We Believe in God, Part 2
GMC Catechism Question & Answer 2
Question and Answer
Question 2: Who is God?
Answer: God is the one true, holy and living God, the Eternal Spirit, the Holy Trinity. (Deut. 6:4; Lev. 19:2; Jer. 10:10; Matt. 28:19; John 17:3; Heb. 9:14.)
Scripture Proofs
· Deuteronomy 6:4 – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
· Leviticus 19:2 – “Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
· Jeremiah 10:10 – But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.
· Matthew 28:19 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
· John 17:3 – And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
· Hebrews 9:14 – how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God.
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
There is, to say the least, nothing in nature which opposes this principle of revealed religion. It seems to be favored by the unity which exists in the universe, and also by the absolute perfection which must be predicated of self-existence and independence. And what is absolute perfection but infinity? And there cannot be two infinite essences. A being cannot be infinitely and absolutely perfect who has not all other beings subject to him and dependent upon him; he must be alone in his glory. There can be but one God. (Thos. O. Summers and Jno. J. Tigert)
Wesley summarized key points of the doctrine of God he had received in his renowned “Letter to a Roman Catholic”: “As I am assured that there is an infinite and independent Being and that it is impossible there should be more than one, so I believe that this one God is the Father of all things,” especially of self-determining rational creatures, and that this one “is in a peculiar manner the Father of those whom he regenerates by his Spirit, whom he adopts in his Son as coheirs with him.” (Thomas C. Oden)
There is One God, who is self-existing, uncreated, infinitely wise, powerful, and good; who is present in every place; and fills the heavens, and earth, and all things. Now, as this one God is eternal, that is, without beginning or end, and is present every where, and fills all space, there can be only One such Being; for there cannot be two or more Eternals, or two or more who are present every where, and fill all things. To suppose more than one Supreme Source of infinite wisdom, power, and all perfections, is to assert that there is no Supreme Being in existence. (Adam Clarke and Samuel Dunn)
Insights from Wesleyan Scholars
Summers and Tigert affirm the unity and uniqueness of God as the foundation of Christian belief. They argue that God’s perfection necessarily implies His oneness, as absolute perfection cannot be shared. A being who is self-existent, independent, and infinite cannot coexist with another of equal standing, for such a condition would undermine the very definition of infinity and perfection. They further assert that the unity evident in creation reflects the singularity of its Creator, reinforcing the biblical proclamation that there is but one God.
Thomas Oden emphasizes the personal and relational nature of God, as understood through Wesley’s theology. He highlights God’s role as the “Father of all things,” particularly as the Father of those regenerated by His Spirit and adopted as coheirs with Christ. For Wesley, God’s oneness is not a cold abstraction but a truth filled with relational warmth and love. This understanding of God inspires awe at His sovereignty while inviting believers into intimate fellowship as children of the divine Father.
Clarke and Dunn focus on God’s self-existence, omnipresence, and eternal nature, asserting that these attributes underscore His oneness. They argue that the existence of more than one infinite and eternal being is logically and theologically impossible. Such a belief would diminish God’s supremacy and perfection. They further affirm that God, as the sole Creator and sustainer of all things, fills the universe and rules with wisdom, power, and goodness. This view not only reinforces the unity of God but also calls humanity to respond in worship and submission.
Devotional Exposition
The second question of the Global Methodist Catechism - “Who is God?” - addresses the most fundamental truth of our faith. Without a right understanding of God, all other theological and doctrinal beliefs lose their coherence. The catechism answers with a clear and profound statement: “God is the one true, holy, and living God, the Eternal Spirit, the Holy Trinity.” This definition encapsulates the essential attributes of God as revealed in Scripture.
Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.” This foundational confession, known as the Shema, affirms the unity and uniqueness of God. In a world filled with competing claims about divinity, the Bible makes it clear: there is only one true God. Jeremiah 10:10 echoes this truth, describing God as “the true God” and “the living God.” Unlike the idols crafted by human hands, the God of Scripture is alive, active, and sovereign over all creation.
Leviticus 19:2 reveals another key aspect of God’s nature: His holiness. God instructs his people, “You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” Holiness is central to who God is. It speaks to his moral perfection, purity, and separateness from sin. God’s holiness sets the standard for his people, calling us to reflect his character in our lives.
