Chapter 1: Theology Proper — The Being of God
I. The Existence of God
- Cosmological Argument (因果论):
Every effect has its cause; the existence of the universe points to a Creator. - Teleological Argument (目的论):
The order, harmony, and purpose evident throughout the natural world testify to an intelligent designer behind creation. - Anthropological Argument (人类论):
The complexity of the human body and the existence of human attributes—conscience, intellect, emotion, and will—point to the existence of an all-powerful and benevolent God. - Moral Argument (道德论):
The human sense of right and wrong and moral awareness reveal the reality of a moral Being—God. - Ontological Argument (本体论):
Human reason cannot conceive of a perfectly great Being that does not exist; therefore, the very idea of a perfect God implies His real existence. - Universal Religious Argument (宗教论):
Across all nations, tribes, and cultures, there exists universal religious worship, which points to the existence of the One being worshipped—God.
II. False Theories Concerning God
Atheism – Denial of the existence of God.
Agnosticism – Claim that the existence of God is unknowable.
Evolutionism – Belief that life and the universe arose by natural processes, not divine creation.
Polytheism – Belief in many gods.
Pantheism – Belief that everything in the universe is God.
Deism – Belief in a distant Creator who does not intervene in the world.
III. Revelation of God
- General Revelation:
God reveals Himself through nature, providence, and conscience
(Romans 1:18–21; 2:14–15; Matthew 5:45; Acts 14:15–17).
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen,
being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” — Romans 1:20
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1–2
“He did not leave himself without testimony: he has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons;
he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” — Acts 14:15–17
- Special Revelation:
Through the Scriptures and Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21; John 1:18).
“All Scripture is God-breathed.” — 2 Timothy 3:16
“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways,
but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” — Hebrews 1:1–2
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” — John 1:1
IV. The Trinity of God
- The Unity of God
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” — Deuteronomy 6:4
“I and the Father are one.” — John 10:30
- The Plural Expressions of God in the Old Testament
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.’” — Genesis 1:26
“Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” — Isaiah 6:8
- The Existence of the Son in the Old Testament
“You are my Son; today I have begotten you.” — Psalm 2:7; cf. Isaiah 9:6; 7:14; Proverbs 30:4
- The Deity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
The Father is God: Romans 1:7; Galatians 1:3; Ephesians 1:2; Philippians 1:2
The Son is God: John 1:1; 8:58; 20:28; Romans 9:5; Philippians 2:6; Colossians 1:15–16
The Holy Spirit is God: Acts 5:3–4; 2 Corinthians 3:17
- Trinitarian Passages:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.
At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove.
And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” — Matthew 3:16–17
“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.” — Matthew 28:19
“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever—the Spirit of truth.” — John 14:16–17
“May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” — 2 Corinthians 13:14
“According to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the sanctifying work of the Spirit,
to be obedient to Jesus Christ and sprinkled with his blood.” — 1 Peter 1:2
V. The Attributes of God
A. Absolute Attributes
Spirituality:
God is spirit, not composed of material substance; hence idolatry is forbidden. (John 4:24; Exodus 20:4–6)
Self-Existence (Aseity):
God is self-existent and self-sufficient. (Exodus 3:14)
Immutability:
God never changes—in His being, attributes, or purpose. (Psalm 90:2; Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; James 1:17)
Eternity:
God is beyond time—without beginning or end. (Psalm 90:2–4; Revelation 1:8; Isaiah 46:9–10)
Omnipresence:
God is present everywhere and fills the universe. (Psalm 139:7–12; Jeremiah 23:23–24)
His presence comforts, warns, and reminds believers.
Unity/Simplicity:
God is one and indivisible; His nature is perfectly unified. (Exodus 34:6–7)
Holiness:
God is set apart from all creation and morally perfect; utterly separate from sin.
(Isaiah 6:3; Leviticus 11:44–45; 2 Corinthians 7:1; Hebrews 12:14)
B. Relative Attributes
Omniscience (All-Knowing):
God knows all things—past, present, future, and possible. (Job 37:16; Psalm 139:1–6; Isaiah 46:9–10; Matthew 6:8)
Omnipotence (All-Powerful):
God can do all things consistent with His nature and will. (Genesis 18:14; Jeremiah 32:27; Matthew 19:26; Luke 1:37)
His omnipotence is a source of comfort to believers.
Wisdom:
God chooses the best goals and the best means to achieve them. (Job 9:4; Proverbs 3:5–6; Romans 11:33; James 1:5)
Believers are called to trust the only wise God.
Truth:
God is truth itself—faithful, reliable, and the standard of all knowledge. (Numbers 23:19; John 14:6; Romans 3:4)
Love:
God is love; He gives Himself for others. (1 John 4:8–11; John 3:16; Romans 5:8; Matthew 22:37–39)
Goodness:
God is the ultimate standard of goodness; everything He is and does is worthy of praise.
(Psalm 100:5; Luke 18:19; James 1:17; Romans 8:28)
Grace / Mercy / Patience:
Mercy: God’s compassion toward the suffering.
Grace: God’s favor toward the undeserving.
Patience: God’s forbearance toward sinners.
(Exodus 34:6; Psalm 103:8; Romans 3:24; 1 Peter 5:10; Jonah 4:2)
Believers are to imitate God’s patience. (James 1:19; Galatians 5:22)
Righteousness / Justice:
God acts rightly and justly in all His dealings with humanity. (Genesis 18:25; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 3:25–26)
✅ Summary:
God is one in essence yet triune in person—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
He is eternal, all-knowing, all-powerful, perfectly holy, righteous, and loving.
Through His revelation—both general and special—He makes Himself known,
so that humanity may worship, trust, and obey Him.