Catechism Question 5
Who is God?
God is the Infinite, Eternal, Sovereign Creator of everything.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question and the next one we are discussing the Being and work of God.
Because of God’s Being (Infinite, Eternal, and Sovereign) and His work (Creator) we owe God absolute obedience. He is far superior to us and created us, so it is necessary for us to meet His demands. Thus, we owe the Infinite, Sovereign Eternal Creator absolute, perfect obedience and conformity to His character, which will be described in an upcoming question .
Additional Questions:
How does the Bible describe God?
What is God’s Being like?
How does the Bible describe God’s Being?
What words describe God’s Being?
Scripture References:
Jeremiah 23:24
“Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD.
Psalm 139:7
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
1 Timothy 1:17
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 90:2
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.
Deuteronomy 33:27
The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.
Genesis 1:1
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
Colossians 1:16
For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him.
Revelation 4:11
“You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Questions for Further Discussion:
What does it mean to say that God is infinite? Is anyone or anything else infinite?
What do we mean when we say God is eternal? Is anyone or anything else eternal?
What do we mean when we say God is Sovereign? If He is Sovereign, having all authority, what about other leaders at home, in the church, at work and in the government? Where do they get their authority? Should we obey them?
Why is it important to know that God is the Creator of everything? If He is the Creator, what do we owe Him?
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 4 from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. Any resources you find on the Westminster Shorter Catechism or the New City Catechism will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teaching “Who Is God” (August 11, 2019) by Bret Hicks, and “The Absolute Supremacy of God” (February 25, 2007) by Bret Hicks.
Suggested Worship Song:
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (by Walter C. Smith – 1867, scripture I Tim. 1:17)
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest—to both great and small;
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
’Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.