WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

QUALITIES OF THE TRUE GOD

A study of Israel's deliverance from Egypt highlights four basic qualities that God possesses in perfect balance. His dealings with Pharaoh revealed his awesome power.  (Exodus 9:16) The masterful way God handled that complex situation showed his matchless wisdom. (Romans 11:33) He revealed his justice in meting out punishment to stubborn opposers of his people.  (Deuteronomy 32:4) A preeminent quality of God is love.  Jehovah showed outstanding love by fulfilling his promise respecting Abraham's descendants.  (Deuteronomy 7:8) He also showed love by allowing some Egyptians to forsake false gods and benefit greatly by taking their stand for the only true God.

As you read the Bible, you notice that love is God's principal attribute, and he demonstrates it in many ways. For instance, it was out of love that he became a Creator and first shared the joy of life with spirit creatures. Those hundreds of millions of angels love God and praise him.  (Job 38:4, 7; Daniel 7:10)  God also showed love in creating the earth and preparing it for happy human existence. -Genesis 1:1, 26-28; Psalm 115:16. 

We benefit from God's love in ways too numerous to mention. For one thing, God has lovingly made our bodies in such a marvelous way that we can enjoy life.  (Psalm 139:14) His love is shown  in that he provides "rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling [our] hearts to the full with food and good cheer." (Acts 14:17) God even "makes his sun rise upon wicked people and good and makes it rain upon righteous people and unrighteous." (Matthew 5:45) Love also moves our Creator to help us gain the knowledge of God and serve him happily as his worshipers.   Indeed, "God is love."  (1 John 4:8) But there is  much more to his personality.

Next time:WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?/"A GOD MERCIFUL AND GRACIOUS"

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to  Everlasting Life

WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

Conclusion of WHY YOU SHOULD USE GOD'S NAME

Jehovah then took progressive action to fulfill his purpose, acting in harmony with the meaning of his name.  He brought ten plagues upon the ancient Egyptians.  The last plague killed all of Egypt's firstborn, including proud Pharaoh's son. Then the Egyptians were so impressed by Jehovah's power that they joined the Israelites  in leaving Egypt. -Exodus 12:35-38.  

Stubborn Pharaoh and his army, with hundreds of war chariots, set out to recaptures his slaves. As the Egyptians drew near, God miraculously divided the Red Sea so that the Israelites could cross on dry land.  When the pursuers  entered the seabed, Jehovah "kept taking wheels off their chariots so that  they were driving them with difficulty."  The Egyptian warriors cried:  "Let us flee from any contact  with Israel, because Jehovah certainly fights for them against the Egyptians." But it was too late.  The vast walls of  water crashed down and "covered the war chariots and the cavalrymen belonging to all of Pharaoh's military forces."  (Exodus 14:22-25, 28) Jehovah thus made a great name for himself , and that event has not been forgotten to this day. - Joshua 2:9-11.

The name that God has made for himself has great meaning for us today. His name, Jehovah, stands as a guarantee that all he has purposed he will cause to come true.  That includes accomplishing his original purpose that our earth become a paradise.  (Genesis 1:28; 2:8) To that end, God will eliminate all opposers of his sovereignty today, for he has stated:  "They will  have to know that I am Jehovah." (Ezekiel 38:23)  Then God will fulfill his promise to deliver his worshipers into a new world of righteousness. -2 Peter 3:13.  

All who want God's favor must learn to call upon his name in faith.  The Bible promises: "Everyone who calls on the name Jehovah will be saved."  (Romans 10:13)  Yes, the name Jehovah has rich meaning.  Calling upon Jehovah as your God and Deliverer can lead you to endless happiness.  

Next time: WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?/QUALITIES OF THE TRUE GOD

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life  

WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

WHY YOU SHOULD USE GOD'S NAME

God's unique name, Jehovah serves to differentiate him from all  other gods.  That is why that name appears so often in the Bible, especially in its Hebrew text.  Many translators fail to use the divine name, but Psalm 83:18 clearly says:  "You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth."  So it is appropriate  for us to use God's name when we speak of him.

The name Jehovah is a form of a Hebrew verb meaning "to become."  Thus, God's name means "He Causes to Become."  Jehovah Good thereby identifies himself as the Great Purposer.  He always causes his purposes to become reality. Only the true God can rightly bear this name, for humans can never be sure that their plans  will succeed.  (James 4:13, 14) Jehovah alone can say:  "So my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. . . . It will have certain successes for which I have it." -Isaiah 55:11. 

