“For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6)
It might surprise you to think in these terms, but the ultimate goal for every Christian should be to become a theologian, simply because the word theology literally means “the study of God.” William Perkins explains, “Theology has two parts: the first of God, the second of his works.”[1] In other words, continually increasing our knowledge and understanding of the person and work of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ is what believers are primarily called to do (Eph. 1:17; 2 Peter 1:2).
No matter how much you may think you know about God, there is always more to learn from Him and about Him. And one of the best places to begin is by observing the overwhelming evidence all around us validating His existence. Such evidence includes the natural order of the world, the nature of the human soul, the distinction between right and wrong, the inner voice of conscience, the cause and effect in everything which signals an original source, and the purpose and end of all things.
Another avenue by which you might grow your knowledge of God is through a study of His many names… simply because His names portray various aspects of His nature. In Exodus 6:2 it is written, “And God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him, I am Jehovah: and I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.” God makes it clear in this single verse that there is a separate and distinct association between His names and aspects of His nature. Another example is the name He gave Moses in Exodus 3:13, “I am that I am.” This name represents His vibrant and perfect essence as well as His utter self-sufficiency in that He is life in Himself and the source of all life (John 5:26, 14:6).
Additional aspects of God’s nature include His infinite simplicity, which means He is not subject to generalities or specifics, wholes or parts, matter or form. Further, God’s nature is unchanging, consistent, and trustworthy, without any division or alteration (James 1:17, Mal. 3:6). Even when Scripture speaks of God’s “repentance,” it signifies a change in His actions, not His nature.
God’s nature is also incorporeal and therefore intangible and invisible (John 4:24, 2 Cor. 3:17, 1 Tim.1:17, Col. 1:15). He is eternal, meaning He has no beginning and no end (Ps. 90:2, Rev. 1:8). And He is present everywhere, beyond all comprehension (1 Kings 8:27, Jer. 23:24). Our God is one God, all-knowing (1 Kings 8:39, Ps. 139:1-2) and incomparable (Isa. 45:5). May our singular desire and life-long pursuit be to grow in our knowledge of this majestic God.
Contemplations:
- The Nature of God: Reflecting on the various ways God reveals Himself to us, I’m struck by the vastness of His nature. From the order of the world to the cause and effect in everything, how often do I pause to recognize these daily affirmations of His existence?
- God’s Names and Titles: The distinction between Jehovah and Elohim in Exodus 6:2 makes me ponder the depth of God’s identity. Each name and title given Him throughout Scripture reveal a different facet of His character. How do I personally relate to these different aspects of God?
- God’s Simplicity and Infinity: The concepts of God’s simplicity and infinity challenge my understanding. He is both uncomplicated in His essence and boundless in His presence. How can I better embrace and appreciate these truths in my Christian walk?
- God’s Wisdom: The idea that God knows everything in one eternal and unchanging act is awe-inspiring. He understands the past, present, and future, and nothing is hidden from Him. How should this knowledge influence my decisions and trust in His plans for my life?
Further References for Malachi 3:6:
Num. 23:19; James 1:17; Lam. 3:22; Heb. 13:8
[1] William Perkins, A Golden Chain (Cambridge: John Legat, 1600), 1.
