What Do You Believe About God? Understanding the Foundation of Christian Faith
The foundation of our Christian faith begins with what we believe about God. These beliefs aren’t just theological concepts—they’re the catalysts that shape how we live, function in this world, and relate to both God and others around us.
What Is the Apostles’ Creed and Why Does It Matter?
The Apostles’ Creed represents the core, non-negotiable beliefs of Christianity. Developed over several centuries, it distills the essential teachings of the apostles into fundamental statements of faith. Unlike many ancient texts that were corrupted through additions, the Apostles’ Creed works in the opposite direction—it narrows down the faith to its most basic elements.
The creed contains three non-negotiable truths:
There is a God who created everything
He sent His Son who lived, died, and rose again
The Holy Spirit guides believers today
If any one of these statements is false, then our entire faith collapses. As the creed states: “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”
Who Is God According to Scripture?
The Bible reveals numerous attributes of God that help us understand who He truly is:
God as Creator
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
God is the one who brought everything into existence. Nothing was created by accident or mistake—including you.
God as Father
“Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground, breathed into his nostrils the very breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” (Genesis 2:7)
Unlike imperfect earthly parents, God is the perfect parent who created us for relationship.
God as a Being with Personality
“And God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.'” (Exodus 3:14)
God isn’t just some nebulous force—He has a personality, makes choices, and directs history.
God as Holy
“You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2)
God is completely without sin or deceit.
God as Faithful and Trustworthy
“God is not a man that he should lie, or a son of man that he should change his mind.” (Numbers 23:19)
When God makes a promise, He keeps it.
God as Sovereign and All-Powerful
“I am the first, and I am the last. Besides me, there is no God.” (Isaiah 44:6)
God has ultimate authority and power over all creation.
God as Forgiving and Merciful
“I have blotted out like a thick cloud your transgressions, and like a cloud your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.” (Isaiah 44:22)
God offers forgiveness and mercy to those who turn to Him.
God as Protector and Defender
“This God, his way is perfect. The word of the Lord proves true. He is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (Psalm 18:30)
God defends and protects His people.
God as Omnipresent
“Where can I go from your spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7)
There is nowhere we can go where God is not present.
God as All-Knowing
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
God knew us before we were even conceived.
God as Unchanging
“For I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)
God’s character and nature remain constant.
Why Does What You Believe About God Matter?
What you believe about God directly impacts how you live your life:
It affects how you view yourself – If you believe God created you intentionally, you understand you’re not a mistake, regardless of the circumstances of your birth.
It influences how you make decisions – If you believe God is all-knowing and caring, you’ll seek His guidance in both major and minor decisions.
It determines what you turn to for fulfillment – If you don’t believe God is sufficient, you’ll try to fill that void with things that ultimately leave you empty—drugs, alcohol, risky behaviors, or other substitutes.
It shapes your understanding of suffering – Your view of God’s sovereignty and goodness affects how you interpret the evil and suffering in the world.
When we don’t believe God is an attentive, all-powerful parent, we begin trying to meet our own needs in harmful ways. We elevate our desires to a place of idolatry, making ourselves little gods.
How Do We Know What to Believe About God?
The Bible provides us with God’s self-revelation. Through Scripture, we discover that God is:
An almighty, holy, unchanging, omnipresent being
A sovereign creator and perfect parent
A sustainer who is forgiving, merciful, faithful, and trustworthy
Intentional in His design and provision for creation
None of this is accidental. God created you purposefully, knows you intimately, and loves you completely.
Life Application
What you believe about God isn’t just theoretical—it’s practical. This week, take time to examine what you truly believe about God and how those beliefs are shaping your daily decisions and relationships.
Ask yourself:
Do I truly believe God is almighty, or do I act as though He’s limited?
Do I trust God as a perfect parent, or am I trying to parent myself?
What aspects of God’s character give me confidence? Which ones challenge me?
Am I trying to fill God-sized voids with things that can never satisfy?
How would my decisions change if I fully embraced what Scripture says about God?
The challenge is to get into God’s Word this week. Read through the Bible and discover how God describes Himself. Deepen your understanding of who you’re actually talking about when you say, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty.” Then begin living as if you truly believe these words.