We Believe in God, Part 1
GMC Catechism Question & Answer 1
Question and Answer
Question 1: Do you believe in God?
Answer: Yes. I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. (Gen. 1:1-31; 17:1; Josh. 2:11; Ps. 8:3-8; Isa. 42:5; 1 Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:6; Heb. 1:5; Rev 4:11; CoF I.)
Scripture Proofs
Genesis 1:1-31
Genesis 17:1 - When Abram was ninety-nine years old the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless,
Joshua 2:11 – And as soon as we heard it, our hearts melted, and there was no spirit left in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, he is God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.
Psalm 8:3-8 –
Isaiah 42:5 – Thus says God, the Lord, who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and what comes from it, who gives breath to the people on it and spirit to those who walk in it:
1 Corinthians 8:6 – yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we exist.
Ephesians 4:6 – one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Hebrews 1:5 – For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”? Or again, “I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son”?
Revelation 4:11 - “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
Articles of Religion: Article 1
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Confession of Faith: Article 1
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
The Testimony of Wesleyan Scholars
The existence of God God alone can reveal. He has wrought this supreme truth into the constitution of human nature as its Creator. Scripture, which never proves the being of the Supreme, appeals to this consciousness; it also gives the reason of its disturbance, and thus by anticipation obviates the force of every argument against it. The history of the human race demonstrates, by the very perversions of the idea of God to which it bears witness, the fact that His existence needs no demonstration. And there is no sound philosophical or psychological reasoning which can withstand this principle, rightly understood and adequately guarded. (William Burt Pope)
Man needs only to look about him at the wonderful order and harmony in the universe, the magnificence of the heavens, the beauty of the earth, and all the charming variety of plants and animals in order to come to the conclusion that these things could not have come into being of themselves. The universe must have had a Creator. This was the conclusion of the Psalmist when he said, The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament sheweth his handywork (Psalms 19:1). All nations have believed that which the psalmist declared, even from the remotest ages of antiquity. Nor has this idea ever been lost; but in every age, belief in God has been the foundation upon which every religion, whether natural or revealed, has rested. From the ancient Athenians to the Incas of Peru, altars have been raised and homage paid to the “One who animates the Universe: unknown, unseen, shapeless, formless—the Cause of Causes.” (H. Orton Wiley and Paul T. Culbertson)
The doctrine which the first sentence in this Divine revelation unfolds is, that there is a God, the Creator of heaven and earth; and as this is fundamental to the whole scheme of duty, promise, and hope, which the books of Scripture successively unfold and explain, it demands our earliest consideration. (Richard Watson)
Introduction
The first question of the Global Methodist Church catechism, “Do you believe in God?” elicits a profound response that anchors our faith: “Yes. I believe in God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.” This declaration of faith is foundational, encapsulating the essence of Christian belief in God’s existence, his omnipotence, and his role as Creator. There is no Christianity if there is no God, for the Christian religion is not a mere ethical system or way of life that can exist without complete dependence upon God. This lesson explores the depth of Question and Answer 1, drawing on Scripture, Methodist doctrine, and the insights of Wesleyan scholars.
Understanding the Catechism
The catechism’s answer affirms belief in God as “the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.” This succinct statement is loaded with theological significance, supported by numerous biblical references and doctrinal affirmations. And while not every chapter and verse in the Bible seeks to prove this belief in God’s existence, every chapter and verse in Holy Scripture presupposes it.
Methodist Doctrine
Articles of Religion, Article I: This article affirms the existence of one true God, who is everlasting, infinite in power, wisdom, and goodness, and the Creator and Preserver of all things. It also declares the unity of the Godhead in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Confession of Faith, Article I: This confession echoes the belief in one true, holy, and living God, the Creator, Sovereign, and Preserver of all. It emphasizes God’s infinite attributes and the revelation of the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Wesleyan Scholar Insights
William Burt Pope: Pope notes that the existence of God is a truth revealed by God himself, ingrained in human nature and affirmed by Scripture. He argues that human consciousness and history testify to God’s existence.
