Who Is God?

God According to the NIV

The New International Version (NIV) Bible translates the original biblical texts, presenting God as the sovereign, eternal, and holy Creator of the universe, who is defined by love and revealed as a Trinity.

Who He Is: The One God

The Creator: God is the ultimate source of all existence. He created everything—the heavens, the earth, and humanity—out of nothing and actively sustains it.

(Genesis 1:1, Colossians 1:16-17)
A Spirit: God is not limited by a physical body or location. He is transcendent and must be approached spiritually.

(John 4:24)
Sovereign and Eternal: He is the ultimate ruler, the "Lord Almighty," who exists outside of time, being both the first and the last.

(Isaiah 44:6, Revelation 1:8)

What He Is Like: His Character

Love: This is God's core nature. His actions toward humanity are driven by profound and unconditional love.

(1 John 4:8)
Holy and Just: He is perfect and completely set apart from evil or sin. Because He is just, He judges sin, but because He is loving, He provides a path to forgiveness.

(1 Peter 1:16, Romans 3:23-26)
Compassionate and Merciful: He is slow to anger and rich in love, willing to forgive those who repent.

(Psalm 103:8)

The Trinity: Three in One

God is understood to exist as one being in three co-equal, distinct persons:

God the Father: The planner and source of all things.
God the Son (Jesus Christ): God incarnate (God made human) who provided the ultimate sacrifice for sin, making reconciliation with God possible.
God the Holy Spirit: The active presence of God in the world and in believers, who guides, comforts, and empowers them.

(Matthew 28:19, John 1:14, 2 Corinthians 13:14)

Beyond the core summary (Creator, Sovereign, Love, Holy Trinity), here are more descriptions of God, drawn from the language and concepts found throughout the NIV:

Theological Attributes

These attributes highlight His all-encompassing power, knowledge, and presence:

Attribute (Theological Term) Description NIV Verse/Concept

Omnipotent All-Powerful. God has unlimited power and authority; nothing is impossible for Him. "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

Omniscient, All-Knowing.

He has perfect knowledge of everything—past, present, and future. "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit." (Psalm 147:5)

Omnipresent, Present Everywhere.

He is not confined by space and is everywhere at all times. "Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?" (Psalm 139:7)

Immutable, Unchanging.

God's nature, character, and promises are constant and do not shift. "The Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." (James 1:17)

Eternal, Without Beginning or End.

He exists outside of time, from everlasting to everlasting. "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." (Psalm 90:2)

Inscrutable, Unsearchable/Unfathomable.

His wisdom and ways are beyond full human comprehension. "How unsearchable are his judgments and his paths beyond tracing out!" (Romans 11:33)

Character Descriptions (Relational Attributes)

These terms describe how God interacts with humanity:

Faithful / Trustworthy: God keeps all His promises; He is utterly dependable.

"If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself." (2 Timothy 2:13)
Merciful and Gracious: He shows pity and compassion, offering kindness and forgiveness even though we don't deserve it.

"The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." (Psalm 103:8)
Just and Righteous: He is perfectly fair, moral, and upright in all His dealings. His actions are always right.

"The Rock, his work is perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and fair is he." (Deuteronomy 32:4)
Patient (Longsuffering): He endures wrongs and delays judgment, giving time for repentance.

"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish..." (2 Peter 3:9)
Jealous (in a protective sense): He demands exclusive devotion and is protective of His relationship with His people.

"Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." (Exodus 34:14)

Descriptions Through Names (Old Testament)

The different Hebrew names for God translated in the NIV also act as descriptions of His power and role:

YHWH (LORD): The personal, covenant-keeping God. Often rendered in the NIV as LORD (in all caps) or Jehovah.

"God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM... Say this to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14)
El Shaddai: God Almighty or All-Sufficient God.

"When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, "I am El-Shaddai—God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless." (Genesis 17:1)
Adonai: Lord or Master, emphasizing His authority.

"But Abram said, "Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless..." (Genesis 15:2)

In short, God is the all-powerful and all-loving supreme being who created everything, rules over all, and desires a personal relationship with humanity through His Son, Jesus Christ.

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Names of God

The various names of God found in the Bible are not just labels; they are deep revelations of His character, power, and relationship with humanity.

The NIV Bible uses English terms like "LORD," "God," and "Almighty" to translate the original Hebrew and Greek names, but the underlying names reveal specific truths.

The name Jesus is considered supremely significant because it perfectly encapsulates God's identity, mission, and saving power.

