WHO IS GOD?

God is the creator of the heaven and the earth and everything that is in it. The light, water, air, plants,
animals and humans.
God created the entire world out of nothing and everything He created, He called “good”, Gen 1:31. God saved
the best for the last day of creation, He created man in His own image.

FATHER

GOD

SON SPIRIT
God is three in one – a Trinity, God the father, God the son and God the Holy spirit. The trinity is sometimes
explained like a triangle – three distinct points, yet still one figure overall.
God is love and HE demonstrated this attribute by sending His only son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, opening
the door for us to be reconciled to God.
God is a faithful father that keeps His promises to His children and finishes the good works He starts. God
doesn’t leave nor forsake His children, calling them back to Himself when going astray, He doesn’t stop loving
us even when we make mistakes.
God is not distant or hidden from us but wants us to be known personally. We can get to know God by reading
and studying the Bible. God desires to be in deep relationship with us, changing and guiding people’s lives.
While we can come to know God through reading the Bible, following Jesus Christ and listening to the Holy
spirit, we can’t confine God or put God in a box. Even when things happen that we can’t explain or understand,
we remain confident of God’s redemptive purpose in all things, trusting that God is good, that He loves us and
that our eternal salvation comes through God’s grace.
The first book of the Bible, Genesis 1 tells us much about God and everything that he created, it also includes
mankind relationship with God. while the book of Genesis itself means the beginning/origin, it shows us how
everything began and that God is the source and maker of all things.
This account goes on to describe the seven days of creation:
In the beginning- God started creation

The first day - light was created

 The second day- the sky was created

The third day - dry land, seas, plants and trees were created
 The fourth day- the Sun, Moon and stars were created

The fifth day - creatures that live in the sea and creatures that fly were created
The sixth day - animals that live on the land and finally humans, made in the image of God
were created.

By day seven - God finished his work of creation and rested, making the seventh day a
special holy day.

The Definition of God

Thinking correctly about God is of utmost importance because a false idea about God is idolatry. In Psalm
50:21, God reproves the wicked man with this accusation: “You thought I was altogether like you.” To start
with, a good summary definition of God is “the Supreme Being; the Creator and Ruler of all that is; the Self-
existent One who is perfect in power, goodness, and wisdom.”

Fact about God

The fact of God’s existence is so conspicuous, both through creation and through man’s conscience, that the
Bible calls the atheist a “fool” (Psalm 14:1). Accordingly, the Bible never attempts to prove the existence of
God; rather, it assumes His existence from the very beginning (Genesis 1:1). What the Bible does is reveal the
nature, character, and work of God.

The character of God

Here are some of God’s characteristics as revealed in the Bible: God is just (Acts 17:31), loving (Ephesians 2:4-
5), truthful (John 14:6), and holy (1 John 1:5). God shows compassion (2 Corinthians 1:3), mercy (Romans
9:15), and grace (Romans 5:17). God judges sin (Psalm 5:5) but also offers forgiveness (Psalm 130:4).

The work of God

We cannot understand God apart from His works, because what God does flows from who He is. Here is an
abbreviated list of God’s works, past, present, and future:
 God created the world (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 42:5);
 He actively sustains the world (Colossians 1:17)’
 He is executing His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:11) which involves the redemption of man from the curse
of sin and death (Galatians 3:13-14);
 He draws people to Christ (John 6:44);
 He disciplines His children (Hebrews 12:6); and
 He will judge the world (Revelation 20:11-15).

A Relationship with God

In the Person of the Son, God became incarnate (John 1:14). The Son of God became the Son of Man and is
therefore the “bridge” between God and man (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). It is only through the Son that we can
have forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7), reconciliation with God (John 15:15; Romans 5:10), and eternal
salvation (2 Timothy 2:10). In Jesus Christ “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form” (Colossians 2:9).
So, to really know who God is, all we have to do is look at Jesus.

What is God like?

