Now faith is the substance (certainty) of things hoped for (the promises of God), the evidence (conviction) of things not seen. ^{Hebrews 11:1}

Faith defined.

Faith is confidence, trust, and conviction that something is true. Christian faith is believing the Word of God, which leads to submission to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Faith begins by hearing the good news; through it, we are justified and have peace with God.

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. ^{Romans 10:17}

What is it that the Word of God tells us to believe?

When we hear the Word of God, we hear some incredible things. We are told that everyone is spiritually dead, unrighteous, an enemy of God, and headed for eternal damnation. We are told that God implanted himself in a teenage Jewish girl and was born as Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect, sinless life. We are told that God orchestrated an amazing plan to save humanity from Hell by the brutal murder of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was God incarnate, a member of the 3-person Godhead trinity, to atone for our sins through his crucifixion, and that he was then raised from the dead three days later. We are told that only those who believe this will enter Heaven, and those who do not believe will spend eternity in the agony of Hell.

Who would believe this?

This incredible message is delivered through preaching by mortal men, perhaps a sweaty evangelist in a $2,000 suit. We read scriptures written by a God we cannot see, hear, or touch, yet we are expected to accept them as true or face a punishment so terrible it is beyond comprehension. Who in their right mind would believe any of this? Our intellect, reason, and culture lead us to dismiss this as nonsense and move on with our lives. And that is precisely what most choose to do.

The Miracle.

Jesus answered and said unto them, this is the work of God, that ye believe on him who he hath sent. ^{John 6:29}

But here is the miracle of faith: those who hear and believe the good news of Jesus Christ are drawn and empowered by God to do so. Faith is not something we can produce ourselves. It is God who gives us faith and brings our spirit to life. Salvation by faith is an unearned and undeserved gift of God’s grace and mercy, one we can choose to accept or reject by free will.

No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. ^{John 6:44}

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: ^{Ephesians 2:8}

The Substantiation of Our Faith

Through life’s trials and challenges, the guidance, comfort, and answered prayers we experience confirm, validate, and strengthen our faith, demonstrating that the object of our belief is real and that we are not running this race in vain.

If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. ^{John 15:7-8}

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. ^{James 5:16}

Recognizing God’s work in our lives is also a powerful confirmation of the validity of our faith. God moves to direct us and shape our circumstances, and his impact is clearly seen in our lives.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. ^{Philippians 2:13}

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. ^{Proverbs 3:5-6}

Fools for Christ

Our faith is visceral, and the secular world sees Christians as naive, ignorant fools. But we know that when the time for faith has passed, we will be proven wise, and the worldly man will be revealed as the fool in his godless intellect. God takes great joy in saving humble, trusting souls who believe despite the world’s wisdom.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.^{1st Corinthians 1:18-21}

Man’s Unbelief is Natural

The origin of faith is God. The persistence of unbelief stems from free will, shaped by a hardened heart driven by worldly desires and a conscience seared by love of sin. Humanity’s default is not to believe the Word of God.

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ^{1st Corinthians 2:14}

He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ^{John 3:18}

The central tenet of Christianity can be summarized as, “I believe what the Holy Bible tells me.” However, the Bible contains a wealth of information, and different interpretations of its scriptures have led to varying dogmas among Christians. Still, the core and essential beliefs below form the foundation of Christianity. Those who believe otherwise are probably not true Christians.

God the Father

There is only one living and true God. He is eternal, unchanging, all-powerful, sovereign, incomprehensible, merciful, loving, gracious, patient, truthful, faithful, wise, all-knowing, and ever-present. He embodies perfect righteousness, morality, and holiness, free from evil, error, or sin. God works everything according to his immutable and righteous will. He forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin, rewarding those who diligently seek him. At the same time, he is just and terrible in his judgments, hating all sin and ensuring that the guilty are severely punished.

