Creator of All

God is the Creator of the universe and all that exists, visible and invisible. Genesis 1:1 establishes this fundamental truth that God spoke everything into existence out of nothing by His powerful Word.

God’s Attributes

Understanding God’s attributes helps us grasp His character and nature. The LCMS acknowledges several key attributes of God:

• Omnipotence: God is all-powerful, capable of accomplishing anything according to His will.
• Omniscience: God is all-knowing; there is nothing hidden from Him.
• Omnipresence: God is present everywhere at all times.
• Eternality: God is eternal, existing outside the constraints of time.
• Immutability: God is unchanging; His nature remains constant.
• Holiness: God is utterly separate from sin and morally pure.
• Love: God’s love is boundless, demonstrated through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ for our salvation.

The God of Grace and Mercy

One of the most important characteristics of God that we need to understand is His unmerited grace and mercy. God, in His infinite love, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem humanity from sin and offer salvation to all who believe in Him. The doctrine of justification (being declared righteous) by grace through faith is a cornerstone of who God is.

God’s Sovereignty and Human Free Will

God is sovereign over all creation. His will prevails in all circumstances. Simultaneously, the Bible teaches us of the paradox of God’s sovereignty and human free will. While God’s will is supreme, He grants humans the ability to make choices and decisions to some extent.

Conclusion

In conclusion, God is the Triune Creator of the universe, the embodiment of love, grace, and mercy. He is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent, eternally unchanging in His holiness. Our understanding of God is rooted in Scripture and illuminated through the confessions of our faith. As Lutherans, we humbly approach the mystery of God’s nature, recognizing the depths of His love and the significance of His redemptive work in our lives. May we continually seek to grow in our knowledge and relationship with the Almighty God, serving Him and our neighbors with gratitude and joy.