Shorter Catechism Question # 4

Q4: What is God?

A4: God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.


Question 3 says that there are two major headings in the teaching of the Bible:

1) What man is to believe concerning God.
2) What duty God requires of man.

Question 4 is the first in a series of questions that addresses “what man is to believe concerning God.”

1. The first truth we must know about God is that “God is.”

“In the beginning God…” ~ Genesis 1:1
“He who comes to God must believe that He is.” ~ Heb 11:6
And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said, "Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’" ~ Exodus 3:14

2. The existence of God is known by all men innately, though this knowledge is suppressed on account of sin. Creation, providence and conscience all testify that God exists, but we rebel against this truth. All men “are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful.” ~ Romans 1:20-21

3. Though God is revealed to all men in creation, providence and conscience, both the Scriptures and the regeneration of the Holy Spirit are necessary for man to have saving knowledge of God and detailed knowledge of His character.

4. God is revealed most clearly in His Son. We must go to the Scriptures to learn of the Son.

“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
“You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.” ~ John 5:39

5. “God is a Spirit.” Therefore, we must not conceive of any images of God in our minds or form any visible representation of Him. (Deuteronomy 4:15-16) Since God is a Spirit, we must worship Him “in spirit and in truth.” ~ John 4:24

6. We were created to know God. We must study the Scriptures and learn of the names and the attributes of God in order to know Him well. We must know Him well if we would love Him and worship Him as He deserves.

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” ~ John 17:3
“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever.” ~ 1 Chronicles 28:9