This week’s presentation is on the topic of God and getting to know who He is. Our class has now begun to read and study the book of Genesis, and it is important first and foremost to see how God’s supreme character and love for His creation comes through from the very beginning. A good understanding of the God of the Bible is critical to studying and understanding the rest of the Scripture since it is, after-all, God’s Word to begin with!

Overview Notes from the presentation

Who is God?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

Genesis 1:1

The Bible never questions God’s existence, nor the fact that He is the Creator and Author of all things, it always assumes it.
The Bible, from beginning to end, reveals God’s Character and unfailing love for His creation.
The Bible, from the beginning to end, shows God as the Creator of all things; and as the Creator He is not held to the rules of the things He created.
Because God created all time (“In the beginning”) space (“the heavens”) and matter (“the earth”) He Himself must be timeless, spaceless and immaterial, and can be both inside and outside of the thing He has created without limit.

The attributes of a true God are logically deduced
Properties of the first cause:

Supernatural in nature, (As it exists outside and beyond of the natural physical universe)
Uncaused, beginningless, and eternal (self-existent, as it exists without a cause, outside of time and space, besides the fact that infinite regress of causes is impossible)
Omnipresent & all-knowing (It created space and is not limited by it)
Changeless (Change depends on physical being, it is not limited to the physical)
Timeless (Without physical events, there can be no time, and time has a beginning)
Immaterial (It transcends space and created matter)
Spaceless (Since it created space, it has to also exist outside space)
Personal (The impersonal can’t create personality, only a personal, free agent can cause change from a changeless state)
Enormously Powerful (Since it brought the entire universe, space-time and matter into existence)
Necessary (As everything else depends on it)
Absolutely independent and self-existent (It does not depend on a higher causal agency to exist otherwise there would be infinite regress which is impossible)
Infinite and singular (As you cannot have two infinities)
Diverse yet has unity (As all multiplicity implies a prior singularity)
Intelligent (It has to be supreme to create everything, as seen in special language, instructions and complexity of the creation)
Purposeful (As it deliberately created everything with specific goals in mind)

Names of God related to His Character

Background:

In the Bible, names often have real significance. In Jewish thought, the name by which a person is called indicated the character or nature of the person insofar as it is revealed and known. This is always true of the names of God. Much can be learned of the nature and attributes of God from the names by which He has revealed Himself.

The revelation of God by His names is made in connection with some need of His people. The names of God demonstrate that God is humanity’s true resource for solving human problems. The names of God tell us something about His attributes, character, and essence.

How did the name “Jehovah” arise?

In Hebrew, place the vowels from “Adonai” on the consonants of the word “Yahweh” and the result is the hybrid “Jehovah.” Jews could not say the name of God, YHWH, so they began to use Jehovah.