The nature of God
We know certain things to be true of God for one reason: in His mercy He has condescended to reveal some of
His qualities to us. God is spirit, by nature intangible (John 4:24). God is One, but He exists as three Persons—
God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:16-17). God is infinite (1 Timothy 1:17),
incomparable (2 Samuel 7:22), and unchanging (Malachi 3:6). God exists everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12), knows
everything (Psalm 147:5; Isaiah 40:28), and has all power and authority (Ephesians 1; Revelation 19:6). The
Bible gives us a full revelation of what God is like. There are hundreds of things we could say about God as
revealed in the Bible, but here are four to focus on:
First, the Bible declares
 God to be Spirit. In the Gospel of John, Jesus is talking to a woman at the well. He makes a
straightforward statement about God when He says simply, “God is Spirit.” You might envision a sort of
cloudy vapor, but that is not a picture of God. You can find out what Spirit is from these words of Christ
after His resurrection: “Handle Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have”
(Luke 24:39, NKJV). Spirit is the opposite of body, something that is not limited by a body.
The Bible declares that God is Spirit, that He is not limited to body, shape, force or boundaries. He is absolutely
immeasurable and unfathomable to eyes that are limited to physical things. He can be everywhere at the same
time. He has unlimited wisdom, power, love and mercy.
The Bible teaches that God has always existed. He is eternal—He has no beginning or end—and unchanging—
He is the same today and forever.
Second, the Bible reveals
 God as a Person. Everywhere in the Bible we read: “God loves;” “God says;” “God does.” Everything
that we attribute to a person is attributed to God. A person is one who feels, thinks, wishes, desires and
has all the expressions of a personality. God is not bound by a body, but He is a person. He feels, thinks,
loves and forgives.
Third, the Bible declares that
 God is a holy and righteous Being. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals Himself as a holy God.
He is perfect in every detail. He is too holy to endure sinful living because He is a good, perfect God.
If we could ever get a vision of God’s majestic righteousness, what a tremendous difference it would make in
the way our nations live. If we could once see the appalling difference that separates our unrighteousness from
God’s perfect righteousness, it would change our way of living immediately. We all fall short of God’s glory
(Romans 3:23).
The Scripture declares God to be Light in whom there is “no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). It is impossible to
understand the Bible unless you have a clear understanding of the holiness of God. His holiness determines all
His other attributes.
Because God is holy, a gap exists between God and us, the sinners. The Scripture says, “your iniquities have
separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear” (Isaiah
59:2, NKJV). Not only is the sinner separated from God, but God is separated from the sinner. Because God is
holy, He can have nothing to do with sin.
Before sin came into the world, humanity and God had fellowship with each other. Now that fellowship is
broken, and it is impossible for a sinner to have any contact with God unless it’s through Jesus Christ. People do
not possess, nor can they acquire, the sinlessness that is necessary to access God. Christ, however, came to
make such access possible.
Fourth,
 God is love. Many people have misunderstood that part of God’s nature. The fact that God is love does
not mean that everything is sweet, beautiful and happy and that God’s love could not possibly allow
punishment for sin.
God’s holiness demands that all sin be punished, but God’s love provided a plan of redemption and salvation for
sinful people. It was the love of God that sent Jesus Christ to the cross: “For God so loved the world that He
gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
You may think, “Does God really love me?” No matter what sin you have committed, no matter how dirty,
shameful or terrible it may be, God loves you. But it is up to you to believe in Jesus Christ, ask forgiveness for
your sins and receive His gift of eternal life.
Some people might say: “I still can’t understand God. Therefore, I can’t receive Him.” I can’t understand
how a black cow can eat green grass and produce white milk, but I drink milk. I don’t refuse to turn on my radio
because I can’t understand how it works. Every day, we do thousands of things that we don’t fully understand.
It is impossible for limited human minds to understand God completely. That’s where faith comes in. By faith, I
receive His plan for my redemption. I trust Christ as my Savior.
NAMES OF GOD

S/N IN HEBREW IN ENGLISH

1 El Shaddai Lord God Almighty
2 El Elyon The Most High God
3 Adonai Lord, Master
4 Yahweh Lord, Jehovah
5 Jehovah Nissi The Lord My Banner
6 Jehovah-Raah The Lord My Shepherd
7 Jehovah Rapha The Lord That Heals
8 Jehovah Shammah The Lord Is There
9 Jehovah Tsidkenu The Lord Our Righteousness
10 Jehovah Mekoddishkem The Lord Who Sanctifies You
11 El Olam The Everlasting God
12 Elohim God
13 Qanna Jealous
14 Jehovah Jireh The Lord Will Provide
15 Jehovah Shalom The Lord Is Peace
16 Jehovah Sabaoth The Lord of Hosts