The Hebrew patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob each "called on the name of Jehovah," but they did not know the full significance of the divine name.  (Genesis 21:33; 26:25; 32:9; Exodus 6:3)  When Jehovah later revealed his purpose to deliver their descendants, the Israelites, from slavery in Egypt and give them "a land flowing with milk and honey," This may have seemed impossible.  (Exodus 3:17) Nevertheless, God emphasized the everlasting significance of his name by telling his prophet Moses:  "This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel,  'Jehovah the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God and  Isaac and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.'  This is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation." -Exodus 3:15. 

Moses asked Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, to let the Israelites go to worship Jehovah in the wilderness.   But Pharaoh, who himself was viewed as a god and who worshiped other Egyptian gods, replied:  "Who is Jehovah, so that I should obey his voice to send Israel away?  I do not know Jehovah at all and, what is more, I am not going to send Israel away." -Exodus 5:1, 2. 

Next time: WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?/Conclusion of  WHY YOU SHOULD USE GOD'S NAME

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life

WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

THE TRUE GOD HAS A NAME

In the Bible, the true God is identified by such expressions as "God Almighty," "the Most High," "Grand Creator," "Grand Instructor," Sovereign Lord," and "king of eternity."  (Genesis 17:1; Psalm 50:14; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Isaiah 30:20; Acts 4:24; 1 Timothy 1:17) Meditating upon such titles can  help us grow in the knowledge of God. 

However, God has a unique name that appears almost 7,000 times in the Hebrew Scriptures alone-more often than any of his titles.  Some 1,900 years ago, the Jews superstitiously  ceased to pronounce the four consonants that make up the divine name. Some scholar suggest that God's name may have been pronounced "Yahweh,"  but they cannot be sure.  The English pronunciation "Jehovah" has been in use for centuries, and its equivalent in many languages is widely accepted today. -See Exodus 6:3 and Isaiah 26:4 in the King James Version.

Next time: WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?/WHY YOU SHOULD USE GOD'S NAME

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life

CHAPTER THREE: WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

WHEN you look at the sky on a clear night, are you not amazed to see so many stars?  How do you account for their existence? And what about the living things on earth-colorful flowers, birds with their delightful sons, powerful whales that leap in the ocean?  The list goes on and one. All of this could not have come about by chance.  No wonder many agree with the Bible's opening words: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth"! 

Mankind is greatly divided on the question of God. Some think that God is an impersonal force. Millions worship dead ancestors, believing that God is too remote to be approached. But the Bible reveals that the true God is a real person who shows warm interest in us as individuals. That is why it encourages us to "seek God," saying:  "He is not far off from each one of us." -Acts 17:27. 

What does God look like?  A few of his servants have seen visions of his glorious presence. In these he has symbolized himself as seated on a throne, awesome brightness extending from him.  However, those who beheld such visions never described a distinct face.  (Daniel 7:9, 10; Revelation 42:3) That is because "God is a Spirit";   he does not have a physical body.  (John 4:24) In fact, it is impossible to make an accurate physical image of our Creator, for "no man has seen God at any time."  ( John 1:18; Exodus 33:20) Yet, the Bible teaches us  much about God.

Next time: WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?/THE TRUE GOD HAS A NAME

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life 

THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

"FORM A LONGING" FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

As you study the Bible, you are likely to learn things that differ from what you have been taught in the past. You may even find that some of your cherished religious customs do not please God. You will learn that God has  standards of right and wrong higher than most common in this permissive world.  This may seem overwhelming at first.  But be patient!  Carefully examine the Scriptures to find the knowledge of God. Be open to the possibilities that the Bible's counsel may call for an adjustment in your thinking and actions.

Well-meaning friends and relatives may oppose your study of the Bible, but Jesus said:  "Everyone, then, that confesses union with me before men, I will also confess union with him before my Father who is in the heavens; but whoever disowns  me before me, I will also disown him before my Father who is in the heavens."  (Matthew 10:32, 33) Some may fear that you will become involved with a cult or will turn into a fanatic. In reality, however, you are merely striving to gain accurate knowledge of God and of his truth.  (1 Timothy 2:3, 4)  To help others understand this, be reasonable, not argumentative, when you speak to them about what you are learning.  (Philippians 4:5) Remember that many are "won without a word" when they see evidence  that Bible knowledge really benefits people. -1 Peter 3:1, 2. 

The Bible urges us:  "As newborns infants,  form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word."  (1 Peter 2:2)  An infant depends on nourishment from its mother and is insistent on having that need met. Similarly, we are dependent on knowledge from God. "Form a longing" for his Word by continuing your study. Indeed, make it your goal to read the Bible daily.  (Psalm 1:1-3) This will bring you rich blessings, for Psalm 19:11 says of God's laws:  "In the keeping of them there is a large reward." 