NAMES OF GOD	MEANING	REFERENCE EXAMPLES	SIGNIFICANCE
Elohim(Used 2,570 times)el-o-HEEM	God, The All-Powerful One Creator	Genesis 1:1-3Numbers 23:19Deuteronomy 10:17Psalm 19:1; 68	This name is derived from a verb, “to be smitten with fear.” It refers to God’s power and might. He is the only supreme and true God. It is the masculine plural noun that seldom occurs in the singular. In Genesis 1 Bara (singular) Elohim (plural), used together it relates to the Trinity. This can be interpreted: “God is three; God is one” (1 being; 3 persons)
YHWH (Yahweh)(Used ~6,000 times)YAH-way YHWH Elohim	The LORD (caps)“I AM,” The One Who Is; The Self-Existent One LORD GOD (all caps) Together it shows God is personal and powerful, immanent and transcendent	Genesis 2:4Exodus 6:2,3Malachi 3:6	This name is derived from the imperfect form of the verb “To Be.” The proper name of the divine person that speaks of God eternally existing. It has always been regarded as the most sacred and personal name of God. The Jews avoided using this name because of Leviticus 24:16, “The one who blasphemes the name of Yahweh shall surely be put to death.” They would substitute the name Adonai (and eventually Jehovah).
Adonai(Used 450 times)ah-doe-NI	The LORD; My Great LORD	Deuteronomy 6:4Psalm 8Isaiah 40:3-5Ezekiel 16:8 Habakkuk 3:19	God alone is the head over all. God is the Master and majestic LORD. God is our total authority. Jews frequently employ this term when discussing Deity. They pronounced the word Adonai in place of YHWH (later Jehovah) when reading the Hebrew Bible.
El(Used 230 times)el	The Strong One	Exodus 15:2Numbers 23:22Deuteronomy 7:9	It is the simplest name by which God is designated the true God (generic use for any “god” as well).
El Elyon(Used 50 times)el EL-yuhn	God Most High; The Exalted One	Genesis 14:17-20Psalm 7:17; 78:35Isaiah 14:13-14Daniel 4:34	He is above all gods; nothing in life is more sacred. Used in Hebrew poetry and is found frequently in Genesis and Psalms.
El Olameel o-LAHM	The Everlasting or Eternal God	Genesis 21:33Psalm 90:1-2Isaiah 40:28-31	God is eternal. He will never die. He is the beginning and the end, the One who works His purposes throughout the ages.
El Roiel ROY	God Who Sees	Genesis 16:11-14Psalm 139:7-12	God oversees all creation and the affairs of all people.
El Shaddaiel-shaw-DIE	God Almighty; The All Sufficient One	Genesis 17:1-3; 35:11 48:3; 49:25Psalm 90:2; 91:1	God is all-powerful and the all-sufficient source of all of our blessings.
YHWH Yireh/Jehovah Jirehjuh-HO-vah jI-rah	The LORD Will Provide	Genesis 22:13-14Psalm 23	God will provide for our real needs. Abraham called the place “The Lord will provide” where God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead of Isaac.
YHWH Tsebhaoth/Jehovah Sabaothjuh-HO-vah sah-bah-OATH	Lord Of Hosts (Hosts refers to armies but also to all the heavenly powers)	1 Samuel 1:3; 17:45Psalm 46:7Isaiah 6:1-3Malachi 1:10-14	God is our savior and protector. This speaks of God as the King of Glory, surrounded by angelic hosts, who rules Heaven and Earth in the interest of His people, and who receives glory from all His people. God is the divine commander of Israel’s army on earth, but especially heavenly bodies. This is God’s mightiest name, most comprehensive expression of His worldwide power, and the most exalted royal name of God.
YHWH Nissi/Jehovah Nissijuh-HO-vah NEE-see	The LORD Is My Banner	Exodus 17:15-16Deuteronomy 20:3-4Isaiah 11:10-12	We should remember God for helping us. Name of the alter built by Moses after defeating the Amalekites at Rephidim.
YHWH Elohe Yisrael/Jehovah Elohe Yisraeljuh-HO-vah el-o-HAY yis-raw-ALE	LORD God Of Israel	Genesis 33:20Exodus 5:1Psalm 59:5; 68:8Zephaniah 2:9	He is the God of the nation of Israel who is distinct and separate from all false gods and idols of the world.
YHWH Shalom/Jehovah Shalomjuh-HO-vah shah-LOME	The LORD Is Peace	Numbers 6:22-27Judges 6:22-24Isaiah 9:6	God gives us peace so we need not fear. Name of the alter built by Gideon at Ophrah to memorialize God’s message: “Peace be unto thee.” Used as a greeting in Jewish culture.
YHWH Tsidkenu/Jehovah Tsidkenujuh-HO-vahtsid-KAY-noo	The LORD Is Our Righteousness	Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:16Ezekiel 36:26-27	God is our standard for right behavior. He alone can make us righteous. God promised to send a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right.
YHWH Shammah/Jehovah Shammahjuh-HO-vahSHAHM-mah	The LORD Is There; The LORD Is my companion	Ezekiel 48:35Psalm 46	God is always present with us. God revealed to Ezekiel that the name of the New Jerusalem shall be “The LORD is there.”
YHWH Raah/Jehovah Rohijuh-HO-vahRO-hee	The LORD Is My Shepherd	Psalm 23Isaiah 53:6	The LORD protects, provides, directs, leads, and cares for His people.
YHWH Ropheka/Jehovah Raphajuh-HO-vahRAH-fah	The LORD Who Heals	Exodus 15:25-27Psalm 103:3; 147:3	God has provided the final cure for spiritual, physical, and emotional sickness. God can, and will, heal us.
YHWH Mekaddishkem/Jehovah Mekaddishkemjuh-HO-vahmek-KAH-dish-KIM	The LORD Who Sanctifies	Exodus 31:12-13Hebrews 13:12	God sets us apart as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, holy unto God, a people of His own. He cleanses our sins and helps us mature.
Immanuelih-MAN-u-el	God With Us; The Great I AM in personal form	Isaiah 7:14; 8:8-10	(Jesus) God in our midst. Isaiah said that the child born to the virgin would be called “Immanuel.”
Attiq Yomin	Ancient Of Days	Daniel 7:9,13	God is the ultimate authority. He will one day judge all nations.
YHWH’s Hesed	God’s love, faithfulness, compassion, grace and mercy for His people	Exodus 20:6; 34:6-7Nehemiah 1:5Daniel 9:4Jeremiah 32:18	This word is indescribable and beyond all understanding, but reflects God’s heart and covenant love for His people. Jesus’ offer of salvation is rooted in this term.