God is not only holy but also living and eternal. His existence is not bound by time or space. Hebrews 9:14 refers to “the eternal Spirit,” reminding us that God’s life and power are infinite. This truth offers great comfort, for it assures us that the God we worship is unchanging and ever-present, sustaining us through every season of life.
One of the most profound truths about God is his Trinitarian nature. Matthew 28:19 commands believers to baptize “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” This verse reveals the mystery of the Trinity: three distinct persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit - yet one God. The Articles of Religion describe the Trinity as “three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity.” This unity in diversity reflects the perfect harmony of God’s nature.
John 17:3 provides a glimpse into the relational aspect of God: “This is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” God is not a distant deity but a personal and relational being who invites us into fellowship with him. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience the love of the Father and the grace of the Son.
Understanding who God is has significant implications for our lives. As the one true, holy, and living God, he alone deserves our worship and allegiance. His holiness calls us to pursue righteousness, while his eternal nature assures us of his faithfulness. Moreover, the doctrine of the Trinity reminds us that God exists in perfect community, inviting us to reflect his relational love in our interactions with others.
Key Principles
1. Believing in the one true God inspires heartfelt worship. Jeremiah 10:10 reminds us that God is the living and eternal King. In a world of distractions and false idols, we’re called to direct our praise and devotion to him alone.
2. God’s holiness sets the standard for our lives. Leviticus 19:2 challenges us to reflect God’s character in our thoughts, words, and actions. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re empowered to grow in holiness and Christlikeness.
3. The Trinity reveals that God is relational at his core. Through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, we’re invited into a loving relationship with the Father. This truth transforms our faith from mere religion into a vibrant, personal relationship with the living God.
Bible Study Questions
1. What does Deuteronomy 6:4 teach about God’s oneness, and how does this shape our understanding of his nature?
2. How does Jeremiah 10:10 contrast the true God with idols? What does this teach about God’s uniqueness?
3. Reflect on Leviticus 19:2. How does God’s holiness influence His call for us to be holy?
4. How does Matthew 28:19 reveal the Trinitarian nature of God?
5. In John 17:3, Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God. How does this deepen our understanding of salvation?
6. Hebrews 9:14 describes God as the “eternal Spirit.” What does this mean for our relationship with him?
7. How does the Trinity (Matthew 28:19) shape our worship and prayer life?
8. What practical steps can you take to reflect God’s holiness in your daily life?
9. How does understanding God’s eternal nature (Jeremiah 10:10) provide comfort in uncertain times?
10. What does it mean to have a relationship with the living God, as described in John 17:3?
11. How can the Trinity serve as a model for unity and community in our relationships?
12. How does belief in the one true God affect your worldview and priorities?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
1. How does the oneness of God, as declared in Deuteronomy 6:4, challenge modern notions of religious pluralism?
2. What does it mean for you personally to believe in the living God, as described in Jeremiah 10:10? How does this affect your daily life?
3. In what areas of your life do you struggle to reflect God’s holiness? How can Leviticus 19:2 guide you in this process?
4. How does the relational nature of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) shape your understanding of community and fellowship with others?
5. When you consider God as “Eternal Spirit” (Hebrews 9:14), how does this truth provide comfort and confidence in times of uncertainty?
6. How do you experience God’s love and holiness together? Are there moments in your life where these attributes felt especially evident?
7. Reflect on John 17:3: What does it mean to you to know God and Jesus Christ? How does this knowledge define eternal life?
8. How can you better live out the call to worship God alone, as emphasized in Jeremiah 10:10 and Matthew 28:19?
9. In what ways does understanding the Trinity deepen your prayer life? How do you approach each person of the Trinity in prayer?
10. How does the reality that God is both holy and relational inspire you to grow in your faith and share it with others?
Action Steps
1. Set aside daily time to worship God for his holiness, oneness, and love. Focus your prayers on praising his attributes.
2. Identify one area in your life where you need to grow in holiness, and commit to seeking God’s help in transforming that area.
3. Reflect the relational nature of God in your life by strengthening one relationship this week - whether through forgiveness, encouragement, or support.
Closing Prayer
Holy and eternal God, we praise you as the one true, living, and holy Lord. You alone are worthy of our worship and devotion. Thank you for revealing yourself through your Word and through Jesus Christ, your Son. Help us to grow in our understanding of who you are and to live lives that reflect your holiness and love.
Lord, we ask that you draw us closer to you. Teach us to walk in your ways and to share your truth with those around us. May your Spirit guide us into deeper fellowship with you and with one another. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
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