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Is God only known for what He's done or for what He is? This question, seemingly deep and mysterious, is actually rather simple. But to truly explore the idea a few basic truths need to be established. Firstly, God shouldn't be thought of as a "what." Rather, as His Word reveals, God is a "who." Secondly since His Word stands as the ultimate truth, any question regarding His nature can be found therein.

So what does the Bible say on this topic? One doesn't really have to dig very far to begin to get clear clues about this. In the second book of the Bible, Exodus, God speaks to Moses. Moses has been told to go to Israel and instruct them that they should prepare to leave Egypt. Moses, a little skeptical to say the least, asks by what name he should call God. His reply: "God said to Moses, '~I am who I am. This is what you are to say to Israel: '~I am has sent me to you.'"

That was all the introduction He required. When I first read Exodus 3:14, I must confess I was reminded of Popeye, who always said "I am what I am and that's all what I am." I digress I know, but the point is that God says that who He is is how He is to be know. "I am."

Christ too, presented this introduction when He confronted some of the Jewish religious aristocracy. They challenged Him, saying that He was far too young to hold the authority with which he spoke. In John 8:56 he answers them "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"

Jesus repeated referred to the things He did as being for the purpose of revealing who God is. In John 14:9..."Jesus answered: 'Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, "Show us the Father"?'"

Yes, the list of thing God has done goes on without end. But all of it, from the creation of the universe, to His plan for the redemption of mankind, which was in place prior to that creation, is done for the purpose of revealing who He is to man, His creation.

To this I add my personal experience. When I was eighteen years old I was introduced to some people who tried to make me understand that they had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. At first I had a very difficult time wrapping my mind around this concept. To my way of thinking, Christ had been dead for 2000 years. How, I asked, could anyone possibly have a personal relationship with someone who'd been dead for two millennia? Eventually I came to understand that Christ had, in fact conquered death. He'd risen from the dead and lives to this day. He is the hope of all mankind. And, it became clear; He was waiting for me to come to Him, to make Him Lord of my life.

On the basis of this gradual understanding I too met Christ personally. I too understand who He is. He is my savior and my Lord. Since that time He has done some amazing things in my life, but I now realize that had He done none of it, it was who He is that matters.

Learn more about this author, Scott Varengo.
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