Here are the key points illustrating the depth and renown of the name Jesus:

1. The Meaning of the Name: God's Mission Revealed

The English name "Jesus" is derived from the Greek Iēsous, which is a transliteration of the Hebrew/Aramaic name Yeshua (or Yehoshua).

Meaning: Yeshua means "Yahweh saves" or "The Lord is salvation."
Divine Command: The angel told Joseph to name the child Jesus "for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21). The name itself is a declaration of God's redemptive purpose carried out through His Son. It merges God's own name (Yahweh) with His saving action.

2. The Name Above Every Name

The New Testament makes an extraordinary claim about the status of this name:

Exaltation: The Apostle Paul writes that because Jesus humbled Himself to death on a cross, "Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (P1hilippians 2:9-11, NKJV).
Authority: This passage suggests that the name Jesus has been granted the authority of God Himself, often linked to the Old Testament name of God (Yahweh), which is rendered as Lord in English translations.

3. Salvation and Power

The name is foundational to Christian experience and practice:

Only Name for Salvation: The Bible asserts that salvation is exclusively found through Him: "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12, NKJV).
Source of Miracles and Authority: The apostles performed healings and cast out demons "in the name of Jesus Christ" (e.g., Acts 3:6), signifying that they acted with His personal authority and power.
Foundation for Prayer: Believers are instructed to pray "in My name" (John 14:13), meaning to pray in alignment with His character, authority, and will, as the mediator between God and humanity.

4. God's Most Known Revelation

While God has many titles and names (Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, Immanuel), the name Jesus represents the ultimate, tangible revelation of God to the world.

God With Us: Jesus is called Immanuel ("God with us," Matthew 1:23). His name is known globally because His person is the literal incarnation of God (Colossians 2:9). The man, Jesus, revealed God's character (mercy, love, justice) perfectly.

The profundity of the name Jesus lies in its function as the bridge between humanity and the otherwise unapproachable deity, carrying the ultimate authority and purpose of God—salvation.

Here is a list of some of the most other significant names of God, including the original Hebrew/compound names and a key scripture reference from the NIV.

Other Names of God (NIV Scriptures)

1. Primary Names of Deity

These are the most basic and frequent names used for God, emphasizing His nature as the Supreme Being.

Name (Hebrew/Greek) Meaning Scripture

Elohim God, Creator, Mighty One (Plural of Majesty) Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."
YHWH (Yahweh) The Self-Existent One, I AM (Often translated as LORD in all capitals in the) Exodus 3:14: "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM’ has sent me to you.”
Adonai Lord, Master (Emphasizes sovereignty and mastery) Genesis 15:2: But Abram said, “Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless...?"
El Shaddai God Almighty, The All-Sufficient One Genesis 17:1: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”

2. Compound "Jehovah" Names (Revealing Relationship)

These names combine YHWH/ Jehovah with a descriptive word, revealing specific ways God provides for His people.

Name (Hebrew) Meaning Scripture

Jehovah-Jireh The LORD Will Provide Genesis 22:14: So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.”
Jehovah-Rapha, The LORD Who Heals Exodus 15:26: "for I am the LORD, who heals you."
Jehovah-Nissi, The LORD Our Banner Exodus 17:15: Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner.
Jehovah-Shalom, The LORD is Peace Judges 6:24: So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace.
Jehovah-Rohi, The LORD Our Shepherd Psalm 23:1: The LORD is my shepherd; I lack nothing.
Jehovah-Tsidkenu, The LORD Our Righteousness Jeremiah 23:6: "This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness."

3. Descriptive Names and Titles, These names highlight God's rank, attributes, and roles.

Title (Hebrew/Greek) Meaning Scripture

El Elyon God Most High Genesis 14:18: Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High.
El Roi The God Who Sees Genesis 16:13: She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”
Abba Father (An intimate Aramaic term) Romans 8:15: The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.”

Immanuel God With Us Matthew 1:23: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).

Alpha and Omega The Beginning and the End Revelation 1:8: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”

These names serve as powerful anchors for prayer, reminding us of the specific attributes of the God we worship!

Covenants of God

The covenant is God's solemn agreement and promise to his people. Here are some significant verses about God's covenants, specifically from the New International Version (NIV), covering the major covenants in Scripture:

🌈 The Noahic Covenant (A promise to all living things)

Genesis 9:11 (NIV): "I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be destroyed by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth."
Genesis 9:13 (NIV): "I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

🌟 The Abrahamic Covenant (The promise of land, descendants, and blessing)

Genesis 12:2-3 (NIV): "I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."
Genesis 17:7 2(NIV): "I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."