Information comes from Biola University’s ECD Syllabus, Theology Proper, by Kevin Alan Lewis, 2009; and from RW Research, Inc. Rose Publishing, Inc., 2005

The Trinity

Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God…

God = The Hebrew word used here is the noun Elohim, which is plural (three or more)
It is a term that denotes majesty and all-power within
The verb (action) Elohim is singular when used with the word bara (create/created from nothing—bara is only used in the act of creation)
This is the normal usage when referenced in the Old Testament for the one true God
Elohim indicates the Trinity working together from the very beginning and the active participation of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in creation, from the beginning

The Trinity:

One in Being: God

Three in Persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit

Biblical names give us a glimpse into God’s character:

Elohim = God, The Triune All-Powerful Creator of the Universe (Genesis chapter 1)
YHWH (LORD) = The “I AM,” the LORD, the personal God of the Bible who loves and interacts with His creation (Genesis chapter 2)
LORD God = YHWH Elohim (personal and powerful)

There is one God

Examples from Scripture:

Deuteronomy 6:4 (THE SHEMA)
1 Corinthians 8:4
Galatians 3:20
1 Timothy 2:5

Each Member of the Trinity is God

Examples from Scripture:

The Father is God (John 6:27; Romans 1:7; 1 Peter 1:2)
The Son is God (John 1:1, 14; Romans 9:5; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:8; 1 John 5:20)
The Holy Spirit is God(Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 3:16)

The Members of the Trinity are distinguished from one another

In the Old Testament, “LORD” is distinguished from “Lord” (Genesis 19:24; Hosea 1:4)
The LORD has a Son (Psalm 2:7, 12; Proverbs 30:2-4)
The Spirit is distinguished from the “LORD” (Numbers 27:18) and from “God” (Psalm 51:10-12)
God the Son is distinguished from God the Father (Psalm 45:6-7; Hebrews 1:8-9)
*In the New Testament, Jesus speaks to the Father about sending a Helper, the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17)

*This shows that Jesus did not consider Himself to be the Father or the Holy Spirit

The Persons in the Trinity are distinguishable and have specific roles

The Person of the Father is the Authority, Perfect in Holiness, Receiver of Worship in Heaven

The Father:

He is the ultimate source or cause of the universe (1 Corinthians 8:6; Revelation 4:11); divine revelation (Revelation 1:1); salvation (John 3:16-17); and Jesus’ human works (John 5:17; 14:10)
We pray to the Father through Jesus (Matthew 6:9-13; John 14)

The Father initiates all things

The Person of the Son is the Redeemer, Source of life for humans, Intercessor with the Father

Jesus the Son:

The agent through which the creation happened and through which it is maintained (1 Corinthians 8:6; John 1:3; Colossians 1:16-17)
The agent of Divine revelation (John 1:1, 16:12-15; Matthew 11:27; Revelation 1:1)
The agent of Salvation (2 Corinthians 5:19; Matthew 1:21; John 4:42)
The agent of prayer (John 14)

The Father does all these things through the Son, who functions as His agent

The Person of the Holy Spirit is the Counselor, Comforter, Agent of the Father’s Will

The Holy Spirit:

The power behind the creation and maintenance of the universe (Genesis 1:2; Job 26:13; Psalm 104:30);
The power of Divine revelation (John 16:12-15; Ephesians 3:5; 2 Peter 1:21);
The power of Salvation (John 3:6; Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:2)
The power through which Jesus works (Isaiah 61:1; Acts 10:38).

The Father does all these things by the power of the Holy Spirit

Conclusion to the topic of Trinity

God is Complete: He is an Authority to worship, a Redeemer for forgiveness, and a Counselor to guide
The Trinity is not a problem for Christians it is a solution to what is taught in Scripture.
Our finite minds created by an infinite God cannot, nor should not, be able to comprehend His entire being, yet as a loving Father, He has given us a way to know Him personally, and that is through His Son, Jesus; and, Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to teach us through the Scriptures, that guide us during our time here on this earth.

Going Deeper

“Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus” and “No God But One,” both books by Nabeel Qureshi (and numerous talks on YouTube)
“Making Sense of the Trinity: Three Crucial Questions,” by Millard J. Erickson
“The Forgotten Trinity,” by James White
Stand to Reason Ministries (str.org): Greg Koukl, President – Articles, podcasts, You Tube presentations and more

Bible Study

Each week we will have Bible study following the presentation. If you are doing the questions from the Masterclass these can be additional or set aside. These questions will be presented here on the weekend, and basic answers will be posted mid-week for your review. This can also be used to make a leader’s guide for your own small group and future studies!

Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.

Note: Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for Discussion or Going Deeper questions. If you use these kinds of sources share them with your group.

1. Review of Class Topic:

With your table group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.

Read Genesis Chapter 1 then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:

3. After reading Genesis 1, re-read Genesis 1:1-2 and cross-reference by reading John 1:1-5, Colossians 1:15-20, John 14:16-17 and Matthew 28:18-20. What do these passages tell us about God’s Triune Nature? Why is the Trinity foundational to the Christian faith?

4. Make a chart, or list, for each day of the creation week and summarize what God made on each day, then discuss the creation week with your group. How did God describe the events of His creation, especially at the end of the sixth day (1:31)?

5. Discuss: What is different in the description given about the creation of “mankind” as compared to all the other things God created? Why do you think that is an important concept to understand?

6. Going Deeper: How many times is the word “kind” used in Genesis chapter 1? Why might that be important to understand in light of what we know about biology today (specifically in genetics), and in the argument against evolutionary theory for the origin of life?

7. Application: What are some things that you can share with others from what you have learned in chapter one of Genesis, especially as it relates to who God is and what He did “in the beginning”?

Please join us each week as we continue our study in Genesis!

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Teri Dugan

TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com

1 Peter 3:15