instead of God.

The prophet Isaiah (40:12-31) defines the greatness of God. "To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? ... Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? ... 'To whom then will you liken Me, Or to whom shall I be equal?' says the Holy One." (Isaiah 40:18,21,25). God's own answer relates the conclusion of these types of questions. In Isaiah 42:8, He replies "I am the LORD, that is My name; And My glory I will not give to another, Nor My praise to carved images." The universe, earth, and even the existence of mankind signifies His uniqueness and significance as God. Everything exists as a basis, reason, and justification for us to give Him honor, glory, appreciation, and praise.

A study of the past reveals that many have tried through their unrighteousness to hinder the truth of God. The Israelite's troubles and difficulties resulted from their adoption of idols and pagan gods. Many today refuse to accept the message of Ephesians 4:4-6 , which states that "There is ... one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." Even so, humanity continues to create, support, and worship other gods. Humanity attempts to glorify and praise other things rather than God.

Romans 1:23 identifies the issues of the first century as a time when people thought they were "wise." Those conditions are very similar to events and activities of today. Some continue to refuse to know God and claiming to "be wise, they became fools." Our culture has allowed and in some cases encouraged the changes of God's glory into "an image made like corruptible man; and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things." The description indicates that those that think so will eventually exchange "the truth of God for the lie." The result being worship and service rendered to "the creature rather than the Creator." All of which God rejects and condemns. The warning is clear against these according to Romans 1:18. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them."

Isaiah 44:6-20 describes the foolishness of idolatry. Paul's message encourages service to anything other than God as something to be avoided. The Christians at Thessalonica, 1 Thessalonians 1:8-10, are described in glowing terms for their ability to turn from and provide an example of those that did not serve idols. Their message and conviction to the word of the Lord provided a clear unmistakable direction of service to God. Paul wrote that they had "turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God." They were living examples for serving the one and true God, Jehovah, Creator of this world and the universe.

The conclusion of the scriptures is that there is only one God. He is a true and genuine God. Verified as such by the descriptive term used regarding Him within the scriptures.