🏔️ The Mosaic Covenant (The Law, or Old Covenant)

Exodus 19:5 (NIV): "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine,"
Deuteronomy 7:9 (NIV): "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

🛡️ God, the Faithful Covenant Keeper (NIV)

Verse Context / Summary of Faithfulness

Deuteronomy 7:9 He keeps His promise for generations. "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

Psalm 89:34 His promise is unbreakable. "I will not violate my covenant or alter what my lips have uttered."

Psalm 105:8 He remembers forever. "He remembers his covenant forever, the promise he made, for a thousand generations,"

Isaiah 54:10 His covenant is stronger than the mountains. "“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you."

2 Timothy 2:13 He is faithful even when we are not. "if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."

Hebrews 10:23 He is the promise-keeper of the New Covenant. "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

1 Corinthians 10:13 He provides a way of escape in temptation. "And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."

1 John 1:9 He is faithful to forgive our sins. "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

These verses assure us that the covenant is secure, not because of our ability to keep it, but because of God's unchangeable character.

The New Covenant (often called the New Testament) is the central theme of Christianity, established through Jesus Christ.

Here are the most important Bible verses explaining the New Covenant, its promises, and its mediator:

🩸 The Institution of the New Covenant

This is when Jesus personally established the new agreement with His disciples during the Last Supper, replacing the sacrifices of the old system.

Luke 22:20 (NIV): (The words of Jesus)

"In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.”

Jeremiah 31:33 (NIV): (A prophecy quoted in the New Testament) "“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people."

Matthew 26:28 (NIV): (A parallel account)

"This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
1 Corinthians 11:25 (NIV): (Paul's instruction on the Lord's Supper)

"In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”"
Hebrews 8:12 (NIV): (The promise of complete forgiveness)

"For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”

🕊️ The Superiority of the New Covenant

The New Testament explains that the New Covenant is better than the Old (Mosaic) Covenant because it is mediated by Christ and works through the Holy Spirit.

Hebrews 8:6 (NIV): (The New Covenant has a better mediator and better promises)

"But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since it is established on better promises."
Hebrews 9:15 (NIV): (Christ's death makes the covenant effective)

"For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant."
2 Corinthians 3:6 (NIV): (The New Covenant is a ministry of the Spirit)

"He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

These verses highlight that the New Covenant is internal, based on God's forgiveness through Christ's blood, and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

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Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God (or Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew) is a major theme of Jesus' teaching. Here are some key NIV Bible verses about the Kingdom of God, covering its entrance, its nature, and its importance:

👑 Seeking the Kingdom

These verses highlight the priority we should place on the Kingdom of God.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV):

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Matthew 6:10 (NIV) - Part of the Lord's Prayer:

"your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

🚪 Entering the Kingdom

Jesus clearly defines what is required to be part of God's Kingdom.

Mark 1:14-15 (NIV):

"After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
John 3:5 (NIV):

"Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"
Matthew 18:3 (NIV):

"And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 (NIV):

"Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."

✨ The Nature of the Kingdom

These verses describe what the Kingdom of God is like and where it can be found.

Luke 17:20-21 (NIV):

"Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'" (Note: "in your midst" is the preferred NIV translation, meaning it's present in Jesus' presence and ministry).
Romans 14:17 (NIV):

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,"
1 Corinthians 4:20 (NIV):

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power."
Colossians 1:13 (NIV):

"For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves,"

🕊️ A Final Promise

This verse speaks to God's desire for His people.

Luke 12:32 (NIV):

"“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."

The term "Kingdom" in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, is a profound and multi-faceted concept that can generally be broken down into three main ways it's understood: its present reality (like the parables), its future fulfillment, and its ethical dimension.

📖 1. The Kingdom's Present Reality

(The Parables)

This aspect refers to the Kingdom of God/Heaven as something that is already here, operating in the world through Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the Church, but not yet fully realized. It's the "already but not yet."

The Parables of Jesus: Many of Jesus's parables illustrate the nature of the Kingdom as it operates in the present.
- The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32): Shows that the Kingdom starts small and is often inconspicuous, but it grows into something immense, providing shelter and influence.
- The Yeast (Matthew 13:33): Illustrates the quiet, pervasive, and transformative nature of the Kingdom's influence as it works invisibly within the world.
- The Hidden Treasure and the Pearl of Great Price (Matthew 13:44-46): Emphasize the supreme value of the Kingdom, which demands total devotion and sacrifice from those who find it.

