“In the beginning God…’I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending.'” Genesis 1:1, Revelation 1:8
There is no way that a book can be written about God, and man’s relationship to God, that would do justice to the subject, without starting from the beginning, or rather with the One who IS the Beginning. When saying this, we are immediately confronted by a mighty, insurmountable mountain, impossible to climb, or reach its summit. It is that mountain of holiness which was revealed in the early days when Israel was in the wilderness, with Moses as His spokesman. The Lord made a very clear distinction between the people and Himself by telling Moses: “…but let not the priests and the people break through to come up unto the Lord, lest He break forth upon them.” (Exodus 19:24) So distinct was this separation between God and the people of Israel that He said, with respect to Mt. Sinai: “Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death.” (19:12) Why such a picture? It is for the same reason that throughout Scripture, God the Creator, and Christ, the Redeemer and Lord, constantly make the difference between Him in His holiness and man in his sinfulness, between the Creator and man the created. If there is not a true understanding of who God is in His uniqueness and power, and a clear understanding of who man is in his sinfulness, according to the Scriptures, then how will the Gospel be the ever-powerful message of salvation, sanctification, and glorification to lost man? How will man then cry to God, appealing to His mercy to be saved, and know the saving grace of His intervention in the life? To begin as a disciple, and to continue as one, imperative is the clear, concise, convicting, and confirmed vision of God in His holiness, power, and authority. To this one, God will ever reveal Himself in His goodness and mercy, for though He is God, He is debtor to no man.
Any “handbook,” which would clearly and simply provide the follower of Christ with a basic knowledge of how to know and follow God in Christ, must begin with a knowledge of the existence of God, and the knowledge of who He is. Again, we see this confirmed in the letter to the Hebrews, when the author writes: “But without faith, it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He IS, and that He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (11:6) We also see the importance of knowing WHO He is by the question that Paul asked Jesus on the road to Damascus, when he was blinded by a light from heaven. In answer to the voice that asked him, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me,” Paul then asked Jesus: “Who art Thou, Lord?” (Acts 9:5) It was then that Jesus answered: “I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.” The disciple who would begin to follow Christ, and continue to do so throughout his journey, must always begin with God, Christ, the Alpha, the Beginning. He must also begin by grasping that He is not one of many gods, but singular, holy, the only true God, in whom there is no blemish, nor shadow cast by turning. He is the everlasting God, who according the revelation of Him demands our trust, faith, and commitment. How could it ever be otherwise? How could One so great and holy, wise and good, merciful and gracious, not require of His creation, for their highest good, and God’s glory, a singular devotion of spirit, soul, and body? True faith begins here, at the feet of Christ, the “Author and Finisher of faith.” It begins with a true knowledge of the Father, and the Son of God, Christ. It begins only as the Holy Spirit reveals the truth of Christ to the heart and mind, and soul. In that revelation is laid the basis for faith, communion, and Life eternal.
Dear Father, Give us Thy vision. In Jesus’ name, Amen.