The question “Who is God?” lies at the very foundation of all theology. Yet it is also one of the most profound mysteries. Because God is infinite and we are finite, our human minds cannot fully comprehend Him. This does not mean, however, that God is unknowable. While we cannot know Him exhaustively, we can know Him truly — as far as He has chosen to reveal Himself in The Bible.
Throughout history, theologians have sought to summarize these biblical truths into doctrinal statements that guard us from misrepresenting or under-representing God. Two classic theological definitions are especially helpful:
A. H. Strong
“God is the infinite and perfect Spirit in whom all things have their source, support, and end.”
This definition affirms several core attributes of God:
- God is Spirit — He is immaterial, invisible, and transcendent, not bound by physical form (John 4:24).
- God is Infinite and Perfect — He is without limitation in being, power, knowledge, and holiness (Psalm 147:5).
- God is the Source, Sustainer, and Goal of all things — All creation originates in Him, depends on Him for its continued existence, and exists ultimately for His glory (Romans 11:36).
Westminster Confession of Faith (Chapter 2.1)
“There is but one only living and true God, who is infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, working all things according to the counsel of his own immutable and most righteous will, for his own glory, most loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin; the rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and withal most just and terrible in his judgments; hating all sin; and who will by no means clear the guilty.”
This historic confession provides a robust theological description of God’s being, attributes, and works:
- His Being — God is the one, living, and true God; He is spirit, invisible, eternal, and self-existent.
- His Attributes — He is infinite, immutable (unchanging), immense, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, and most absolute.
- His Works — He sovereignly decrees and accomplishes all things according to His perfect and righteous will, for the ultimate purpose of His own glory.
- His Moral Perfections — He is loving, gracious, merciful, patient, abundant in goodness and truth, and forgiving to those who repent and seek Him; yet He is also just, hating all sin, and will by no means acquit the guilty.
Summary
To speak theologically: God is the infinite, eternal, and unchangeable Spirit, perfect in all His attributes, sovereign in all His works, and the ultimate end of all things. While He transcends our full comprehension, He has truly revealed Himself so that we may know Him, worship Him, and glorify Him forever (Jeremiah 9:23–24; John 17:3).
Stand Firm! 