When you think of ‘God’, what comes to mind? An old man in the sky? A disembodied ball of light? A booming voice from the clouds? Or maybe just an impersonal force?
The Bible describes God as a person – specifically, three persons in one (Father, Son and Spirit). God is the creator of the universe, and all within it (Genesis 1:1-25). Of all the living things that God created, humankind is the most precious of all; that’s because we are made in his likeness (Genesis 1:26-27).
The world that God created in the beginning was perfect, and God desired to walk with the people he created (Genesis 3:8-9). But Adam and Eve – the first humans – chose to please themselves rather than obey the good commands of God (Genesis 3:1-7). The Bible calls this sin, and it resulted in Adam and Eve being separated from their Creator (Genesis 3:23-24). Where they would have lived forever, never experiencing the pain of death, their days were now limited. And sin came down to every one of their descendants. If only there was a way for humankind to know their Creator again!
Thankfully, there is. The Bible offers more than a bleak diagnosis of humanity; it offers hope. God loves everything he has made, and there is nothing in existence that has not been made by him (John 1:1-3). That includes you and me! And since God so loves this world, he set in motion a plan to win us all back to him. He sent his one and only Son, Jesus, 2000 years ago. Jesus came to reveal who God is, and to accomplish the only way for us to come back to God – to make an end of sin and offer us new life through his Spirit.
God is described many times as a Father. A Father who loves his children and would do anything to win them back. John, one of Jesus’ closest disciples, wrote, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). Anyone can know this great love of God, but it involves a genuine desire to turn from sin (repentance) and trust in the Saviour , Jesus (saving faith).
If you would like to know more about this wonderful news, come along to Wantage Baptist on a Sunday morning (10:30am). Our Pastor, Jez, would love to talk more with you. We can even give you a Bible if you don’t have one.
Knowing God is not just something for ‘religious people’ – it is the ultimate fulfilment for every man, woman and child. Why not start your journey of discovery today?