God the Son, Jesus Christ

He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.  ^{Matthew 16:15-16}

Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah), the Son of the living God, who was God incarnate, the Word (revelation) of God living among us. ^{John 1:14} He is our advocate in heaven, ^{1 John 2:1} and the light of the world. ^{John 8:12} Jesus is God, not a created being. He created all things ^{John 1:3} and all things were created for him. ^{Colossians 1:16} Jesus alone is the way to eternal life. ^{John 1:4} He is our only hope for salvation from the penalty of our sins and eternal life in Heaven ^{John 14:6}

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. ^{1st Peter 1:3-5}

God the Holy Spirit

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. ^{John 14:16}

The Holy Spirit dwells within believers, guiding, comforting, informing, counseling, and disciplining. Jesus called the Holy Spirit the “comforter” and said the Holy Spirit would be with us forever.

Jesus the Redeemer

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. ^{John 1:29}

Jesus is the spotless Lamb, the ultimate sacrifice who redeems us from the penalty of our sins. He bore the punishment for the ungodly through his brutal death on the cross. Jesus is the Redeemer for all who call on his name; he will either be your Savior or your Judge.

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ

And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. ^{1 Corinthians 15:17-20}

Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. This confirmed his divinity and his substitutionary atonement for our sins. If there had been no resurrection, Jesus would not have died for our sins but rather for his own. Christianity rests on the reality of the resurrection.

Nobody is Righteous Enough

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one ^{Romans 3:10}

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ^{Romans 3:23}

No one on earth is righteous enough to stand alone before God. Everyone is guilty in God’s eyes and faces condemnation; therefore, all people need a Savior, as no one can enter Heaven without the redemption offered by the blood of Jesus Christ. If you stand before God wrapped in the righteousness of Jesus, you will live; if you stand before God relying on your own righteousness, you will perish.

 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. ^{Romans 6:23}

Judgement is Coming

Everyone will be held responsible for their actions, thoughts, and intentions during their mortal life. You can stand before God forgiven and as an heir to his kingdom, or as a soul who died with unforgiven sins.

And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. ^{Hebrews 9:27}

Salvation is by Faith in Jesus Christ Alone (sola fide) and by the Grace of God Alone (sola gratia)

For by grace ye are saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works let any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

There is nothing man can do to earn salvation; it is a gift from God. Good works during your life do not bring salvation; only faith in Jesus Christ does that. We are saved by faith, not by good works. ^{Galatians 2:16} The only way to be saved is to know there is nothing you can do to be saved other than casting yourself on the mercy of God.

Jesus is the Only Way to Heaven (solus Christus)

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. ^{John 14:6}

There is only one way to heaven, and that is by faith and submission to Jesus Christ. This message of exclusivity carries terrible consequences for most of humanity.

The Bible is the Only Authority on Faith, Doctrine and Practice (sola scriptura)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. ^{Romans 1:16}

The Holy Bible is God’s word, his revelation to us, and it contains everything we need to know. It is the ultimate authority on all matters of faith. The traditions of organized religion, doctrines from human imagination, and proclamations from mortal committees are meaningless. Only God’s word reveals the truth; there is nothing else to consider.

 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. ^{Revelation 22:18-19}

God is in Control

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ^{Romans 8:28} 

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. ^{Peter 5:10}

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ^{Matthew 19:26}

Those in Christ are under the care of the creator and sustainer of all things. He controls every part of our lives except what we foolishly keep from him. Nothing happens to his children without passing through his hands; nothing surprises him, and everything that occurs is for our ultimate good.

The Return of Jesus Christ.

So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. ^{Hebrews 9:28}        

Jesus came to Earth the first time as a suffering servant. He did not come to judge but to save the world. For thousands of years since his departure, humanity has had the opportunity to turn to him and be saved from the inescapable wrath of God.

When Christ returns, He will not come as the humble servant who saves, but as the conquering king bringing God’s wrath upon the unrighteous world. This event will undoubtedly be the most dramatic and momentous in human history. 

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, King Of Kings, And Lord Of Lords. ^{Revelation 19:11-16}

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. ^{Romans 1:19-20}

Although God is not physically present or audibly speaks to us, there are undeniable, tangible markers in the world that attest to his presence.

