READ: John 1:12-18
No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. – John 1:18
First, the Lord Jesus teaches us to pray: Hallowed be Thy name. That is much more than just mentioning the name of the Lord God. What does God’s “name” mean? God’s names in the Bible already have a rich meaning: Elohim: God Almighty; Adonai: Lord, King; Yahweh: I am Who I am, the faithful Covenant God.
But “God’s name” also refers to His divine attributes and virtues and all that He shows of His divine deeds and works. The latter extends from before Creation to the Second Coming! All of God’s Word is full of who He is and what He has done, does, and will do. “God’s name” therefore means: God as He makes Himself known to us in His Word and works. How important it is for our dealings with Him and our service to Him to know Him well!
Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us God the Father (John 1:18). He did this through His teaching, miracles, and works of salvation, pointing to God’s love, grace, truth and righteousness. He prays in John 17:6 to His Father: “I have manifested Thy Name to the men whom Thou hast given Me out of the world.”
The Belgic Confession summarizes God’s attributes in article 1: We all believe with the heart and confess with the mouth that there is only one God … He is eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, immutable, infinite, almighty, omnipotent, perfectly wise, just, good, and the overflowing fountain of all good.” See also the references to Scripture in this article. Let us glorify and praise God and not forget all His benefits!
What is the purpose of our knowledge of God?
Singing: Ps. 103:1