Giving Thanks to the God Who Knows Us
Understanding How the Attributes of the LORD Move Us to Praise
Good Morning!
Well, as we roll along here at the beginning of the catechism we continue to look at the big picture stuff. We’ve gone from the why do we exist question to how do we know there is a God, to what is God. There is enough in each of those to keep us busy for the rest of our lives (and for eternity blessedly). This week’s Larger Catechism Q/A has us at the latter. What can we know about God and what do His attributes tell us about how we are to adore our Creator. There is much in the Bible which calls on the creation to meditate on the glory and majesty of the Triune Deity. It is one of those subjects that really separates the believer from the unbeliever, the lover from the pretender. If God bores you than there is a problem. That’s not to say there isn’t so much going on here that we can get overwhelmed to the point of exhaustion. However, there is a difference between being exhausted by the splendid being of God, and not caring. It’s part of the reason why we are called to carefully consider the ways, means, and person of Jehovah, and why it will take the rest of time to fully know Him, and yet the blessing of Heaven means that as our understanding grows, so does our joy, our thanksgiving, and our appreciation of these things.
As an aside that’s why we worship every week and why each Lord’s Day is a fresh opportunity to give praise unto the Lord above. No Sabbath is the same, because no moment in life is just a rehash of what came before. Providence provides daily witness to His love for us in myriads of life situations, which draws us to the throne of grace in God’s mercy. We need the opportunity every Sunday to share these things with others whom the Lord loves. That’s why we worship, that’s why we do it together, and must do it together. Because Jehovah has saved us in His Son, called us by His Spirit, and brought us as one before Him in felicity. Now for the questions:
Q. 6. What do the Scriptures make known of God?
A. The Scriptures make known what God is, the persons in the Godhead, His decrees, and the execution of His decrees.
Q. 7. What is God?
A. God is a Spirit, in and of himself infinite in being, glory, blessedness, and perfection; all-sufficient, eternal, unchangeable, incomprehensible, every where present, almighty, knowing all things, most wise, most holy, most just, most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.
The Bible reveals God in many ways, in clearly stating His identity in narratives like Exodus 3 or Job 1, in telling us about the way He works as in Genesis 1:1 or 2 Corinthians 9:8 and in His word which Hebrews 4:12 and John 1:1 explain. However, that is not the only way we know the Lord. Romans 1:20 says, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
We quote that verse because while the Scriptures make these things known with no doubt, even the creation itself testifies to His true nature. What makes the Bible different is not just the clarity by which we learn these things, but the personal way God reveals Himself to us in His word.
I want to expand a little more on that last point.
A way that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments speak about the LORD is by way of His covenant relationship with His people. We know that us Presbyterians love that word covenant. We use it all the time, and even in ways it probably doesn’t apply, like in naming presbyteries and stuff. However, we have good reason to overuse this term. It perfectly describes the way in which the eternal relates to the finite. It also likewise gives understanding to the human how the divine could interact with us. Through the vows and oaths made there is a familiarity that mitigates any necessary separation. God has made a promise to us through His Son. He will not break it nor forsake it. The reason for that comes from the fact of who God is, and the attributes that are listed in Question 7.
When the catechism says unchangeable it means that ever since God spoke the world into existence the Earth has operated under the same laws of physics, aerodynamics, and all that science stuff. He holds all things in His power and for His glory, even things unbelievers use every day. They reflect His workmanship even if they deny the Lord who made it. The mere fact experiments can be replicated is a sign of His existence. He has made things that way and they will be that way. Same can be said about any number of items we don’t usually associate with the big words we just read. You can lay your head on the pillow at night and know that even if the Lord takes you in your sleep you will awake in His blessing either way. The rising of the sun, as well as its setting, shows forth His care over all things. That certainty we have is because God is who He is.
Another thing worth noting about the attributes as they are listed is that as we read more and more of the Bible and study it and make it our own the more we will not only understand what it means to be holy and good, but why Jesus says what He says to the young man who calls Him good teacher, for God alone is good. His long-suffering towards sinners, His most merciful and most gracious labors for us, every part of what makes God, God will become more clear, for as John 5:39 tells us if we read the Bible and search it what will we find on every page? Jesus, His magnificence, His grace and His love for His people, those He knows as His. The warmth and beauty of the Almighty laid bare for all to see. What a blessing that is.
Here's another thing to read on the matter:
https://rts.edu/resources/what-does-covenant-theology-teach-us-about-god/
Blessings in Christ,
Rev. Benjamin Glaser
Pastor, Bethany ARP Church