The first point to consider is that we are here. There is no debate that, even under ideal conditions, the probability of the simplest life forms emerging from nothing is effectively zero. Consequently, the odds of a sophisticated mammal capable of comprehending a complex language and contemplating abstract concepts are then absolutely zero. Yet, here you are. How can we account for that?

Also, the planet where that unlikely mammal lives is perfectly designed and created for him. Earth has the exact amount of everything needed for humans and all other living things to thrive. Could Earth’s perfect distance from the Sun or the planet’s perfect composition of rock, water, temperature, and atmosphere be a fluke of nature?

Consider also the incredible diversity of living things here on Earth. There are so many species that they cannot be counted precisely. The most recent authoritative estimate is over 8.5 million, plus or minus a million. Among these millions of species is a wide range of configurations that speak to influence beyond just environmental pressure or the adaptation necessary to survive over time.

For example, the blue whale weighs 400,000 pounds, while the tiny bumblebee bat weighs only 7/100 of an ounce. One lives underwater, and the other flies through the air, using the echo of its screams to find and catch bugs. It seems unlikely that evolution alone could explain the incredible diversity of animals on Earth. Instead, it appears that the vast inventory of unique flora and fauna offers credible evidence of God’s work.

Another demonstration of God’s existence is the human eye. The eye is an amazing example of design perfection, providing the miracle of sight in a highly efficient, compact organ of irreducible complexity. It weighs only a quarter of an ounce, has millions of moving parts and light-sensitive cells, can distinguish over 10 million colors, and can spot a candle flame from about a mile and a half away. The genius of the eye’s design and its realization seems too extraordinary to have happened by chance, pointing to the existence of a divine architect and creator. Even Darwin, the father of the theory of evolution by natural selection, recognizes the obvious:

“To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I confess, absurd in the highest degree” – Charles Darwin.

Then there is morality – principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong. In nature, it is correct and acceptable for the strong to prey on the weak and for the cunning to deceive the naive. In this sense, there is no concept of wrong in nature; there is only the way things are. However, in human society, even though the definition and perception of morality may change somewhat over time, we recognize that some actions and behaviors are good, righteous, and noble, while others are immoral, unrighteous, and even evil.

Few would dispute that murder is immoral or that sacrificing for others is a righteous act. It is easy to recognize evil in our world, such as the depraved individual who massacred 20 innocent children at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Conversely, it is equally clear that someone who volunteers their life to save another or to save everyone represents the highest form of virtue. If there is only nature, with no distinction of morality, what accounts for our fundamental recognition of right and wrong, good and evil? Did we learn about these differences through upbringing, intellect, and life experiences? Or do we live in a world created by a God who intends for us to rise above the instincts of nature?

The evidence is compelling that our world and everything in it is the work of a deity, the Almighty God. However, both accepting and rejecting that conclusion require acts of faith. Some will see the existence of God as obvious and believe that to deny it goes against reason. Others will trust in the tiny odds that everything in creation happened by chance.

But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee; and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee; Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: and the fishes of the sea shall declare unto thee. Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this? In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.  ^{Job 12:7-10}

If the conclusion is that God exists, why is Christianity the correct pursuit of him?

Consider that Christianity sprang from the most obscure beginning, blossomed into the predominant religion on Earth, and has remained so well over the last thousand years. Billions of souls believe that Jesus Christ is God.

How could it be that the words of a man born in a primitive town 2,000 years ago, who delivered his message for only 36 months and gathered a handful of followers before his brutal murder, were not lost to the ages? How is it that this guy’s message has persisted?

Two thousand years after his crucifixion, Jesus is everywhere in society – either worshiped, ignored, mocked, or despised. It’s astonishing that the words and actions of a young Jewish carpenter from so long ago would be the most impactful and influential in human history. That is, unless Jesus Christ is who he claimed to be – God incarnate.

Aside from persistence and ubiquity, here are three more reasons why Christianity, which is faith in Jesus Christ, is superior to any other set of beliefs or concepts of God:

First, interaction and relationship are with God himself, not a prophet or a great moral teacher speaking about a distant deity. We come to know the one true living God who tells us about himself, ourselves, how to live, and how to perish.

