Introduction. Among the most important elements of our service and worship to God is our ability to see Him clearly. The better we understand God’s righteousness, holiness, love, forgiveness, mercy, and compassion the more honor and devotion we can create within ourselves and offer to Him. Yet, if we are not careful, misunderstandings can develop that will hinder the response in our own heart of love, joy, hope, and peace. As we consider all the harsh judgments in the Old Testament, we can become so afraid due to His righteousness that we can feel lost even with all Scripture saying otherwise. God has revealed so much about Himself that it is impossible to fully understand. It is easy to focus on one attribute more clearly than others and thus come away with a view of God far different from what He has revealed about Himself.
Peter described our first contact with God in his sermon to Cornelius. “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (Acts 10:34-35). These are the people God planned the gospel to draw from every nation. This is not something the gospel was designed to produce; it will already be in existence before they hear it. “His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made.” (Rom. 1:20). This part of God’s character is already understood. It will be strengthened and broadened with the Scriptures.
After hearing the gospel, faith leads to the next step. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). No one obeys the gospel without knowing that God wants to reward those who obey. He is a kind and generous God offering salvation and eternal life. With a foundation built on His everlasting power and divinity and knowing He rewards diligence, we are prepared to move to a fuller understanding
Peter described our first contact with God in his sermon to Cornelius. “In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. (Acts 10:34-35). These are the people God planned the gospel to draw from every nation. This is not something the gospel was designed to produce; it will already be in existence before they hear it. “His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made.” (Rom. 1:20). This part of God’s character is already understood. It will be strengthened and broadened with the Scriptures.
After hearing the gospel, faith leads to the next step. “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” (Heb. 11:6). No one obeys the gospel without knowing that God wants to reward those who obey. He is a kind and generous God offering salvation and eternal life. With a foundation built on His everlasting power and divinity and knowing He rewards diligence, we are prepared to move to a fuller understanding