The chapter ‘A Knowledge of God’ in Steps to Christ unveils the processes by which God speaks to His children today. The first of these three mediums is nature, the second is providence and the third is His word. The beginning of this chapter is very similar to the opening chapter of the book, testifying that God’s love is manifested in the works of His hand. “The green fields, the lofty trees, the buds and flowers, the passing cloud, the falling rain, the babbling brook, the glories of the heavens, speak to our hearts, and invite us to become acquainted with Him who made them all.” SC85.
Yet, while the things above and below do declare the glory of God (Psalms 19:1), the greatest manifestation of who He is found in the Bible. “God speaks to us in His word. Here we have in clearer lines the revelation of His character, of His dealings with men, and the great work of redemption.” SC87. The Bible is the very word of God, inspired by Him to be a message to the world. Interestingly, Jesus is called the “Word of God” (John 1:1-3) and just as Jesus was given to all of humanity for all time, so too was the Bible (God’s Word) given to all of humanity. Jesus and the Word are synonymous, when we love Jesus, we love the Word and not just certain parts of His Word, but all of it. From Genesis to Revelation.
Just as the Word reveals who God is, so too does Jesus reveal to us who His Father is. In John 1:14 the Scripture says, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” In other words, what God said about Himself in Genesis through to Malachi is who He was when He became flesh at the incarnation. This is great news; in fact, it is the best news! God doesn’t just declare who He is, God is who He says He is! His words and actions match. The God of the New Testament is the God of the Old Testament. He does not change (Malachi 3:6).
This means that all the Bible, from beginning to end, is a message from God to you. The Bible is more than just a book, it is a message to humanity from God Himself. It gives direction when everything is uncertain, it gives hope when everything seems hopeless and it gives meaning to those without purpose. God is not distant, but He is near and wants you to get to know Him. He has a plan for you, a purpose for you and a hope for you too. Looking for more? Then believe and act upon His promise “…Seek me and you shall find me…” Jeremiah 29:13.
