In September 2023, the Barna Group noted that 36% of what they call spiritually open individuals who are non-Christians believe God is the creator of the universe. They are even more accepting of foundational Christian beliefs about God, Jesus, heaven, and the Bible than those who are not spiritually open. However, they perceive God as a higher power, but not necessarily one who loves or cares for us and is involved intimately with His creation. Nearly 42% of the spiritually closed non-Christians clearly express that they do not believe God exists.
The Pew Research Center a few years back noted that the vast majority of Americans (90%) believe in some kind of higher power, with 56% professing faith in God as described in the Bible and another 33% saying they believe in another type of higher power or spiritual force. Only one in ten say they don’t believe in God or a higher power. What is concerning is that the Pew Research Center found that 25% of U.S. Christians do not believe that God possesses all three of these attributes – God is loving, omniscient (all-knowing), and omnipotent (all-powerful). This means that one in four believers do not have a proper view of God.
It’s a matter of urgency that a significant number of believers, a quarter to be exact, lack a biblical understanding of God. This is not just a statistic but a call to action. We must strive for a deeper understanding of God, not only for our own spiritual growth but also to be effective witnesses of our Lord. The Barna Group’s findings present a picture of great opportunity, especially among spiritually open non-Christians. They are likely open to conversations about God, and we believers can be the ones to guide them.
God presents Himself to us through the Bible as loving, caring, and providing for His children. For instance, He is our Heavenly Father, which reflects believers’ intimate relationship with God and the assurance of His guidance and support. The Bible teaches that God loves us as a father loves his children. 1 John 3:1 says, “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” Just as a father cares for His children, God provides for our needs (Matthew 6:26). God, as our Father, guides us in the right path (Proverbs 3:5-6). Hebrews 12:6-7 highlights the loving discipline of God as a father.
Understanding God as loving, caring, and involved with His creation and Him as our Father is not just a theological concept. It matters because it deepens our relationship with Him, gives us security in His love, and shapes our identity as His beloved children. This understanding also provides the right witness to those who might be open to conversation about God and hopefully enter into a saving relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. For these reasons alone, let’s dig into God’s Word and come to know Him for who He is, and make Him known in the way He has called us to for His glory, our blessing, and the blessing of others. Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone)!