The Nature of God

The Nature of God

God as One

  • Christians believe in the oneness of God. This monotheistic belief is highlighted in the faith’s most important creed, the Nicene Creed: “We believe in one God…”.
  • The concept of Monotheism refers to the belief in a single, all-powerful God, rather than many gods (polytheism).

God as a Trinity

  • Trinity refers to the Christian doctrine that God exists as three persons - Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit - but is one God.
  • The notion of the Trinity is central to many Christian practises, rituals, and prayers, including the sign of the cross.

God as Omnipotent

  • Omnipotence refers to God’s ability to do anything. Christians believe that God’s power is unlimited and absolute.
  • This belief influences Christian understanding of creation, miracles, and the resurrection of Jesus.

God as Omniscient

  • Omniscience refers to God’s infinite knowledge. Christians believe God knows everything that has happened, is happening, and will happen.
  • For Christians, God’s omniscience is comforting as it suggests that God understands all their thoughts, actions, and situations.

God as Benevolent

  • Benevolence refers to God’s infinite goodness and love. Christians believe God is all-good and desires the best for his creation.
  • This belief helps Christians understand God’s role in suffering and evil, as it asserts that despite the presence of suffering, God remains loving.

God as Just

  • The belief in God’s justice implies that God is fair and righteous. Christians believe God will judge the living and the dead at the end of time.
  • For Christians, God’s justice affirms the concept of morality. It influences ethical decision-making and moral behaviour in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.

God as Immanent and Transcendent

  • Christians believe that God is immanent, meaning he is present and active within the world and in individual lives.
  • They also believe God is transcendent, meaning he exists beyond the physical world and human understanding.

Remember, each Christian denomination may emphasise different aspects of the nature of God, but these are key beliefs that are generally accepted across many denominations.