THE POSSIBILITY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD Unquestionably the knowledge of God is desirable; the yearnings of mankind testify to that. But is it possible? The Scriptures attest to two facts: the incomprehensibility of God and the knowability of God. To say that He is incomprehensible is to assert that the mind cannot grasp the knowledge of Him. To say that He is knowable Is to claim that He can be known. Both are true though neither in an absolute sense. To say that God is incomprehensible is to assert that man cannot know everything about Him. To say that He is knowable is not to assert that man can know everything about Him. Both truths are affirmed in the Scriptures: His incomprehensibility in verses like Job 11:7 and Isaiah 40:18, and His knowability in verses like John 14:7; 17:3; and 1 John 5:20.
The Revelation of God: Historically, the two avenues through which God has taken the initiative to reveal Himself have been labeled general and special revelation. General revelation includes all that God has revealed in the world around us, including man, while special revelation includes various means He used to communicate His message in what was codified in the Bible. General revelation is sometimes called natural theology and special revelation is called revealed revelation, However, of course, what is revealed in nature is also revealed in the spirit. Some writers use the labels prelapsarian for general revelation and postlapsarian or soteric for special revelation. However, both general and special revelation are (a) from God and (b) about God. In this chapter we shall discuss general revelation mostly, leaving other aspects of the doctrine of revelation to section III. General revelation provides evidences for the existence of God. Special revelation, on the other hand, generally assumes His existence.
The Perfections of God: If the question was asked, can God be known? the question of this chapter is, can God be defined? If a definition consists of “a word or phrase expressing the essential nature of a person or thing,” then God cannot be defined, for no word or even phrase could express His essential nature. No one could put together such a definition of God. But if the definition were descriptive, then it is possible to define God, though not exhaustively. Indeed, most definitions are descriptive. One of the most famous, that in the Westminster Shorter Catechism, illustrates this kind of definition when it describes God as “Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in His being, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth” (Question). The longer description in the Westminster Confession of Faith simply adds more attributes like love, mercy, and freedom. Even those definitions simply list some of the attributes of God. Attributes are qualities that are inherent to a subject. They identify, distinguish, or analyze the subject. “The Attributes of God.” I prefer “Perfections” because all of the qualities or attributes of God are perfect. His attributes are His perfections.
The Names of God :The many names of God in the Scripture provide additional revelation of His character. These are not mere titles assigned by people but, for the most part, His own descriptions of Himself. As such they reveal aspects of His character. Even when no particular name is used, the occurrence of the phrase “the name of the Lord” reveals something of His character. To call on the name of the Lord was to worship Him (Gen. 21:33). To take His name in vain was to dishonor Him (Ex. 20:7). Not to follow the requirements of the Law involved profaning His name (Lev. 22:2, 32). Priests performed their service in the name of the Lord (Deut. 21:5). His name pledged the continuation of the nation (1 Sam. 12:22).
OLD TESTAMENT NAMES FOR GOD
ELOHIM......Genesis 1:1, Psalm 19:1meaning "God", a reference to God's power and might.
ADONAI......Malachi 1:6meaning "Lord", a reference to the Lordship of God.
JEHOVAH--YAHWEH.....Genesis 2:4a reference to God's divine salvation.
JEHOVAH-MACCADDESHEM.......Exodus 31:13meaning "The Lord thy sanctifier"
JEHOVAH-ROHI......Psalm 23:1meaning "The Lord my shepherd"
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH.......Ezekiel 48:35meaning "The Lord who is present"
JEHOVAH-RAPHA.........Exodus 15:26meaning "The Lord our healer"
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU......Jeremiah 23:6meaning "The Lord our righteousness"
JEHOVAH-JIREH.........Genesis 22:13-14meaning "The Lord will provide"
JEHOVAH-NISSI.........Exodus 17:15meaning "The Lord our banner"
JEHOVAH-SHALOM........Judges 6:24meaning "The Lord is peace"
JEHOVAH-SABBAOTH......Isaiah 6:1-3meaning "The Lord of Hosts"
JEHOVAH-GMOLAH........Jeremiah 51:6meaning "The God of Recompense"
EL-ELYON..............Genesis 14:17-20,Isaiah 14:13-14meaning "The most high God
EL-ROI................Genesis 16:13meaning "The strong one who sees"
EL-SHADDAI............Genesis 17:1,Psalm 91:1meaning "The God of the mountains or God Almighty
"EL-OLAM...............Isaiah 40:28-31 meaning "The everlasting God"
Go to the Library and Studies and learn more names of God, and his Trinity.
Replies
God is so awesome. HE is El-Elyon , the most high God. Names are important to God. When we read the Word of God, you find the names of many of the great men and women of God. We even find that some experience name changes to show that there had been a promotion or elevation in their life. Much consideration was taken in naming the children then, unlike today. If a child was named, Michael, every time someone said or called Michael's name they were calling into existing the attribute of "Like God" which what Michael means. My point here is, every time we call God one of the many names the attribute of the name will begin to manifest. It is important for us to know who we need to call in each of our daily situations.
God cannot be defined through the natural vocabulary! He is just to Awesome for words.
Once again, Awesome!!! God is our everything.
Wow! Great knowledgeable message. I am learning more and more about My Father that I was never taught in church.
we must truly desire to have a intimate relationship with God, knowing when and what name is appropriate to call HIM by. knowing the many names empowers u, makes it super personal.. the great thing about God, even if u miss pronounce one of His many names, He still answers, without a attitude..
EL-ELYON.......THE MOST HIGH GOD
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH- THE LORD WHO IS PRESENT(THERE)
Now, this is truly a "CLASSIC"!! There are two (2) types of facts that attest to the knowledge of God. !) incomprehensible- the mind cannot grasp the mind. 2) knowability- to claim he (God) can be known. The root word "know" means to be aware of something. The revelation of God is expressed in two (2) ways: 1) general revelation is natural theology and special revelation -revealed revelation assumes his (God's) existence.
LABELS: Prelapsarian- general revelation Postlapsarian or soteric -special revelation
PLEASE NOTE: REVEALED IN NATURE ALSO IN SPIRIT AS WELL.
Now, this is truly a "CLASSIC"!! There are two (2) types of facts that attest to the knowledge of God. !) incomprehensible- the mind cannot grasp the mind. 2) knowability- to claim he (God) can be known. The root word "know" means to be aware of something. The revelation of God is expressed in two (2) ways: 1) general revelation is natural theology and special revelation -revealed revelation assumes his (God's) existence.
LABELS: Prelapsarian- general revelation Postlapsarian or soteric -special revelation
PLEASE NOTE: REVEALED IN NATURE ALSO IN SPIRIT AS WELL.
The perfections of God, as these is "no one" whom can define "God". Although he can be described in a "descriptive form" only to be tell of his attributes such as power, holiness, justice, goodness, truth, unchangeable, eternal, & infinite.
I think I favor EL-ROI because it is rhe strong ne who sees. That's powwerful.
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