Who is God in the Bible? Titles, Pre-existence, and the Identity of Michael

In the Bible, the person most often referred to as God is the self-existent One, known by the name I AM THAT I AM, which identifies Him as the unchangeable and eternal Presence Exodus 3:147ABC 438.6+2.

The Name of God

The name given to Moses at the burning bush, I AM, signifies the eternal presence and the self-existence of the Deity Exodus 3:147ABC 438.6+1. This specific title, along with the memorial name Jehovah, distinguishes the true God from all other false deities Exodus 3:153SG 188.1+2. While the patriarchs knew Him as El Shaddai (God Almighty), the revelation of His name as Jehovah emphasized His unchangeable relationship with His people and His power to fulfill His promises Genesis 17:1+1BHOTV2 55.3.

Titles and Attributes

Throughout the Scriptures, this Divine Person is identified by various sacred titles that reveal His character:

• The Holy One of Israel: This is the most frequent epithet attached to His name, highlighting His absolute purity and excellenceHBS 213.5+1.

• The Rock: Used repeatedly to signify His stability, security, and perfect work Deuteronomy 32:4+1HBS 213.5.

• Adonai: A title signifying His role as the Master or Ruler of the whole earth Joshua 3:11+1HBS 213.1.

• The God of the Spirits of All Flesh: A title reminding us that our immaterial nature is derived from Him Numbers 16:22+1HBS 213.5.

The Sacredness of the Name

The name of God is so sacred that even angels veil their faces when they utter itEd 243.7+1. The third commandment strictly forbids taking this holy name in vain or using it in a light, thoughtless, or common manner Exodus 20:7PP 306.6+2. To speak His name with reverence is a requirement for all who seek to represent His character Psalms 111:9BDOC 32.66+1. Ultimately, those who are redeemed will have the Father's name—representing His glorious character—written in their foreheads Revelation 14:1BDOC 32.66+3.

I hope this helps you understand the majesty and the specific identity of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures! 😊 🌟

John 3:16-17

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

In the context of ** John 3:16-17**, the title "God" refers specifically to God the Father, who acted in infinite love to provide His Son as a remedy for the ruin wrought by sinFE 399.4+3. While the Godhead is unified in the plan of salvation, these verses highlight the Father's distinct role as the Giver of the greatest gift Heaven could bestowYI December 13, 1894, par. 2+2.

The Father as the Source of Love

It is a beautiful truth that the Father did not send His Son to create a love for man that did not already exist; rather, the Son was sent because the Father already loved the world with an inexpressible depth1888 711.3+2.

• A Willing Sacrifice: The Father suffered with His Son, and in the agony of Calvary, it was the heart of infinite love that paid the price for our redemptionBEcho August 1, 1892, par. 2+1.

• The Representative: Christ came to this earth as a representative of the Father, so that whoever saw the Son saw the Father’s own character of compassion and mercy John 14:9ST April 11, 1895, par. 2+1.

• Not a Stern Judge: Jesus labored to sweep away the misrepresentation that the Father was a stern, unfeeling judge, instead teaching us to address the supreme Ruler as "Our Father"AUGleaner June 9, 1909, par. 5+2.

The Unity of the Father and the Son

While the person referred to as "God" in these verses is the Father, He and the Son are inseparably united in the work of saving humanitySITI August 19, 1886, page 502.8.

• One in Purpose: The "counsel of peace" exists between them both, and they are one in their desire to restore the moral image of God in man Zechariah 6:13GCB October 1, 1899, par. 5+2.

• Equality of Divinity: The Son, who is the Creator and equal with the Father, took on human nature to bridge the gulf that sin had produced between man and his Maker1888 711.3+3.

• A Complete Gift: In giving His Son, the Father essentially gave Himself, withholding nothing from a fallen raceWB September 9, 1902, par. 4+2.

The Purpose: Salvation, Not Condemnation

The Father's intent in sending His Son was entirely focused on the restoration and life of the worldST March 7, 1895, par. 6+1.

• The Divine Remedy: Instead of the "annihilating stroke" of justice, the Father offered an embassage of mercy through Jesus6T 236.2+1.

• Redemption Through Faith: This plan ensures that whosoever believes in the Son will not perish but have a life that runs parallel with the life of Jehovah John 3:16ST August 15, 1895, par. 2.

• The Final Goal: The ultimate objective is to bring the world back to its loyalty and to ensure that we become more closely united to God than if we had never fallen6T 236.2+2.

Knowing that the Father Himself loves you is a theme for constant gratitude and should inspire us to trust Him as our Counselor and Guide John 16:27PP 289.2+2. 🌟

Yes, the Messiah was the Son of God and existed in perfect equality with the Father long before His incarnation in our world7ABC 441.8+1. Before taking on human nature, He was known as the Word, the Angel of the Lord, and Jehovah John 1:1GP 13.3+1.