Next time: CHAPTER THREE: WHO IS THE TRUE GOD?

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life 

THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

A BOOK OF PROPHECY

Fulfilled prophecy gives conclusive evidence that the Bible is inspired of God.  The Bible contains many prophecies that have been fulfilled in detail. Obviously, mere humans could not responsible for  this.  What, then, is behind these prophecies?  The Bible itself says that "prophecy was at no time brought by man's will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit," or God's active force.  (2 Peter 1:21) Consider some examples. 

 The fall of Babylon. Isaiah and Jeremiah both foretold Babylon's fall to the Medes and the Persians. Remarkably, Isiah's  prophecy about this event was recorded some 200 years before Babylon was conquered!  The following aspects of prophecy are now matters of historical record:  the drying up of the Euphrates River by diverting its waters to any artificial lake (Isaiah 44:27; Jeremiah 50:38); a careless lack of security at Babylon's river gates (Isaiah 45:1; and the conquest by a ruler named Cyrus. -Isaiah 44:28. 

The rise and fall of "the King of Greece."  In a vision Daniel saw a male goat strike down a ram, breaking its two horns. Then, the goat's great horn was broken, and four horns came up in its place.   (Daniel 8:1-8) To Daniel it was explained:   "The ram you saw possessing the two horns stands for the kings of Media and Persia. And the hairy he-goat stands for the King of Greece; and as for the great horn that was between his eyes, it stands for the first king. And that one have been broken, so that there were four that finally stood up instead of it, there are four kingdoms from this nation that will stand up, but not with his power."  (Daniel 8:20-22) True to this prophecy, some two centuries later,  "the king of Greece," Alexander the  Great, overthrew the two-horned Medo-Persian Empire. Alexander died in 323 B.C.E. and was eventually replaced by four of his generals. However, none of these subsequent kingdoms matched the power of Alexander's empire. 

The life of Jesus Christ.   The Hebrew Scriptures contain scores of prophecies fulfilled in the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus. For example, more than 700 years in advance, Micah foretold that the Messiah, or Christ, would be born in Bethlehem.  (Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4-7) Micah's contemporary Isaiah foretold that the Messiah would be struck and spit upon.  ( Isaiah 50:6; Matthew 26:67)  Five hundred years in advance, Zechariah prophesied  that the Messiah would be betrayed for 30 pieces of silver.  (Zechariah 11:12; Matthew 26:15) More than a thousand years beforehand, David foretold circumstances associated  with the death of Jesus the Messiah.  (Psalm 22:7,8, 18; Matthew 27:35, 39-43) And some five centuries in advance, Daniel's prophecy revealed when the Messiah would appear as well as the length of his ministry and the time of his death.  (Daniel 9:24-27) This is just a sampling of the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus Christ. You will find it rewarding  to read much more about him later.  

Many other long-range Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled. 'But,' you  may ask, 'how does this affect my life?'[  Well, if someone told you   the true for many years, would you suddenly doubt him when he said something new?  No!  God has told the truth throughout the Bible. Should this not build your trust in what the Bible promises, such as its prophecies regarding a coming earthly paradise?  Indeed, we can have the same confidence as did Paul, one of Jesus' first-century disciples, who wrote that 'God cannot lie.'  (Titus 1:2)  Furthermore, when we read the Scriptures and apply their counsel, we are exercising wisdom that humans cannot achieve on their own, for the Bible is a book that reveals the knowledge of God that leads to everlasting life. 

Next time: THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD/"FORM A LONGING" FOR THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life

THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

ACCURATE AND RELIABLE

Though the Bible is not a science textbook, it is scientifically accurate. For example, at a time when most people believed that the earth was flat, the prophet Isaiah referred to it as a "circle" (Hebrew, chug, which here carries the idea of  "sphere"). (Isaiah 40:22) The idea of a spherical earth was not widely accepted  until thousands of years after Isaiah's day. Furthermore, Job 26:7-written more than 3,000 years ago-states that God is "hanging the earth upon nothing."  Says one Bible scholar:  "How Job knew the truth, demonstrated by astronomy, that the earth hangs self-poised in empty space, is a question not easily solved by those who deny the inspiration of Holy Scripture." 

The style of reporting found in the Bible also strengthens our confidence in this age-old book. Unlike myths, the events covered in the Bible are linked to specific people and dates.   (1 Kings 14:25; Isaiah 36:1; Luke 3:1, 2) And whereas ancient historians nearly always exaggerated the victories of their rulers and hid their defeats and mistakes, the Bible writers were candid and honest-even about their own serious sins. -Numbers 20:7-13;  2 Samuel 12:7-14; 24:10. 