Who (Jesus) is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. ^{Colossians 1:15-17}

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. ^{John 1:14}

Secondly, in Christianity, the forgiveness of our sins and our reconciliation with God are gifts he gives us. Every other religion, and even some Christian denominations that have missed the point, base salvation on things you must do, rituals you must perform, sacrifices you must make, or traditions and sacraments you must follow in hopes of earning God’s favor. There is no salvation in these things. Salvation is an unearned, unmerited gift, a miracle, an act of grace by God that saves us from the penalty of our sins and qualifies us for Heaven. Humanity, on its own merits, cannot earn a righteous standing with God.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. ^{Ephesians 2:8-9}

Thirdly, the foundation of Christianity is a book that claims to be the inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word of God, rather than just words about God. This book is the Holy Bible. Written over 1,500 years by 35 authors, it presents a consistent message of good and evil, God and humanity, life and death, judgment and salvation. The New Testament was written by disciples who knew Jesus personally. The apostles of Christ put words on paper in the power of the Holy Spirit and delivered the message and teachings of Jesus until they were martyred for what they preached. The divine nature, guidance contrary to human instinct, and the profound presentation of the good news of Jesus Christ all show that the scriptures did not originate from human wisdom or imagination.

The conviction that the Bible is God’s word is the essence of faith, and for those who trust in Jesus, the Bible serves as an amazing, dynamic connection with God. You will find it inexhaustible in its ability to reveal meaning, and through it, your life will be transformed. It holds everything we need to know about God and his guidance for us; the answers to all questions that matter are found in the Bible – if you desire to find them.

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. ^{2 Timothy 3:15-17}

Everything in this work you are reading and belief in the tenets of Christianity are based on faith and trust that the words in the Bible are, in fact, the words of God. The profane, natural man has no such faith. To him, the Bible is foolish nonsense, an archaic work of implausible fiction embraced by the gullible. The secular man cannot accept the things of God; he does not believe because he cannot believe.   

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ^{1 Corinthians 2:14}

In Christianity, believers have a direct relationship with God without the need for an intermediary. The forgiveness of sins, justification, and reconciliation with God are gifts available to everyone. Additionally, Christian doctrine is based on revelation directly from God. These are clear differences that set Christianity apart. No other religion, doctrine, philosophy, or man-made system of living or beliefs offers these things.

What follows is the dire message of Christianity and the hope of the Gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ.

The Bible gives us a clear picture of God’s character and qualities.

There is only one God. Throughout history, humanity has sought gods of imagination, lust, and superstition. The phrase “I am the Lord” appears 161 times in the Old Testament, clearly emphasizing that he is the one and only true God. There is no other God that exists.

I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I girded thee, though thou hast not known me: ^{Isaiah 45:5}

God is Omniscient. God knows everything, including the past, present, and future. Nothing surprises him, and nothing is hidden from him.

Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do (to whom we must answer). ^{Hebrews 4:13}

God is Omnipresent. He is everywhere at once; you cannot escape his presence. 

Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. ^{Psalm 139:7-10}

God is Omnipotent. His power is beyond our comprehension, and there are no limits to what he can do. God is in control of everything, all the time.

 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. ^{Genesis 1:1}

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.   ^{Colossians 1:16-17}

But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible. ^{Matthew 19:26}

An Eternal and Unchanging God. God is the same today, tomorrow, and forever.

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever. ^{Isaiah 40:8}

 Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of thy hands. They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed: But thou art the same, and thy years shall have no end. ^{Psalm 102:25-27}

God is Righteous. He is the author of all that is good; he is moral perfection. In him, there is no evil or error. To be in his presence, one must also be morally perfect, and only those clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ are deemed to meet this impossible standard.

For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness; his countenance doth behold the upright. ^{Psalm 11:7}

The Lord is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works. ^{Psalm 145:17}

This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ^{1 John 1:5}

A God of Wisdom: God’s wisdom of God is flawless, righteous, loving, kind, impartial, and far beyond man’s ability to comprehend.

