The Bible never reveals the ‘real name of God’; however, it gives many different royal titles and attributes that provide a clue as to who He really is. Our English translations of the Bible use names such as ‘God’, ‘Lord’, ‘Almighty’, and ‘Most High’.
The Bible usually speaks of God as a ‘Father’. Jesus taught His followers to address God as “Our Father in Heaven” whenever they prayed to Him. This title mentally turned their attention to the Divine origin of the worship He deserved.
Another title for God which is used fifty-six times in the New Testament is ‘Lord’. This title is written in Greek, ‘Kurios’ and is usually translated ‘Lord’ in English. As a divine title, it expresses both His absolute and authoritative rule over His creation as well as His loving, protective relationship to all who call upon His Name.
The most frequent name of God used in the Old Testament, originally translated ‘God’ in English, is ‘Elohim’. This title emphasizes God’s supremacy and His unparalleled greatness and power. It is particularly used to describe God’s powerful and miraculous acts.
In the Old Testament, the name ‘YHWH’ appears over 6,800 times. It is usually translated in English as ‘LORD’ with all capitals letters. This title not only describes God’s rule as Lord but also His intimate personal covenant with His people.
In short, every name for God in the Bible describes something about Him. From ‘Jehovah’ to ‘Lord’ to ‘Almighty’ to ‘Father’, each Name reveals some aspects of His infinite character. These Names enable us to recognize His power and holiness, understand His grace and mercy, and receive His unending blessings.
God’s Sovereignty
God’s sovereignty means that He has unlimited power and rules over His creation. His authority is not only absolute, but it is also good. It is only because of God’s perfect and infallible rule that anything is possible.
For example, when He created the world, He established natural laws that govern the physical universe and that can be relied on. This shows us God’s sovereignty but also His divine providence, as He is both in control and deeply interested in the smallest details of our lives.
The Bible is filled with illustrations of God’s sovereignty, from His care for His people in the wilderness (Exodus 16) to His role in the life of Joseph (Genesis 37-50) to the prophecies of Christ fulfilled in the New Testament (Luke 24).
God’s sovereignty reminds us that He is the ultimate source, sustainer, and ultimate goal of all things. He is Creator, King, and Lord; His authority is beyond question and our response should be one of reverence, awe, and submission.
This is not to say that God’s sovereignty should be seen as something oppressive, as He has only good intentions for us. Rather, it should bring a sense of security, comfort, and hope in the knowledge that our lives are in His hands.
God’s Holiness
God’s holiness is a fundamental aspect of His character and He is referred to as ‘Holy’ in the Bible no less than 200 times. The holiness of God is His most perfect attribute and is evidenced in His righteousness, justice, and mercy.
God is perfect, and His holiness is manifested in the way He interacts with His creation. He sets boundaries and creates laws that protect His people and defend them against injustice, while providing forgiveness and compassion when they fail to live up to His standards. God’s holiness can be seen in His justice and mercy.
God’s holiness is also seen in the fact that He chooses to reveal Himself to us, despite our imperfect and sinful natures. He reveals Himself to us in His Word and to create a relationship with us that is real and personal. This shows us the perfect love He has for us and His perfect holiness.
The holiness of God is a source of both peace and reverence for us, as it reminds us that there is an ultimate source of justice and truth that is above all else. God’s holiness sets Him apart from everything else and it is only through His mercy and grace that He allows us to draw near to Him.
God’s Mercy
God’s mercy is a fundamental attribute mentioned throughout the Bible and His mercy is something believers seek to obtain throughout their lives. God’s mercy is most obvious in the way He extends it to sinners, but it is also displayed in His compassion and His justice.
God’s mercy reveals His loving nature and deep concern for His Creation. When we sin, He shows us mercy by not condemning us and instead offering us forgiveness. This reveals God’s character as righteous, but also as loving and caring.
God’s mercy is also evident in the way He responds to those in need. He promises to provide for His people, protect them, and sustain them. He hears our prayers and shows us His compassion when we suffer. He also shows us mercy when He extends His grace to us and gives us the opportunity to repent and be restored.
Finally, God’s mercy can be seen in the way He leads us through life. He shows us mercy by offering us wisdom and guidance and by bringing us His comfort and peace in times of trouble. God’s mercy allows us to experience His love like never before and gives us hope for a better future.
God’s Love
God’s love is another fundamental attribute of His character and is described throughout the Bible. God’s love is expressed in many ways, from the creation of the world to His covenant relationship with His people. This love is unconditional and sacrificial, and it is evident in the way God chooses to forgive even the most sinful of us.
God’s love is unconditional, as He loves us regardless of our circumstances or behaviors. His immeasurable love gives us assurance and hope, and it is only through His love that we can be saved. His love provides us with hope and strength, and it is only through His love that we can learn what it means to be truly loved.
God’s love is also expressed in the way He cares for us. He is a Father who is deeply sensitive to our needs and feelings and is there when we need Him most. His love for us is demonstrated through His continued presence in our lives, even when we are lost or struggling.
God’s love is further expressed in His provision for us. He gives us what we need in all things, from His protection and guidance, to His grace and mercy. He invites us to come closer to Him and to experience all the blessings that He has to offer.
God’s Faithfulness
God’s faithfulness is demonstrated in the way He keeps His promises and is central to the relationship He offers us. The Bible depicts God’s faithfulness as a divine and continuous presence in our lives, one that we can turn to and rely on to bring us hope and comfort in times of despair and uncertainty.
God’s faithfulness is expressed through His wonderful and unending care for us. He faithfully keeps His promises to us and offers us protection, deliverance, and the assurance of His steadfast love. His faithfulness is also visible in His forgiveness, as He is willing to forgive us when we repent of our sins and turn away from them.
God’s faithfulness is also shown in His incredible patience with us. Despite our failures and mistakes, He never abandons us or falters in His commitment to us. He is always willing to listen to us and forgive us, and to strengthen us in our time of need.
Finally, God’s faithfulness is manifested in His love for us. He continues to show us love, despite all of our flaws. His unwavering faithfulness is a beautiful reminder of His never-ending love for us, and a source of hope in our darkest moments.
