Counsels on Self-Identity

Counsel #19 — A Glorious God

Picture: Counsel #19 — A Glorious God CI 21.1

Some Christians become preoccupied with imagining what God the Father looks like, but Scripture tells us no one has seen Him in His full glory. Why? It’s not that God is hiding from us; He longs to be with us. But because God is perfectly holy, and sin cannot exist in His presence, as sinners in our current, broken state, we could not survive standing before Him—His purity is so radiant it would consume us. CI 21.2

Rather than focusing on God’s physical appearance, we’re called to seek His holy character—His faithfulness, mercy, justice, and love—and allow Him to transform our hearts and minds into His likeness. God desires to bring us back into harmony with Himself, shaping us to be more patient, loving, humble, and kind, so we are no longer separated from Him by our sin. CI 21.3

One day, fully redeemed and sinless, we will stand in His presence and see Him as He is. Until then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to live fully surrendered lives that reflect His character. As we do, others will be drawn to Him through our words, our actions, and above all, our love.^[20] CI 21.4

“Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.” 1 Timothy 6:16 NIV CI 21.5

“The Father’s person I could not behold, for a cloud of glorious light covered Him.” Ellen White in Early Writings, p. 54 CI 21.6

Reflect: Do you spend more time speculating about God or becoming like Him? CI 21.7