What does it mean to say that God is love, light, life, and spirit? In Who God Is, world-renowned New Testament scholar Ben Witherington III explores the nature and character of the God of the Bible by focusing specifically on the nouns used to describe who God is. This rich exploration has its foundation in a deep reading of the biblical text. Reflecting on these descriptions of God gives us a fresh understanding of the beauty and uniqueness of the character of our God.
There is much here to inform, correct, and inspire the Christian mind.
—John Barclay, The University of Durham
A thoughtful collection of meditations on God’s character.
—David A. deSilva, Ashland Theological Seminary
As a pastor and church leader, this was the most important book I have read this year.
—Jacob Armstrong, Providence Church, Mt. Juliet, TN
Simple, approachable, and understandable.
—Philip Jenkins, Baylor University
You will be reminded of just how glorious our holy God of grace and compassion is.
—Darrell Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary
“My conclusion is that what God most requires of us and most wants us to manifest in all our relationships (including with our enemies) is that which most characterizes the very nature of God—love.” (Page 3)
“The Beloved Disciple is telling us that love describes the very character of God, and it is supposed to describe the very character of Christians and the very nature of Christian community.” (Page 10)
“Doing theology should always be an exercise in recognizing that we understand God and we know God only partially” (Page 6)
“God is love. God’s love is self-sacrificial. It’s not about protecting his rights or honor.” (Pages 18–19)
“Precisely because he was in very nature God, he did not choose to exploit his equality with God [the Father], but rather emptied himself.’ In other words, God by nature—by his very character—is self-sacrificial, not self-centered or self-indulgent.” (Page 18)
Ben Witherington III is Jean R. Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary. He has written over forty books and speaks at churches, colleges, and conferences around the world.
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Avril Russell
3/2/2021
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6/26/2020