Next time: THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD/A BOOK OF PROPHECY

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life 

THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

CAN YOU TRUST THE BIBLE?

Perhaps you have noticed that many books offering advice become outdated in just a few years. What about the Bible?  It is a very old, and almost 2,000 years have passed since its last words were penned. Some therefore feel that it is not applicable  to our modern age. But if the Bible is inspired of God, its advice should always be up-to-date despite its great age.  The Scriptures should still be "beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Close examination  reveals that Bible principles apply just as much today as they did when they were first put down in writing.  When it comes to human nature, for instance, the Bible reflects  keen understanding that applies to every generation of mankind. We can easily see this in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, found in the book of Matthew, chapters 5 to 7.   This sermon  so impressed the late Indian leader Mohandas K.  Gandhi that he reportedly  told a British official:  "When your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems not only of our countries but those of the whole world."

No wonder people are impressed by Jesus' teachings! In the Sermon on the Mount, he showed us the way to true happiness. He explained how to settle disputes. Jesus provided instruction on how to pray. He pointed out the wisest attitude to have toward material needs and gave the  Golden Rule for proper relationships with others. How to detect religious frauds and how to have a secure future were also among the points covered in this sermon.

In the Sermon on the Mount and throughout the rest of its pages, the Bible clearly tells us what to do and what to avoid in order to improve out lot in life. So practical is its counsel that one educator was moved to say:  "Although being a high-school counselor with bachelor's and master's degrees and having a large number of books on mental health and psychology, I discovered that the Bible's counsel on such things  has having a successful marriage, preventing juvenile delinquency and how to gain and keep friends is far superior to anything I had read or studied in college."  In addition to being practical and up-to-date, the Bible is dependable.

Next time:  THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD/ACCURATE AND RELIABLE

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life 

THE BOOK THAT REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

WHAT THE BIBLE CONTAINS

The Bible contains 66 books in two sections, often called the Old Testament and the New Testament. Thirty-nine Bible books were written mainly in Hebrew and 27 in Greek. The Hebrew Scriptures, consisting of Genesis through Malachi, cover creation as well as the first 3,500 years  of human history.  Examining this part of the Bible, we learn about God's dealings with the Israelites-from their birth as a nation and int he 16th century B.C.E. on into the 5th century B.C.E.  The Greek Scriptures, containing the books of Matthew through Revelation, focus on the teachings and activities of Jesus Christ and his disciples during the first century C.E. 

Some claim that the "Old Testament" is for Jews and the "New Testament" is for Christians. But according to 2 Timothy 3:16,  "all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial. Therefore, a proper study of the Scriptures must include the entire Bible. Actually, the two parts of the Bible compliment each other, blending harmoniously to develop an overall theme. 

Perhaps you have attended religious services for years and have heard some of the Bible read aloud. Or you have read excerpts from it yourself.  Did you know that the Bible has a common thread  from Genesis through Revelation?  Yes,m a harmonious theme permeates the Bible.  What is that theme? It is the vindication of Gods' right to rule mankind and the realization of his loving purpose by means of his Kingdom.  Later, we will see just how God will fulfill this purpose.

In addition to outlining God's purpose, the Bible reveals his personality. For example, from the Bible we learn that  God has feelings and that the choices we make matter to him. (Psalm 78:40, 41; Proverbs 27:11; Ezekiel 33:11) Psalm 103:8-14 says that God is "merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness ." He treats us compassionately, 'remembering that we are made of mere dust' and return to it at death.  (Genesis 2:7; 3:19)  What marvelous qualities he displays!  Is this not the kind of God you want to worship?

The Bible gives us a clear view of God's standards. These are sometimes stated as laws. More often, however, they are reflected in principles taught by means of object lessons.  God had certain events in ancient Israelite history written down for our benefit. These candid accounts show what happens when people work in harmony with God's purpose. As well as the sad outcome when they go their own way. (1 Kings 5:4; 11:4-6;  2 Chronicles 15:8-15)  Reading such real-life accounts will undoubtedly touch our hearts. If we try to visualize the events recorded, we can identify with the people involved  in them. Thus, we can benefit from good examples and can avoid the pitfalls that ensnare wrongdoers. However, this vital questions requires an answer: How can we be sure that what we read in the Bible is actually inspired of God?

Next time: THE BOOK THE REVEALS THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD/CAN YOU TRUST THE BIBLE? 

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life