Introduction
Let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory [is] above the earth and heaven." Psa
148:13
In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was
attached to the name. Names had, among other purposes, an explanatory purpose (e.g., Nabal, whose name means "fool,"
is the target of Abigail's explanation to David: "For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him:" -
1Sa 25:25). Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we study these names that He
reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the
central personality and nature of the One who bears them.
Who is God to you?
Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father? We
must be careful not to make God into an "it" or a "thing" to which we pray. He is our Jehovah Raah, the Lord our
Shepherd. God knows us by our name, shouldn't we know Him by His?
Hallowed be Your name?
To hallow a thing is to make it holy or to set it apart to be exalted as being worthy of absolute devotion. To hallow the
name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God's name is of the utmost importance
(Neh 9:5); therefore we ought reserve it a position of grave significance in our minds and hearts. We should never take His
name lightly (Exd 20:7; Lev 22:32), but always rejoice in it and think deeply upon its true meaning.
1. El Shaddai (Lord God Almighty)
All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used in Gen 17:1.
El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various
aspects of God's character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning
"breast" in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning
"mountain," suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His
people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who
freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.
El Shaddai in the Old Testament: Gen 17:1; Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3
2. El Elyon (The Most High God)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Elyon occurs 28 times. It occurs 19 times in Psalms. El Elyon is first used in
Gen 14:18.
El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various
aspects of God's character. Elyon literally means "Most High" and is used both adjectivally and substantially throughout
the Old Testament. It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence. When the two
words are combined - El Elyon - it can be translated as "the most exalted God."(Psa 57:2)
El Elyon in the Old Testament: Gen 14:18; Gen 14:19; Gen 14:20; Gen 14:22; Psa 57:2; Psa 78:35.
3. Adonai (Lord, Master)
In the Old Testament Adonai occurs 434 times. There are heavy uses of Adonai in Isaiah (e.g., Adonai Jehovah). It occurs
200 times in Ezekiel alone and appears 11 times in Daniel Chapter 9. Adonai is first used in Gen 15:2.
Adonai is the verbal parallel to Yahweh and Jehovah. Adonai is plural; the singular is adon. In reference to God the plural
Adonai is used. When the singular adon is used, it usually refers to a human lord. Adon is used 215 times to refer to men.
Occasionally in Scripture and predominantly in the Psalms, the singular adon is used to refer to God as well (cf. Exd
34:23). To avoid contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd
20:7), sometimes Adonai was used as a substitute for Yahweh (YHWH). Adonai can be translated literally as, "my lords' "
(both plural and possessive).
4. Yahweh (Lord, Jehovah)
In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs 6,519 times. This name is used more than any other name of God. Yahweh is first
used in Gen 2:4.
Yahweh is the promised name of God. This name of God which (by Jewish tradition) is too holy to voice, is actually
spelled "YHWH" without vowels. YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which simply means "the four letters").
YHWH comes from the Hebrew letters: Yud, Hay, Vav, Hay. While YHWH is first used in Genesis 2, God did not reveal
Himself as YHWH until Exodus 3. The modern spelling as "Yahweh" includes vowels to assist in pronunciation. Many
pronounce YHWH as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah." We no longer know for certain the exact pronunciation. During the third
century A.D., the Jewish people stopped saying this name in fear of contravening the commandment "Thou shalt not take
the name of the LORD thy God in vain" (Exd 20:7). As a result of this, Adonai is occasionally a substitute for YHWH.
The following compound names which start with "YHWH" have been shown using "Jehovah." This is due to the common
usage of "Jehovah" in the English of these compound names in the early English translations of the Bible (e.g., the
Geneva Bible, the King James Version, etc.).
5. Jehovah Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
The Lord My Banner, The Lord My Miracle, the Lord is my Refuge
In the Old Testament Jehovah-Nissi occurs only once in Exd 17:15.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Nes (nês), from which Nissi derived, means "banner" in Hebrew. In Exd 17:15, Moses,
recognizing that the Lord was Israel's banner under which they defeated the Amalekites, builds an altar named Jehovah-
Nissi (the Lord our Banner). Nes is sometimes translated as a pole with an insignia attached. In battle opposing nations
would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldiers a feeling of hope
and a focal point. This is what God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point.
Jehovah Nissi in the Old Testament: Exd 17:15.
6. Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
In the Old Testament Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd) is used in Psalm 23.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rô'eh from which Raah derived, means "shepherd" in Hebrew. A shepherd is one who
feeds or leads his flock to pasture (Eze 34:11-15). An extend translation of this word, rea', is "friend" or "companion."
