How great is our God in the Bible?

From the earliest chapters of Genesis to the final verses of Revelation, the scriptures proclaim the majesty, power, and love of God in countless ways. But what does the Bible actually say about the greatness of God? How is this greatness described, and what does it mean for believers today? In this blog post, we’ll explore the biblical testimony to God’s greatness, examining key passages, attributes, and the implications for our faith and worship.

The Majesty and Power of God in Creation

The Bible first reveals God’s greatness through the act of creation. Genesis 1 opens with God speaking the universe into existence—"Let there be light,” and there was light. The psalmist echoes this awe in Psalm 19:1: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” Throughout scripture, creation itself is a testimony to God’s unlimited power and unparalleled wisdom. In Job 38-41, God responds to Job’s questions with a series of rhetorical questions about the wonders of creation, highlighting human limitations and God’s boundless greatness.

God’s Sovereignty Over Nations and History

The greatness of God is also seen in his sovereignty—his absolute rule over nations, kings, and the flow of history. The Old Testament often describes God as the one who “raises up” and “brings down” rulers according to his will (Daniel 2:21). The prophet Isaiah proclaims, “Surely the nations are like a drop in a bucket; they are regarded as dust on the scales” (Isaiah 40:15). These passages remind believers that God is not only the creator but also the sustainer and director of all that happens in the world.

The Depth of God’s Wisdom and Knowledge

Scripture repeatedly highlights the unfathomable wisdom and knowledge of God. Romans 11:33 exclaims, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!” In Proverbs, God’s wisdom is portrayed as foundational to the order of the universe itself. For believers, this means trusting in God’s plans, even when they are mysterious or difficult to understand.

God’s Unmatched Holiness and Righteousness

Another aspect of God’s greatness in the Bible is his holiness—a complete separation from evil and absolute moral purity. Isaiah 6 describes the prophet’s vision of God seated on a throne, surrounded by seraphim calling out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.” God’s righteousness means that he always does what is right and just. The Psalms frequently declare, “The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:17).

The Greatness of God’s Love and Mercy

Perhaps the most astonishing dimension of God’s greatness is his love and mercy. The Bible proclaims that God’s love is steadfast and enduring. Psalm 103:11 states, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him.” In the New Testament, the magnitude of God’s love is most clearly seen in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 famously declares, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

God’s Nearness and Faithfulness to His People

Despite his incomparable greatness, the Bible also emphasizes God’s nearness and faithfulness. Psalm 145:3 says, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” Yet this great God is also a shepherd who cares for his flock, a father who provides for his children, and a friend who walks with the lonely and brokenhearted. The Bible assures believers that God’s greatness does not distance him from us—instead, it is the very reason we can trust him with every aspect of our lives.

Our Response: Worship and Awe

The natural response to God’s greatness in the Bible is worship, awe, and trust. The Psalms are filled with calls to praise and exalt God precisely because of his greatness: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord” (Psalm 150:6). Even in times of trouble, biblical figures like David and Paul found strength and hope by focusing on the greatness of God above their circumstances.

Conclusion: Living in the Light of God’s Greatness

The Bible proclaims that God is great in every way—powerful, wise, holy, loving, and near. This greatness is not just a theological concept but a reality that shapes the way believers see the world and live their lives. When we meditate on the greatness of God, we are moved to humility, gratitude, and confidence in his unchanging character. As the scriptures declare, “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise!” (Psalm 145:3)