👑 2. The Kingdom's Future Fulfillment (Eschatology)

This refers to the consummation of the Kingdom—the time when God's reign will be perfectly and visibly established over the entire earth.

The Return of Christ: The Kingdom will be fully realized when Jesus Christ returns in glory.
The Final Judgment: It includes the time when Christ will judge the living and the dead and separate the righteous from the wicked.
The New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21-22): This is the ultimate fulfillment, where God dwells with his people, and all effects of sin, sorrow, and death are permanently removed. This is the time when the will of God is done on earth as it is in heaven, perfectly and eternally.

🕊️ 3. The Kingdom's Ethical and Spiritual Dimension

This is the personal, internal, and ethical dimension of the Kingdom, which defines what it means to live under God's rule now.

Internal Rule: Jesus taught that the Kingdom is "within you" (Luke 17:21). It is an active submission to God's authority in one's life, characterized by faith and obedience.
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10): The Sermon on the Mount describes the values and ethics of the Kingdom, which are often counter-cultural (e.g., righteousness, meekness, peacemaking).
Power and Miracles: The Kingdom is demonstrated through the power of the Holy Spirit to heal, deliver, and overcome evil. Casting out demons, for instance, was evidence that the Kingdom of God had arrived (Matthew 12:28).

In summary, the "Kingdom" is not just a place or a future event; it is God's dynamic, sovereign rule, which has already broken into human history (present reality), requires an internal commitment (ethical dimension), and will ultimately be made visible and perfect in the future (future fulfillment).

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Principles of God

To live a holistic way of life, based on two foundational commands from God and several key themes woven throughout the scriptures, inspired by the teachings of Jesus emphasizing love, compassion, and interconnectedness. Rooted in the following foundational commands, love God and love your neighbours.

This approach is to nurture both your spiritual and physical well-being.

Throughout the scriptures, themes such as forgiveness, humility, and service highlight the importance of living in harmony with oneself and others. Embracing this holistic perspective can lead a more fulfilling and purposeful life.

1. Love thy God and Love Your Neighbour

Jesus himself summarized the entire law and the prophets into two primary commands. This is the universal principle that guides all Christian life.

Love the Lord your God: As stated in Matthew 22:37-38, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment." This means your entire being—your thoughts, feelings, and actions—should be entirely devoted and obedient to God.

Love your neighbour as yourself: The second command is found in Matthew 22:39: This principle extends the first command outward. Loving God is demonstrated by how you treat others. All the principles that follow are expressions of these two commands.

2. Live by Faith, Not by Sight

The Bible consistently teaches that a believer's life is not guided by what they see or feel, but by trusting in God's promises and character, even when circumstances are difficult.

Hebrews 11:6: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him." This verse makes it clear that faith is the foundation of a relationship with God.

2 Corinthians 5:7: "For we live by faith, not by sight." This principle encourages believers to trust in God's unseen plan rather than relying on their limited, worldly perspective.

3. Seek Humility, Not Pride

The Bible presents humility as a foundational virtue and the direct opposite of pride, which is a key source of sin and conflict.

James 4:6: "But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: 'God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.'" This is a central theme: God actively resists the arrogant and exalts the humble.

Proverbs 16:18: "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." This serves as a constant warning that pride is a self-destructive path. The solution is to actively seek a humble spirit.

4. Practice Self Control and Discipline

Instead of being ruled by sinful desires, the Bible calls for a disciplined life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. This is the antidote to the "seven deadly sins" we've discussed.

Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control." This verse identifies self-control as a key sign of a life led by the Spirit, which empowers believers to overcome passions like gluttony and lust.

1 Corinthians 9:27: "I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." Paul uses this powerful metaphor to show the necessity of spiritual and physical discipline to stay on the right path.

5. Cultivate Generosity, Not Greed

The NIV presents a life of giving as a core principle that counters the sin of greed.

Matthew 6:20-21: "But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." This principle redirects a person's focus from fleeting earthly possessions to eternal, heavenly rewards.

Acts 20:35: "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This quote from Jesus, recorded by the Apostle Paul, is a simple yet profound principle that flips the world's values on their head. True happiness is found in giving, not in getting.

6. Pursue Reconciliation, Not Wrath

The Bible commands believers to deal with anger in a righteous way and to seek peace and forgiveness.

Ephesians 4:26-27: "In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold." This verse acknowledges anger as a human emotion but warns against letting it fester into destructive wrath.

Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." This beatitude from Jesus promotes an active role in resolving conflict and fostering peace in the world.

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Promises of God

Living by God's principles brings significant rewards, both in this life and in the life to come. The Bible consistently connects obedience with blessings, and highlights that these rewards are a direct result of trusting and following God.

On Earth

The Bible promises several tangible rewards for obedience in this life. These aren't about guaranteed wealth or perfect health, but about a better life of peace love and harmony.

Wisdom and Prosperity: Obedience to God's principles, particularly those found in the book of Proverbs, are linked to success and prosperity.

Proverbs 3:5-6 states, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." This implies that a life guided by God's wisdom will be successful.

Similarly, Joshua 1:8 promises that meditating on God's law and obeying it will make your way "prosperous and successful."

Peace and Joy: When you live a life of integrity, you receive an internal reward of peace that is not dependent on circumstances. Isaiah 26:3 says, "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Living according to God's commands also brings a unique joy.

Jesus said in John 15:10-11, "If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete."

Favor and Protection: The Bible teaches that God protects and favors those who are faithful to him. In Deuteronomy 28, God promises a long list of blessings, including being "blessed in the city and blessed in the country," as a result of obedience. While this was a covenant with Israel, the principle of God's favor for His obedient people is a recurring theme throughout scripture.

In Heaven

The ultimate rewards for living by God's principles are eternal. The New Testament shifts the focus from earthly gain to spiritual and heavenly treasures.

Eternal Life

The greatest reward for obedience is eternal life itself, which is a gift of God's grace. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." This gift is received through faith and is demonstrated by a life of obedience.

Heavenly Treasures

Jesus directly commands believers to invest in rewards that last forever. Matthew 6:19-20 says, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal." These treasures are not material but represent the lasting value of a life lived for God.

A "Crown" of Righteousness

The Bible uses the metaphor of crowns to represent various heavenly rewards for faithful service and endurance. For example, 2 Timothy 4:8 speaks of a "Crown of Righteousness" for those who have "finished the race" and "kept the faith." Other crowns are promised for those who endure suffering for their faith and for those who have been good shepherds to God's people.

Knowing God More Intimately

One of the most profound rewards is a deeper relationship with God. John 14:21 says, "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." This promises a more intimate and personal connection with God as a direct result of obedience.

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The Law of God

In the Bible, the "Law of God" refers to the instructions, moral codes, and commands God gave to humanity to show us how to live in a right relationship with Him and with each other. In the New International Version (NIV), this is often summarized by the Ten Commandments and later distilled by Jesus into Two Great Commandments.

Summary of God’s Laws (NIV)

The Law of God can be broken down into three main "levels" throughout the Bible:

The Foundation (The Ten Commandments): Found in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. These are the ten core "words" God spoke to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. They are divided into two parts: the first four deal with our relationship with God, and the final six deal with our relationship with other people.
The Heart (The Greatest Commandment): In Matthew 22, Jesus was asked which law was the most important. He summarized the entire Old Testament Law into just two commands: Love God and Love your neighbor. He said all other laws "hang" on these two.
The Goal (The Purpose of the Law): The New Testament (specifically Romans and Galatians) explains that the Law acts like a mirror or a "guardian." It shows us God's perfect standard, reveals where we fall short (sin), and ultimately points us to the need for a Savior (Jesus).

The Heart of the Law (Matthew 22 & Exodus 20)

To understand the Law of God, we must look at where it was given and how Jesus perfected our understanding of it.

The Ten Commandments: The Moral Compass

In Exodus 20:1-17, God speaks directly to His people. He begins by reminding them of His love: "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery" (Exodus 20:2). The laws that follow are not meant to be a burden, but a blueprint for a free and holy life:

Vertical Laws (God): No other gods, no idols, do not misuse His name, and keep the Sabbath holy.
Horizontal Laws (People): Honor your parents, do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony, and do not covet.

Jesus and the Summary of the Law

Centuries later, an expert in the law tested Jesus, asking, "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" (Matthew 22:36). Jesus did not pick one of the ten; instead, He went to the very "soul" of the Law by quoting two passages from the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18):

"‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." — Matthew 22:37-40 (NIV)

The Fulfillment of the Law

A common question is whether the Law still applies today. In Matthew 5:17, Jesus says, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them." He "fulfilled" it in two ways:

Perfect Obedience: He was the only human to ever keep the Law perfectly.
Internalizing the Law: He taught that the Law isn't just about outward actions (like not killing), but about the heart (like not holding onto anger). In the New Covenant, God promised, "I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts" (Hebrews 8:10).

