The Real Picture of God
A Biblical Exploration of God’s Nature Through Jesus Christ
Introduction: Why Knowing God Matters
When God leads us to study a topic deeply—especially as a series—it is often because He desires to reveal Himself more clearly to His people. God is constantly reaching out to humanity, inviting us into a deeper relationship with Him.
As Scripture says:
“You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free” (John 8:32).
There is something powerful about knowing. When truth becomes clear, it brings inner illumination and freedom.
At the center of the entire Bible is one profound truth found in John 3:16: God’s love for humanity revealed through Jesus Christ. From Genesis to Revelation, this message remains consistent—God is revealing Himself and His plan of redemption.
No One Has Seen God—Yet God Is Revealed
John 1:18 declares:
“No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son… has made Him known.”
This raises important questions:
How did God relate with Adam?
Why do people have different perceptions of God?
How can we truly know Him?
Because no one has seen God in His fullness, humanity has often formed incomplete or incorrect ideas about Him.
Why Misconceptions About God Exist
Throughout history, many religions have claimed to present the “true way” to God. This is partly because people try to define a God they have not fully known.
It is easy to misunderstand someone you have never truly encountered.
Just as you might misjudge someone you’ve never met, humanity has often misinterpreted God based on limited understanding, culture, or personal experiences.
God’s Ways vs. God’s Acts
Psalm 103:7 says:
“He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel.”
This reveals two important dimensions:
God’s acts — what He does
God’s ways — who He is
The children of Israel saw miracles (acts), but Moses understood God’s character (ways).
This explains why people can experience God differently. Knowing His acts without understanding His ways can lead to confusion about His nature.
The Ultimate Revelation: Jesus Christ
The clearest and most complete revelation of God is found in Jesus Christ.
John 1:14 says:
“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
Jesus is not just a messenger of God—He is the visible expression of the invisible God.
Through His life, we see:
God’s compassion
God’s mercy
God’s justice
God’s love
Hebrews 1:3 describes Jesus as:
“The exact representation of His being.”
If we want to know what God is like, we must look at Jesus.
Jesus Reveals God’s True Nature
When Jesus walked the earth:
The sick felt safe approaching Him
The outcasts were welcomed
Sinners were drawn to Him
This is important: people were not running away from Jesus—they were running toward Him.
Christianity Is Not Mere Religion—It Is Relationship
One major misunderstanding is presenting Christianity as just another religion.
Biblically speaking:
Religion is humanity trying to reach God
The Gospel is God reaching humanity
God did not wait for humanity to find Him—He came to us through Jesus.
Love, Not Fear, Defines God’s Relationship With Us
1 John 4:18 says: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
This does not mean we lack reverence for God. Rather:
Fear as terror is not the foundation of our relationship with God
Reverence, honor, and awe are
A healthy relationship with God is rooted in love, not fear-driven anxiety.
Understanding Difficult Scriptures (Matthew 7:21–23)
Jesus said:
“I never knew you.”
This statement is often misunderstood as directed toward believers who might “lose” their relationship with Him.
However, the emphasis is on relationship, not performance.
Also, Scripture clarifies the will of the Father:
“That everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40).
Salvation is rooted in faith in Christ—not merely works or outward activity.
God’s Heart Toward Humanity: The Lost Sheep
In Luke 15, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep.
The key message:
The shepherd seeks the sheep
The sheep does not find the shepherd
Salvation begins with God’s love reaching out to us.
Does God Care About the Details of Your Life?
Jesus said:
“Even the hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7).
This shows:
God’s attention to detail
God’s deep care for individuals
God is not distant or indifferent—He is deeply involved in our lives.
Clarifying the Story of Job
The story of Job is often misunderstood.
Important truths:
God is not the author of evil (James 1:13)
Satan is identified as the source of destruction in the narrative
Job’s understanding was limited at the time
We must interpret such passages in light of the full revelation of God in Jesus Christ.
The Central Truth: Jesus Is the Real Picture of God
Everything we believe about God must align with the revelation of Jesus. If an interpretation of Scripture contradicts the character of Christ, then it requires deeper study and must be re-examined in context. In all, Jesus is, and remains the standard.
Conclusion: Growing in the Knowledge of God
Knowing God is a lifelong journey. Your Salvation happens in a moment, but understanding God unfolds over time. As we continue to study, our perceptions are corrected, our relationship deepens, and our faith becomes more grounded
The ultimate goal is this:
To know God as He truly is—not as we assume, but as revealed in Jesus Christ.
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