God Loves Me Part VII

(Thank you to Andrew Jukes, Types in Genesis, for insight into the names of God.)

1. God = Elohim – Genesis 1:1
a. One is in covenant-relationship
b. Love
c. Creator
d. Planner

In Genesis 1: 1-2:4 God reveals for us His first name, Elohim, one who is in covenant-relationship. (Note: Covenant is an agreement between two parties. In the Bible there is the Old Covenant, based on law, and New Covenant, based on grace. God made many covenants with different men/people in the Bible. The following tells about the New Covenant (our covenant): Jeremiah 31:31-34;Heb 8:8-13; Heb 10:12-25) Elohim tells that God is love. God’s very Being is love. As one can see, Elohim is the only name used for God in Genesis 1; therefore, it must be very important. As you read through the Bible, God is often developing a covenant with a person or groups of people i.e. Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, Israel, Jesus, and Gentiles. Elohim is a plural noun used for the only true God. This plural noun always has with it singular verbs and adjectives to describe the One true God - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This name contains the mystery of the Trinity. Elohim is formed from the Hebrew word, “Alah” “to swear” and describes One who stands in a covenant-relationship, which is ratified by an oath. (Heb 6:13-20) God does not lie. (Num 23:19) This covenant-relationship, which the name “Elohim” expresses, is first a relationship within God. He is one, but in Him also, as His name declares, there is plurality; and in this plurality He has certain relationships, both in and with Himself, which because He is God, can never be dissolved or broken. From the beginning God is “Elohim”, in covenant-union with Himself forever more. The covenant-relationship starts within God. The covenant-relationship flows from within God to His creation. Because He is Elohim, though His creatures fail Him and fall, He will “never leave us, nor forsake us.” The whole first chapter of Genesis shows us One, who because He is “Elohim”, in virtue of His own nature and covenant-relationship to His creation, can never leave it, fallen as it is, till all again is very good. God sees a dark world and through His Word restores it. God cannot rest until His creature is restored and recreated. The fact that God is “Elohim”, that is the One who keeps covenant, (I Kings 8:23), is the foundation of His creature’s hope in every extremity. He is my God and refuge and strength. (Ps 46:1) He will never leave us or forsake us. (Gen 28:13 & 15) (Heb 13:5) Our hope in God is and shall be God forever. (Rev 21: 3 & 4)