Why Do We Have the Law?

According to Galatians 3:24, the Law was our "guardian until Christ came that we might be justified by faith." It is like a fence around a playground—it doesn't exist to stop the fun, but to keep the children safe from the "cliff" of sin and destruction.

Laws of the Kingdom

When Jesus began His ministry, He didn't just repeat the Old Testament laws; He introduced the "Laws of the Kingdom." If the Ten Commandments are the "foundation," the Laws of the Kingdom are the "heart." Jesus taught that it is not enough to obey with your hands; you must obey with your soul.

Summary of Kingdom Laws primarily from the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7, NIV).

The Laws of the Kingdom are often called "Upside-Down" laws because they flip human logic. In this kingdom:

The Heart is the Courtroom: Sin starts in the thoughts, not just the actions. Anger is treated with the same weight as murder; lust is treated with the same weight as adultery.
Love has No Boundaries: You are commanded to love not just your friends, but your enemies, and to pray for those who persecute you.
The Law of Reciprocity (The Golden Rule): "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you." (Matthew 7:12)
The Law of Secret Righteousness: Acts of faith (giving, praying, fasting) should be done in secret for God’s eyes only, rather than for public applause.

The Higher Standard – Laws of the Heart

In Matthew 5:20, Jesus makes a shocking statement: "For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven." The Pharisees were famous for following every tiny rule perfectly. Jesus was saying that the Kingdom of God requires something deeper than rule-following—it requires transformation.

The "But I Tell You" Commands

Six times in Matthew 5, Jesus quotes an old law and then raises the bar. This is known as the "Antitheses." He is moving the law from the "letter" to the "spirit."

On Anger: "You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder...’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment" (Matt 5:21-22).
On Adultery: "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matt 5:27-28).
On Revenge: Instead of "an eye for an eye," the kingdom law says, "Do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also" (Matt 5:38-39).

The Law of Active Love

The most radical kingdom law is found in Matthew 5:44: "But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Jesus explains that even tax collectors and "pagans" love those who love them. To be a "child of the Father," a citizen of the Kingdom must show the same sun-and-rain grace that God shows to both the good and the evil.

The Law of Priorities

The "Specific Law" that governs the daily life of a believer is found in Matthew 6:33:

"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things [food, clothes, needs] will be given to you as well."

This law commands a total shift in focus. We are not to worry about tomorrow or focus on earthly treasures. The "Law of the Kingdom" is a law of Total Trust, where the King provides for the needs of His subjects as they focus on His work.

The Law of Judgment

Finally, the Kingdom law regulates how we treat others' faults: "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged" (Matt 7:1-2). This isn't a ban on discernment, but a command to examine the "plank" in our own eye before pointing out the "speck" in someone else's.

The Kingdom Law of the Sabbath

The Sabbath is a perfect example of a Kingdom Law. Under the Old Law, the Sabbath was a strict day of "no work" meant to honor God's rest at creation. However, in the Kingdom of God, Jesus taught that:

People are more important than rules: The Sabbath was made to serve humanity's well-being, not to be a burden that prevents doing good.
Perpetual Rest: In the Kingdom, rest isn't just about one day a week; it is a spiritual state of resting in the finished work of Jesus.
Restoration: Jesus intentionally performed many of His healings on the Sabbath to show that the "rest" of God is actually a time for restoration and life.

The Sabbath and the Lord of the Kingdom

In the New Testament, one of the primary points of conflict between the religious elite and Jesus was the interpretation of the Sabbath. This conflict highlights the shift from a legalistic view of God's Law to a Kingdom view of God's Heart.

The Purpose of the Law

In Mark 2:27, Jesus provides the definitive Kingdom perspective on this law:

“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” Under the strict interpretation of the day, "work" was defined so narrowly that even picking a few heads of grain to eat or healing a sick person was considered a violation. Jesus corrected this by teaching that the Law was a gift of grace—a day for human flourishing—rather than a cage.

The "Work" of Mercy

In Matthew 12, Jesus’ disciples were criticized for picking grain on the Sabbath. Jesus responded by citing the example of King David, who ate the consecrated bread when he and his companions were hungry. He established a Kingdom priority: Necessity and mercy overrule ritual. He followed this by healing a man with a shriveled hand, asking the crowd: "If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out? How much more valuable is a person than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath" (Matthew 12:11-12).

