Dr. Dan Hayden • 

The Bible never tries to prove the existence of God – it merely assumes God. The first words in the Bible simply say, “In the beginning God . . .” That’s our word for today: God.

Today I am beginning a series of word studies from the story of Creation in Genesis, chapter one, and since the account begins with God – so will we.

In Genesis 1:1 we read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”

The Bible begins with God as the Creator of all things. It assumes the existence of God as though it were so obvious that only a fool could say “There is no God.”

 

The word “God” is the Hebrew word, Elohim. The name of God which stresses His majesty and omnipotence. Actually the “im” ending on the name Elohim is the Hebrew plural ending, so that Elohim can actually mean “gods.” However, the name Elohim, when used as a name for God in the Bible is always used with singular verbs, which indicates only ONE God. Thus, Elohim is a plural name with a singular meaning – a uni-plural noun, thereby suggesting the uni-plurality of the Godhead. In other words, God is one – and yet more than one. The Bible presents Him as a tri-unity.

The concept of a triune God has always been difficult to understand. A single God – who is both a Father and a Son and a Holy Spirit – is unique among the religions of the world. And yet that is the way God presents Himself in the Bible. He is ONE GOD in THREE PERSONS. He is Elohim – the God who created the heavens and the earth.

Now you know the real meaning of the word.

Take note: Only a fool says there is no God, so – don’t be a fool. ■