H. Orton Wiley and Paul T. Culbertson: These scholars emphasize that the order and beauty of the universe point to a Creator. They note that belief in God has been a universal and foundational aspect of human religion throughout history.
Richard Watson: Watson highlights that the doctrine of God as Creator is fundamental to understanding Scripture and its teachings on duty, promise, and hope.
Key Principles
1. God’s Sovereignty: God’s identity as the Almighty Creator underscores his absolute sovereignty over all creation. He is omnipotent and sustains everything by his will (Genesis 1:1-31, Ephesians 4:6).
2. Divine Revelation: God’s revelation of himself as Creator and Father is fundamental to Christian faith. This revelation is witnessed in Scripture and affirmed by human experience and reason (Genesis 17:1, Psalm 8:3-8).
3. Trinitarian Belief: Belief in God encompasses the understanding of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—each distinct yet united in essence and power (1 Corinthians 8:6, Hebrews 1:5). (We’ll have much more to say about the Trinity later.)
Bible Study Questions
1. Read Genesis 1:1. How does this opening verse of the Bible set the tone for our understanding of God as Creator?
2. According to Genesis 1:26-28, what does it mean for humanity to be created in the image of God, and how does this shape our relationship with creation?
3. What significance does God revealing himself as “God Almighty” have for Abram and for us today (Genesis 17:1)?
4. How does Rahab’s acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty influence her actions and decisions (Joshua 2:11)?
5. Read Psalm 8:3-4. How does the Psalmist’s reflection on the heavens and humanity inspire worship and awe?
6. What responsibilities come with the honor and glory God has bestowed upon humanity (Psalm 8:5-8)?
7. How does (should) recognizing God as the Creator of every sphere of life affect our view of others and ourselves (Isaiah 42:5)?
8. According to 1 Corinthians 8:6, how does Paul’s declaration of one God and one Lord shape our understanding of the Trinity and our relationship with God?
9. Ephesians 4:6 is a powerful, all-encompassing biblical text. According to the Apostle Paul, in what ways can we live out the truth that God is “over all and through all and in all” in our daily lives?
10. How does the unique relationship between the Father and the Son deepen our understanding of the Trinity according to Hebrews 1:5?
11. How should the heavenly worship described in Revelation 4:11 inform our own practices of worship?
12. How does Paul’s statement about God’s invisible attributes being evident in creation in Romans 1:20 reinforce the belief in God as Creator?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. How does your belief in God as the Almighty Creator influence your daily life and decisions?
2. In what ways do you see God’s hand in the world around you?
3. How can you serve as a more faithful steward of the creation God has entrusted to us?
4. What challenges do you face in acknowledging God’s sovereignty in all aspects of your life?
5. How does understanding the Trinity impact your relationship with God?
6. In what ways can you incorporate the worship of God as Creator into your daily spiritual practices?
7. How can you share the truth of God as Creator with others in your family, workplace, and community?
8. What role does Scripture play in affirming and deepening your belief in God as Creator?
9. What insights from the Wesleyan scholars above enhance your understanding of God’s existence and attributes? How might you communicate their insights to a friend?
10. How can the concept of God as both transcendent and immanent bring comfort and assurance in your spiritual journey?
Action Steps
1. Daily Acknowledgment: Begin each day with a prayer acknowledging God as the Almighty Creator (Try writing one out). Reflect on his sovereignty and express gratitude for his creation.
2. Scripture Study: Dedicate time each week to study the biblical passages that affirm God’s role as Creator. Meditate on Genesis 1, Psalm 8, and Revelation 4 to deepen your understanding.
3. Creation Care: Actively engage in practices that honor God’s creation. This includes environmental stewardship, supporting sustainable practices, and educating others about the importance of caring for the earth.
4. Worship and Praise: Integrate hymns and songs that celebrate God’s creation into your personal and communal worship. Hymns like “How Great Thou Art” and “All Creatures of Our God and King” can enrich your worship experience.