The Lord of the Sabbath

Perhaps the most radical "Kingdom" claim Jesus made regarding the Law was in Matthew 12:8: "For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath." By saying this, He was claiming the authority to define what the Law meant. He wasn't just a teacher; He was the King of the Kingdom, and He was declaring that the "rest" promised in the Old Testament was now found in Him.

The Kingdom Reality: Entering His Rest

The book of Hebrews (Chapter 4) explains that the Sabbath day was a shadow of a greater reality. The ultimate "Law of the Kingdom" regarding rest is that we no longer "work" to earn God’s favor. Instead, we "enter His rest" by trusting in what Jesus has done.

In the Old Law, you worked six days to earn your rest.
In the Kingdom Law, you start from a place of rest (grace) and work out of gratitude.

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Discipline & Obedience

Discipline is closely related to self-control and obedience, and the Bible speaks about it frequently, both as a tool for training and a necessary part of life, focusing on correction.

5 Key Verses on Discipline

"My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father disciplines the son he delights in." (Proverbs 3:11-12)

"Discipline your children, and they will give you peace; they will bring you the delights you desire." (Proverbs 29:17)

"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father?" (Hebrews 12:7)

"No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." (Hebrews 12:11)

Themes Covered

God's Love (Proverbs 3:11-12 & Hebrews 12:7): Discipline is presented as an act of love from God, akin to a father training a cherished child.

The Purpose of Scripture

(2 Timothy 3:16-17): The Bible itself is the primary tool for divine discipline, correction, and training.

The Result of Discipline (Hebrews 12:11): While difficult in the moment, discipline ultimately yields positive, long-term results—a "harvest of righteousness."

5 Key Verses on Obedience

"If you love me, keep my commands." (John 14:15)

"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." (James 1:22)

"But he replied, 'Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.'" (Luke 11:28)

"To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams." (1 Samuel 15:22)

"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19)

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Proof of God

The Shroud of Turin

Summary Evidence of the Shroud

The Shroud of Turin is a 14-foot linen cloth bearing the faint image of a crucified man: Two key pillars of scientific interest support its potential authenticity:

Forensic Blood Evidence: Extensive testing has confirmed the presence of real human blood, specifically Type AB: This blood contains high levels of bilirubin (consistent with extreme physical torture) and was deposited on the cloth before the image was formed.
The "Laser" Image Formation: The image is not made of pigment, ink, or dye: It is a microscopic "scorching" of only the topmost layer of the linen fibers: Recent experiments by Italian scientists using excimer lasers suggest that the only way to replicate this effect is through a massive, instantaneous burst of ultraviolet light—a technology that did not exist in the Middle Ages and cannot be fully replicated across a whole cloth even today.

The Silent Witness of the Shroud

The Shroud of Turin is often called the "Fifth Gospel" because it provides a silent, anatomical record of the Passion of Jesus: When scientists from the Shroud of Turin Research Project (STURP) were granted access to the cloth in 1978, they expected to find traces of paint or fakery: Instead, they found a forensic mystery.

The Blood: A Rare and Ancient Signature

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence is the blood: Scientists John Heller and Alan Adler identified the stains as actual human blood: Through chemical analysis, they found hemoglobin, albumin, and serum.

Type AB: Multiple tests have identified the blood as Type AB, which is rare globally (found in only about 5% of the population) but more common among Middle Eastern populations.
The Bilirubin Factor: The blood has a distinct reddish hue rather than turning brown with age: Forensic analysis shows this is due to a high concentration of bilirubin, a chemical released into the bloodstream when a body undergoes massive trauma or "crushing" stress.
The "First" Deposit: Critically, the blood is underneath the image: On the fibers where blood exists, there is no image: This proves the man bled onto the cloth first, and the image appeared later—the exact opposite of how a forger would work.

The "Laser" Imprint: Light without Heat

For decades, the mystery was how the image of the man actually got onto the linen: Under a microscope, the image does not exist like a painting; there are no brushstrokes or chemical binders: Instead, the image is a result of dehydrative oxidation—essentially a superficial "aging" of the linen fibers that is only 0.2 micrometers thick (one-fifth of a millionth of a meter).

In the 21st century, scientists at the ENEA (Italy's National Agency for New Technologies) attempted to recreate this: They found that:

Ultraviolet Bursts: No heat, chemicals, or vapors could create the Shroud’s specific superficiality: The only thing that came close was a short-pulse excimer laser.
The Energy Requirement: To create the image across the entire cloth, it would require a burst of vacuum ultraviolet radiation totaling roughly 34 billion watts of power.

