That’s a tough question, isn’t it? The Bible has three verses which talk about the divine nature in a specific way. The King James Version (KJV) and the updated New King James Version (NKJV) use the term “Godhead” to refer to His being or nature.
We’re going to examine these to see what Scripture teaches us about what God is like.
Alive
“Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.” – Acts 17:29 (KJV)
The Greek word theios is an adjective but can also serve as a noun, in which case it refers to deities or gods. This word occurs in the New Testament only in this verse and in 2 Peter 1:3-4 where it’s translated as the adjective “divine.”
“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” – 2 Peter 1:3-4 (NKJV)
But back to Paul!
The apostle uses human nature to contrast God’s nature with idols. People manufacture the latter out of material resources like stone, metal, and wood. But the folks who fashion inert statues are not themselves lifeless; they move, breathe, think, and act. Idols do none of these.
Paul reminds his audience that people can exercise productive capacities because they resemble God–human beings are His offspring. Idols have no life; we can’t say they’re dead because they were never alive. They’re inanimate objects.
But we, have life as a gift from our Creator. And it’s a special gift, too! People can dig up precious metals and make idols out of them, but they can’t breathe life into those images.
God, too, created humanity out of the dirt, yet when He breathed into Adam, the man became “a living soul” (see Genesis 1:27). No craftsman can copy that!
Paul points out this truth to impress on his audience the folly of idolatry. Why worship something that’s inferior to you? Idols are lifeless, but you’re not!
We’ve received life from the living God; our nature testifies to us this much about the nature of God–He lives!
Powerful
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” – Romans 1:20 (NKJV)
This verse has the only occurrence in the New Testament of the Greek noun theiotes. In Romans 1:18-32, Paul rails against the consequences of idolatry. People have no excuse for this sin because creation reveals God’s nature and power. By paying attention to the world around us, we glean hints about the wisdom, goodness, and power of the One who made it.
As living beings suggest a living Creator, so an awesome universe declares a powerful God.
Complete
“For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily.” – Colossians 2:9 (NKJV)
The Greek noun here is theotes and occurs only in this verse in the New Testament. This statement takes a different turn from the general truths mentioned in the previous verses.
It’s good to know that God is alive and that He’s all-powerful, but how do we get close to Him? What’s His character or His personality? Is He good, bad, indifferent?
Our questions find answers in Jesus. God’s full nature dwells within Him as the God-man; fully divine and fully human.
As God, Jesus deserved worship, yet He faced rejection to the point of crucifixion. But He never doubted Himself. He knew who He was and didn’t need people to recognize or acknowledge Him. If they did so, it was to their benefit, not His. Jesus integrated within Himself perfect confidence and humility.
And in doing so, Christ shows us another aspect of the nature of God–it’s complete, fulfilled, and secure. The Lord lacks nothing; He’s in total control of Himself and knows how to see His plans through.
Although the cross looked like a disaster for the kingdom of God, it wasn’t. Quite the opposite; it’s the basis of our salvation. The death and resurrection of Jesus qualifies us to enter into the kingdom. Our sins are forgiven and new life awaits us–God’s life in Christ!
Application
The debates about God’s existence and nature will continue to rage. To keep yourself informed, you can delve into some of the discussions.
But don’t get bogged down. The Bible gives you a few simple statements about what God is like, so contemplate them. If these verses strike you as obvious, you’ve only scratched the surface. There’s more! God’s Word goes deep and the further you explore, the more of Jesus you will discover.
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