This indicates the intimacy God desires between Himself and His people. When the two words are combined - Jehovah
Raah - it can be translated as "The Lord my Friend."
Jehovah-Raah in the Old Testament: Gen 48:15; Gen 49:24; Psa 23:1; Psa 80:1
7. Jehovah Rapha (The Lord Who Heals)
In the Old Testament Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in Exd 15:26.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha (râpâ') means "to restore", "to heal" or "to make healthful" in Hebrew. When the
two words are combined - Jehovah Rapha - it can be translated as "Jehovah Who Heals." (cf. Jer 30:17; Jer 3:22; Isa
30:26; Isa 61:1; Psa 103:3). Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.
Jehovah Rapha in the Old Testament: Exd 15:26
8. Jehovah Shammah (The Lord Is There)
In the Old Testament Jehovah Shammah occurs only once in Ezekiel 48:35.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as "there."
Jehovah Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned
Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration.
Jehovah Shammah in the Old Testament: Eze 48:35
9. Jehovah Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
In the Old Testament Jehovah Tsidkenu occurs 2 times. Jehovah Tsidkenu is first used in Jer 23:6.
the Lord our God spoke to us
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Tsedek (tseh'-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived, means "to be stiff," "to be straight,"
or "righteous" in Hebrew. When the two words are combined - Jehovah Tsidkenu - it can be translated as "The Lord Who
is our Righteousness."
Jehovah Tsidkenu in the Old Testament: Jer 23:6; Jer 33:16
10. Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You)
The Lord Who Sanctifies You, The Lord Who Makes Holy
In the Old Testament Jehovah Mekoddishkem occurs 2 times. Jehovah Mekoddishkem is first used in Exd 31:13.
the Lord that sanctifies you
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Mekoddishkem derives from the Hebrew word qâdash meaning "sanctify," "holy," or
"dedicate." Sanctification is the separation of an object or person to the dedication of the Holy. When the two words are
combined - Jehovah Mekoddishkem - it can be translated as "The Lord who sets you apart."
Jehovah Mekoddishkem in the Old Testament: Exd 31:13; Lev 20:8
11. El Olam (The Everlasting God)
The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days
El Olam is first used in Gen 21:33.
El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various
aspects of God's character. Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever,"
"eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined - El Olam - it can be translated as "The Eternal God."
El Olam in the Old Testament: Gen 21:33; Jer 10:10; Isa 26:4
12. Elohim (God)
God, Judge, Creator
In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in Gen 1:1.
Elohim in the Septuagint: theos - the standard Greek word for god, "a transcendent being who exercises extraordinary
control in human affairs or is responsible for bestowal of unusual benefits" (BDAG). It specifically refers to the
monotheistic God of Israel.
Meaning and Derivation: Elohim is translated as "God." The derivation of the name Elohim is debatable to most scholars.
Some believe it derived from 'êl which, in turn, originates from the root word, 'wl (which means "strong"). Others think
that Elohim is derived from another two roots: 'lh (which means "god") in conjunction with 'elôah (which means "fear").
And still others presume that both 'êl and Elohim come from 'eloah.
13. Qanna (Jealous)
Jealous, Zealous
In the Old Testament Qanna occurs 6 times. Qanna is first used in Exd 20:5.
Qanna is translated as "jealous," "zealous," or "envy." The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is
depicted as Israel's husband; He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. (cf. Exd 34:14)
Qanna in the Old Testament: Exd 20:5; Exd 34:14; Deu 4:24; Deu 5:9; Deu 6:15
14. Jehovah Jireh (The Lord Will Provide)
In the Old Testament Jehovah-Jireh occurs only once in Gen 22:14.
the Lord has seen
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Jehovah-Jireh is a symbolic name given to Mount Moriah by Abraham to memorialize
the intercession of God in the sacrifice of Isaac by providing a substitute for the imminent sacrifice of his son.
Jehovah Jireh in the Old Testament: Gen 22:14
15. Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace)
In the Old Testament Jehovah-Shalom occurs only once in Jdg 6:24.
peace of the Lord
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shalom is a derivative of shâlêm (which means "be complete" or "sound") Shalom is
translated as "peace" or "absence from strife." Jehovah-Shalom is the name of an altar built by Gideon in Ophrah.
Jehovah-Shalom in the Old Testament: Jdg 6:24
16. Jehovah Sabaoth (The Lord of Hosts)
The Lord of Powers
Jehovah and Elohim occur with Sabaoth over 285 times. It is most frequently used in Jeremiah and Isaiah. Jehovah
Sabaoth is first used in 1Sa 1:3.
Jehovah is translated as "The Existing One" or "Lord." The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word
Havah meaning "to be" or "to exist." It also suggests "to become" or specifically "to become known" - this denotes a God
who reveals Himself unceasingly. Sabaoth (se bâ'ôt) means "armies" or "hosts." Jehovah Sabaoth can be translated as
"The Lord of Armies" (1Sa 1:3). This name denotes His universal sovereignty over every army, both spiritual and earthly.
The Lord of Hosts is the king of all heaven and earth. (Psa 24:9-10; Psa 84:3; Isa 6:5).
Jehovah Sabaoth in the Old Testament: 1Sa 1:11; 1Sa 17:45; 2Sa 6:18; 2Sa 7:27; 1Ki 19:14; 2Ki 3:14; 1Ch 11:9; Psa
24:10; Psa 48:8; Psa 80:4; Psa 80:19; Psa 84:3; Isa 1:24; Isa 3:15; Isa 5:16; Isa 6:5; Isa 9:19; Isa 10:26; Isa 14:22; Jer
9:15; Jer 48:1; Hsa 12:5; Amo 3:13; Mic 4:4; Nah 3:5; Hag 2:6; Zec 1:3; Mal 1:6; Hab 2:13; Zep 2:9 =l+