Monday, January 15, 2018

The Supreme Being Is More Than Human Imagination

By Pamela Gray


Lots of people don't believe in any kind of divine entity, while others do think that someone or something 'of a higher order' created this world. However, even those with a belief in a supreme being may not choose to define the concept as far as accepting 'it' as a person. Christians, in contrast, do have a God with a definite character, one who created all things for His pleasure, who has revealed Himself in His word, and who interacts with humans on a personal level.

Christianity is based on the validity of the Bible, which states that there is only one path to eternal life. The way to heaven is through belief in Jesus Christ, as well as the acceptance of His sacrifice and death on the cross as payment for sin. Many cannot accept that there would be only one way to fellowship with God. It seems to them odd that a creator, with enough wisdom to bring everything we know into being, would choose to reveal Himself to mankind.

The Bible tells us that God has shown Himself to men by His creation. Abraham Lincoln remarked that he could not understand how anyone could look at the starry sky and not believe in a creator. Perhaps this is why many feel gratitude for the natural order of the universe without taking the step of faith to put a name and a face to the one responsible for our world. This is called 'deism'.

A relative view of the divine leaves each person in control of what they choose to believe. People may feel more comfortable with a nebulous idea because it doesn't demand too much of them, doesn't structure their life in any particular way, and doesn't deny the same freedom to others. They refuse to believe that God could and would define Himself.

Many who accept 'god' as more of a concept than a definable entity still have the sense of connection with a force that can benefit them, protect them, or grant them favor. Christians, who believe that they are made in God's image although they are flesh and He is spirit, also know that through Jesus they can become children of God and enter into a loving familial relationship.

The Bible makes it clear that God has both masculine and feminine characteristics, with the ability to beget as well as to birth. However, He is clearly portrayed as a father figure, not a mother. His son, Jesus, is an historical figure, a man who was also God. The Bible is the oldest document we have, the most accurate historical account (as testified by archaeological discoveries), and the most influential of all sacred literature.

Christians 'know that they know' after accepting Jesus as their personal savior. They treasure the relationship with their creator and give up everything to preserve it if they are truly 'saved'. They acknowledge their sinful nature and strive to live holy lives, which is only possible by the power of the Holy Spirit and careful self-analysis and self-control.

Having a God who is a distinct personality makes a real relationship possible. God has ways of communication with His children that only believers experience. People really can know God, have the security of a righteous code of behavior, and have confidence in a future in heaven.




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