The Father is the ultimate authority. The Son submits to the Father as does the Spirit.
For example, only the Father knows the hour of the return of Christ (Matthew 24:36). Christ Himself doesn’t even know it. The Holy Spirit only speaks what is given to Him to speak; He does not speak on His own initiative (John 16:13). It is ultimately the Father who is in complete control over the affairs of the universe (Psalm 103:19).
The Father is spirit (John 4:24). He does not have a body as far as Scripture indicates. His likeness is seen in the person of Christ (John 14:9), but He Himself is spirit.
He has revealed Himself as “I Am Who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). He is the self-existent One, not even requiring a proper name. He is who He is, and He always was and always will be. He further revealed Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:15).
Other names of God as He continued to make Himself known to Israel include the following (all found in the Old Testament):
- El Shaddai: All Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty
- El Elyon: The Most High God
- Adonai: Lord, Master
- Yahweh/Jehovah: Lord, Jehovah
- Jehovah Nissi: The Lord My Banner; the Lord My Miracle
- Jehovah-Raah: The Lord My Shepherd
- Jehovah Rapha: The Lord that Heals
- Jehovah Shammah: The Lord is There
- Jehovah Tsidkenu: The Lord Our Righteousness
- Jehovah Mekoddishkem: The Lord Who Sanctifies You; the Lord Who Makes Holy
- El Olam: The Everlasting God, the God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, the God of Ancient Days
- Elohim: God, Judge, Creator
- Qanna: Jealous, Zealous
- Jehovah Jireh: The Lord will Provide
- Jehovah Shalom: The Lord is Peace
- Jehovah Sabaoth:The Lord of Hosts, the Lord of Powers
For further study on the names of God, see:
This is the God we serve. He is powerful, holy, jealous, all-sufficient, Master, and Lord. Praise God that He is also merciful, gracious, abounding in steadfast love, and a God of patience, forgiveness, and healing.
Here are some of the characteristics of God:
- Omnipresent- everywhere at every time (Psalm 139:7-10)
- Omnipotent- all-powerful (Job 42:2)
- Omniscient- all-knowing (Job 12:13, Colossians 2:3)
- Immutable- never-changing (Hebrews 13:8)
- Eternal- always existing (Deuteronomy 33:27)
- Perfect (Deuteronomy 32:4)
- Holy (Leviticus 19:2)
- Righteous (Deuteronomy 32:4)
- Infallible (Deuteronomy 32:4)
- Cannot lie (Titus 1:2)
- Wonderful (1 Chronicles 16:24)
- Awesome (Psalm 66:5)
- Beautiful (Psalm 27:4)
- Love (1 John 4:7-8)
- Merciful (Psalm 145:8)
- Patient (2 Peter 3:9)
- Consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24)
- One to be feared (Psalm 67:7)
- Mysterious (Deuteronomy 29:29)
- Beyond comprehension (Isaiah 55:9)
- Sovereign- has everything under His control and supervision (Job 42:2)
- Jealous for worship (Exodus 20:5)
- Righteous Avenger; Just (Deuteronomy 32:35)
This is not a comprehensive list by any means. But it is a start.
The most wonderful thing about God is that He desires to be in relationship with mankind for eternity, if only man would choose to believe upon His Son. He wants to be known, loved, and worshipped. It is a precious thing that we can know and serve such a great and good God.
All of the characteristics that were portrayed by the Son are also those of the Father. No one in the universe has greater love than He does because He laid down the life of His Son. Those who have seen Christ have seen the Father, and those who have received Christ have received the Father (John 14:9).
Finally, the most remarkable thing of all is that, upon receiving Christ as Savior, this same God chooses to make His home in our hearts. He is never far away, and He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). He has made us His dwelling place (1 Corinthians 6:19). It doesn’t get any better than that until we are with Him in eternity.
The Good News