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, (reasonable) full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. ^{James 3:17}

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ^{Romans 11:33-36}

The wisdom of God is very often contrary to the wisdom of man. He chose a Christian killer to become the greatest evangelist ever known. He proclaims that there is no one greater than a man who lives in the wilderness, surviving on honey and locusts. And he favors the humble, the lowest elements of humanity, for salvation and glorification.

Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. ^{1st Corinthians 1:25-29}

A God of Love God demonstrated remarkable love for humanity by sacrificing his Son to atone for our sins. That love endures today, as each of us has the opportunity to accept his gift of salvation and eternal life. He did this for people who opposed him, not those who loved him. Those who are not for God, who live in sin, are against him; yet he has provided them with a path to salvation instead of an eternity of suffering.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. ^{Romans 5:8-11}

A God of Patience God is patient, giving humanity thousands of years to turn to him. He is also patient with us individually, waiting a lifetime for us to repent and accept his Son. However, his patience has limits, and judgment is coming.

 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. ^{2 Peter 3:8-9}

A God of Assurance and Comfort. Our lives as Christians are not free of trials and troubles, nor are they meant to be. We will face tests in this life, and these tests can be severe. Thankfully, God is always with us, and our fate is in his righteous and loving hands. We trust him that all things work together for our ultimate good. Those who have faith in Christ can find comfort in this promise. However, those who do not have faith in Christ must face life’s challenges alone, and not all things work for their good.

The Lord is nigh (close) unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite (crushed) spirit. ^{Psalm 34:18}

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. ^{Psalm 23}

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. ^{Romans 8:28}

A God of Provision. God supplies everything necessary to live according to his will. His provision is abundant for those who live for him, sometimes beyond reason

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. ^{Luke 11:9-10}

A God to Call Father. As adopted sons and daughters, we look to God as our Father. He teaches, guides, protects, corrects, and disciplines us with love.

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ^{Galatians 4:6}

A Sovereign God. God is the ultimate power and authority. He makes decisions and choices according to his good pleasure. No power or being can thwart his will.

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, ^{Ephesians 1:4-5}

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. ^{Romans 9:18}

A God of Justice and Punishment. God is just and cannot condone sin, for which the penalty is death; and the unrepentant, unredeemed souls will receive just that.

For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. ^{Hebrews 10:30}

A God to be Feared. Because he is the ultimate authority and power, we stand in awe, reverence, respect, and obedience before him. We fear offending God and desire, above all else, to walk in a manner that pleases him. For those who are lost, there is no fear of God because he is perceived as an abstract or fictional concept. However, after this life, when the words in the Bible are proven true, they will surely come to experience a fear of God. Their fear, though, will not be one of respect; instead, it will be a fear born of remorse and terror – the crushing fear of judgment, condemnation, and imminent eternal agony – fear of God’s inescapable wrath.

Because of this reality, we are deeply grieved for those who have no fear of God and have turned away from Christ. They are destined to face the consequences of their unrepentant sin, and their fate is so terrible that it is unbearable to think about it.

Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. ^{Hebrews 10:29-31}

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. ^{Proverbs 9:10}

A God of Mercy. God is merciful to the contrite who have turned in faith to his Son. His mercy is inexhaustible to those who love (obey) him.

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. ^{Lamentations 3:22-23}

A God of Redemption. Jesus has redeemed us from the penalty of the law that illuminates our sins. This is God’s marvelous gift and an astounding demonstration of his love, providing us salvation from the wrath that is to come – wrath that we richly deserve.

That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. ^{John 3:15-18}

A God Beyond Comprehension. God, who is everywhere, knows everything, created everything, and whose plans and outcomes were predetermined before time and never fail, cannot be understood by man. We cannot comprehend how he operates. We understand God as well as a dog understands us.

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. ^{Proverbs 3:5}

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my was saith the Lord. ^{Isaiah 55:8}

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen. ^{Romans 11:33-36}

This is the nature of God: ruler, architect, creator, the incomprehensible sustainer of all things. He is the righteous and merciful judge, redeeming the faithful and punishing the disobedient.