This suggests the image was created by a "flash of light" rather than a physical process: To this day, no artist or scientist has been able to create a full-scale replica that matches all the Shroud's properties: its photographic negativity, its 3D distance information (VP-8 analysis), and its microscopic thinness.

The Paradox of Technology

The irony of the Shroud is that it was arguably "designed" for the modern age: In the 14th century, the image was just a faint, blurry smudge: It wasn't until the invention of photography in 1898 that the world saw the photographic negative, revealing a clear, majestic face that was hidden for centuries: It required 20th-century NASA technology to see its 3D data and 21st-century laser physics to understand its light-based origin.

The Chromosomes

When we step into the realm of the Shroud’s DNA and chromosomes, the mystery moves from the macroscopic (what we see) to the microscopic (the code of life): Exploring the genetic material on the cloth is a relatively new field, as the technology required to sequence ancient, degraded DNA only reached the necessary level of sophistication in the last two decades.

Summary of Chromosomal Evidence

Scientific analysis of the Shroud’s genetic material has revealed a complex "biological map." While centuries of handling have left a "cloud" of DNA from many different people on the surface, forensic studies focused on the blood crusts have identified:

The Presence of X and Y Chromosomes: Testing has confirmed the presence of both the X and Y chromosomes, proving the blood belonged to a biological male.
Highly Degraded Genomic DNA: Unlike modern blood samples, the DNA on the Shroud is severely fragmented, which is exactly what scientists expect to find in organic material that is approximately 2,000 years old.
Maternal Lineage (Haplogroups): Mitochondrial DNA (passed from the mother) suggests a Middle Eastern origin (specifically Haplogroup H13), which is rare in Europe but common in the Levant, supporting the idea that the "Man of the Shroud" was of Semitic descent.

The Genetic Signature of the Man of the Shroud

If the Shroud of Turin is the "silent witness" of the crucifixion, its DNA is the silent witness of his humanity: For years, skeptics argued that the red stains were merely iron oxide (paint), but the discovery of human chromosomes effectively ended that debate, proving that at some point, a human being bled into these fibers.

The Challenge of Contamination

When geneticists first sequenced DNA from the Shroud, they found a "global village." Because the cloth has been kissed by royalty, handled by priests, and touched by thousands of pilgrims over 700 recorded years, the surface is covered in DNA from Europe, North Africa, and even India: However, by specifically targeting the internal structure of the blood crusts rather than the surface dust, researchers were able to isolate the genetic signature of the person wrapped in the cloth.

The Male Signature: X and Y

In the late 1990s, Dr: Leoncio Garza-Valdes and other researchers identified specific genes—specifically the amelogenin gene—which exists in different forms on the X and Y chromosomes.

The results confirmed that the blood was male.
More importantly, the DNA was "fragmented." In a forgery, one might find fresh DNA; however, the DNA on the Shroud shows a pattern of decay known as "deamination," which is a hallmark of ancient biological samples: This suggests the blood is not a medieval addition but has been aging for many centuries.

The "Empty" Cells and the Mystery of Vitality

A fascinating point often raised by forensic hematologists is that the red blood cells on the Shroud (erythrocytes) are remarkably well-preserved in their shape, yet they are "DNA-poor." This is actually consistent with human biology—mature red blood cells do not have a nucleus (and thus no DNA): Geneticists have to look for white blood cells trapped in the clots to find the chromosomes.

What they found was a man who, according to his DNA, belonged to Haplogroup L3 or H13: While many Europeans share similar markers, these specific sub-groups are deeply rooted in the Near East and the Caucasus: This places the genetic "home" of the Man of the Shroud squarely in the region of Israel/Palestine.

The Question of the "Holy Blood"

Some researchers have noted a strange phenomenon: the DNA, while degraded, is still "amplifiable." In most 2,000-year-old samples, DNA is so destroyed by heat and moisture that it cannot be read at all: The fact that we can still identify the X and Y chromosomes on a cloth that has survived two major fires and centuries of humidity is considered by some to be a "molecular miracle" in itself.

DNA Analysis of the Shroud of Turin

This video features Father Robert Spitzer, a leading expert on the Shroud, discussing how modern genomic testing and DNA fragmentation provide evidence that aligns with the historical and scriptural accounts of Jesus.

Alpha Film Series // Episode 01 // Is There More To Life Than This