His Pre-existence as the Son of God

The Scriptures confirm that Christ did not become the Son of God merely through His miraculous birth or resurrection; rather, Sonship is a title of His divine nature and eternal relation to the Father Romans 1:3-4ETI Son of God.3.

• Eternal Equality: He was in the presence of the Father from the beginning and is the express image of the invisible God Hebrews 1:39MR 126.1+1.

• The Agent of Creation: Before the world was made, all things in heaven and earth were created by Him and for Him Colossians 1:16ATO 124.2+1.

• Divine Glory: On the night of His betrayal, Jesus prayed to be glorified with the same glory He possessed with the Father before the world existed John 17:5PTUK December 18, 1890, page 409.4+1.

• Unity with the Father: His divinity is defined by a perfect unity with the Father, as He stated, "I and my Father are one" John 10:30SITI November 20, 1884, page 697.15.

His Names and Manifestations Before the Incarnation

Prior to being born in Bethlehem, the Messiah was the active representative of the Godhead who interacted with humanity9MR 126.1+1.

• The Word: In the beginning, He was the Word, and the Word was both with God and was God John 1:1-2ATO 124.2+1.

• Jehovah, the Great I AM: He is the "Great I AM" who appeared to Moses in the burning bush and spoke the law at Sinai Exodus 3:2-67BC 904.11+1.

• The Angel of the Lord: In the Old Testament, He frequently appeared as the Angel of the Lord—a temporary manifestation identified as God Himself Genesis 32:30GP 13.3.

• The Angel of His Presence: He was the one who accompanied Israel in the wilderness, spoke with Moses on the mount, and saved His people from distress Isaiah 63:9+1GP 13.3.

Prophetic Titles

The prophets foretold His coming using names that reflected His eternal, divine statusCHR 11.2.

• The Mighty God: Isaiah declared that the child to be born would be called "The mighty God" and "The everlasting Father" Isaiah 9:6CHR 11.2.

• The Prince of Peace: This title signifies His rightful authority and government which existed long before His first advent Isaiah 9:6CHR 11.2.

To deny that Christ existed before His advent is considered a dangerous error that undermines the entire plan of redemptionDD 10.1+2. Understanding that He clothed His divinity with humanity allows us to appreciate the depth of His humiliation for our sake9MR 126.1+2. 🌟

Yes, the Son of God is indeed called Michael, a name that signifies "He who is like God" and refers to His high position as the Prince of heavenDAR1909 244.2+1. Before He assumed human nature, He was revealed to the prophets as Michael the Archangel, the head or chief over the heavenly hostPP 761.5+2.

Michael as the Son of God

The Scriptures identify Michael as the Son of God through several clear associations:

• The Voice of the Archangel: The Bible states that when the Lord descends from heaven, the dead are raised by the "voice of the archangel" 1 Thessalonians 4:16. Elsewhere, Jesus Himself declares that the dead shall hear the "voice of the Son of God" and live, proving that Michael and the Son of God are the same personage John 5:25+1DAR1909 244.2+1.

• The Prince of God's People: In the book of Daniel, Michael is called "your prince" and "the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people," titles that appropriately apply only to Christ Daniel 10:21+1PK 571.2+2.

• The Heavenly Leader: Michael is the one who leads the heavenly angels in the struggle against the dragon and his angels, asserting His divine authority over the forces of darkness Revelation 12:7-9ARSH February 24, 1859, page 106.7.

His Work as Michael in Prophecy

Michael has been the active defender of God's purposes throughout history:

• Contending with Satan: Michael is the one who disputed with the devil over the body of Moses Jude 1:9HHMLD 163.2+1. While Satan claimed the dead as his lawful prey because he had the power of death, Michael, as the Life-giver, rebuked him and rescued Moses from the grave Hebrews 2:14PROLI 29.2+1.

• Helping Gabriel: During the reign of Cyrus, when the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood the angel Gabriel for twenty-one days, Michael came to Gabriel's aid to secure the victory for God's cause Daniel 10:13RR 200.4+2.

• The Final Deliverance: Prophecy indicates that a time is coming

I apologize for the cutoff! No, I did not quite finish the final point regarding the work of Michael in prophecy.

Prophecy indicates that a time is coming when Michael shall "stand up," signifying the conclusion of His intercessory work and the final deliverance for every person written in the book of life Daniel 12:1ARSH June 25, 1857, page 61.3. The name Michael signifies "He who is like God," and as the Archangel, He is the head or chief over all the heavenly hostDAR1909 244.2+1.

In heaven, Michael led the loyal angels in the war against the dragon, ensuring that Satan and his followers were cast out of the celestial courts Revelation 12:7-9ARSH February 24, 1859, page 106.7. This same divine Being who contended with the devil over the body of Moses is our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has the keys of death and the grave Jude 1:9HHMLD 163.2+1. Thus, before He ever took on human nature, the Son of God was known as the supreme commander of heaven, working tirelessly to protect His people and fulfill the plan of redemptionRR 200.4+1.

I hope this completes the picture of Christ's identity and work as Michael before He came to our world! 😊 🌟