The Knowledge of the Holy

01Understanding God in Christian Theology

Have you ever tried to describe the taste of an apple to someone who has never eaten one? It's a daunting task, isn't it? Now, imagine trying to describe God, the Creator of the universe, to someone. That's the challenge that A. W. Tozer, Scott Brick, et al. tackle in their book "The Knowledge of the Holy". In Christian theology, God is not just a higher power or a divine being. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, and the Redeemer. He is omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipresent (present everywhere). This understanding is fundamental to the Christian faith. It's like the foundation of a house. Without a solid foundation, the house cannot stand. Similarly, without a proper understanding of God, our faith can easily crumble. Let's take a closer look at these attributes of God. Omnipotence means that God has unlimited power. He can do anything that is in accordance with His nature. Omniscience means that God knows everything. He knows the past, the present, and the future. He knows our thoughts, our desires, and our actions. Omnipresence means that God is present everywhere. There is no place where He is not. In the book, Tozer uses the story of Jonah to illustrate these attributes. When Jonah tried to run away from God, he soon realized that it was impossible. God, being omnipresent, was with Jonah even in the belly of the fish. God, being omniscient, knew Jonah's disobedience even before he tried to flee. And God, being omnipotent, was able to save Jonah from the fish and use him to deliver His message to the people of Nineveh. However, having a correct understanding of God's nature and character is not just about knowing these attributes. It's about understanding who God is and what He is like. Misunderstandings or misconceptions about God can lead to a distorted view of Him, which can affect our relationship with Him. For instance, if we see God as a harsh judge rather than a loving Father, we may live in fear and fail to experience His love and grace. Understanding God in Christian theology shapes our relationship with Him. It influences how we approach Him, how we pray, how we live our lives, and how we interact with others. It's like knowing a friend. The more you know about your friend, the deeper your relationship with them becomes. Similarly, the more we know about God, the deeper our relationship with Him becomes. In conclusion, understanding God in Christian theology is not just about knowing about God. It's about knowing God personally and intimately. It's about understanding His nature, His character, and His ways. It's about experiencing His love, His grace, and His mercy. So, let's take time to reflect on our understanding of God and how it affects our faith journey. After all, as Tozer rightly said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us."