Understanding God's Character through Scripture and Revelation
Understanding God's Character through Scripture and Revelation
The concept of understanding God's character is deeply rooted in Scripture and revelation. According to Easton's Bible Dictionary, revelation refers to "an uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen" [1]. This understanding is foundational to grasping God's character, as it is through revelation that God makes Himself known to humanity.
The Bible presents God as a being who desires to be known by His people. In Exodus 6:7, it is written, "Then you will know that I am the Lord" [8]. This knowledge is not merely intellectual but relational, involving an intimate understanding of God's nature and character. The Hebrew word for "know" used here is based on experience and relationship, similar to the way it is used to describe human sexual relations [8].
Scripture reveals God's character through various attributes and actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights God's excellency and glory as demonstrated through His roles as God, Son of God, Creator, Mediator, Prophet, Priest, King, Judge, and Shepherd [2]. These attributes showcase God's multifaceted nature and His relationship with humanity.
The revelation of God's character is not limited to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is seen as the ultimate revelation of God. According to Matthew Henry, the Book of Revelation is "the revelation of Jesus Christ" [7], emphasizing that Christ is the central figure through whom God is revealed. The Apostle John writes, "The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to point out unto his servants the things which must needs come to pass with speed" (Revelation 1:1) [3].
Understanding God's character through Scripture and revelation involves recognizing God's sovereignty, holiness, and love. The fear of God, described as "hatred of evil" and "wisdom" in Torrey's Topical Textbook, is a fundamental aspect of this understanding [4]. It is through the study of Scripture and the reception of revelation that one can develop a deepening understanding of God's character.
The biblical concept of knowing God is not just about acquiring knowledge but involves a personal, relational aspect. As noted in Romans 1:21, "to know God" typically means having an intimate, saving relationship with Him [5]. This relational understanding is echoed in Deuteronomy 8:2, where God tests the Israelites "to prove your character" and to reveal what is in their hearts [6].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Revelation — An uncovering, a bringing to light of that which had been previously wholly hidden or only obscurely seen. God has been pleased in various ways and at different times (Heb. 1:1) to make a supernatural revelation of himself and his purposes and plans, which, under the guidance of his Spirit, has been committed to writing. (See WORD OF [532]GOD.) The Scriptures are not merely the "record" of revelation; they are the revelation itself in a written form, in order to the accurate presevation and propagation of the truth. Revelation and inspiration differ. Rev”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
- Revelation of John “Revelation of John 1:1 (Rotherham) — The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to him, to point out unto his servants the things which must needs come to pass with speed,—and he shewed them by signs, sending through his messenger, unto his servant John;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Fear, Godly — God is the object of -- Isa 8:13. God is the author of -- Jer 32:39,40. Searching the Scriptures gives the understanding of -- Pr 2:3-5. Described as Hatred of evil. -- Pr 8:13. Wisdom. -- Job 28:28; Ps 111:10. A treasure to saints. -- Pr 15:16; Isa 33:6. A fountain of life. -- Pr 14:27. Sanctifying. -- Ps 19:9. Filial and reverential. -- Heb 12:9,28. Commanded -- De 13:4; Ps 22:23; Ec 12:13; 1Pe 2:17. Motives to The holiness of God. -- Re 15:4. The greatness of God. -- De 10:12,17. The goodness of God. -- 1Sa 12:24. The forgiveness of God. -- Ps 130:4.”
- Romans (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Romans 1:21: 1:21 To know God in Scripture usually means to have an intimate, saving relationship with him (see 2 Cor 5:16; Gal 4:9; Phil 3:8, 10). Here, however, they knew God means that people knew about God. All people have some understanding of God through creation, yet they do not do what is right based on that knowledge. Rather than learn more about God, they worship gods of their own making.”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 8:2: 8:2 to prove your character (literally to know what is in your heart): God already knew the Israelites’ innermost thoughts (Pss 51:6; 139:1, 4, 23); he wanted their character to come out in their actions. • to find out whether: The Old Testament often describes God in human terms, even in ways that appear to limit God. Anthropomorphism (assigning human characteristics to God) and anthropopathism (assigning human feelings or emotions to God) are ways of representing God on a human level so the human mind can better grasp his ways, but God is not limited in his ”
- Revelation (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Revelation 1:1: Here we have, I. What we may call the pedigree of this book. 1. It is the revelation of Jesus Christ. The whole Bible is so; for all revelation comes through Christ and all centres in him; and especially in these last days God has spoken to us by his Son, and concerning his Son. Christ, as the king of his church, has been pleased thus far to let his church know by what rules and methods he will proceed in his government; and, as the prophet of the church, he has made known to us the things that shall be hereafter. 2. It is a revelation which God gave unto Chris”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 6:7: 6:7 Then you will know that I am the Lord: The Hebrew word translated know is always based on experience and relationship. The same word is used to describe human sexual relations. To know God as Yahweh is not just to know abstract facts about him, but to be in a relationship with him in which we are always learning who he is and what he wants us to do. This is the only true rescue from the human predicament of sin described in Gen 3–11. The importance of “knowing the Lord” in the book of Exodus is seen in its recurrence, especially in Exod 5–18 (5:2; 7:5, 17; 8:10”