Do you believe in a generic God or the living and true God?
Before Abraham ever was, I Am (John 8, 58)
Jesus said to the Jews: ‘I tell you most solemnly, whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ The Jews said, ‘Now we know for certain that you are possessed. Abraham is dead, and the prophets are dead, and yet you say, “Whoever keeps my word will never know the taste of death.” Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? The prophets are dead too. Who are you claiming to be?’ Jesus answered: ‘If I were to seek my own glory that would be no glory at all; my glory is conferred by the Father, by the one of whom you say, “He is our God” although you do not know him. But I know him, and if I were to say: I do not know him, I should be a liar, as you are liars yourselves. But I do know him, and I faithfully keep his word. Your father Abraham rejoiced to think that he would see my Day; he saw it and was glad.’ The Jews then said, ‘You are not fifty yet, and you have seen Abraham!’ Jesus replied: ‘I tell you most solemnly, before Abraham ever was, I Am.’ At this they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid himself and left the Temple.(John 8, 51-59)
Jesus wants to lead those who listen to Him, gradually and charitably, to the reality of His divine nature. He does it through the parables, signs and then by speaking openly. It should be remembered, as a partial excuse for Jesus’ contemporaries, that the ancient law forbids the representation of God through painting or sculpture, so within certain limits it’s possible to understand the scandal that some experienced at the idea that God had made Himself visible by becoming a man. But from Jesus thereafter, faith in the divine nature of the Son of God has become the discriminating factor between Christians and non-Christians. Try asking someone you know to draw their idea of God. You will find that there are few who have a clear idea of the Triune God. Many, on the other hand, have a vague idea of God and draw him according to their own ideas. Are you really Christian, that is, convinced that God is one, but three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) or do you believe in a generic God fruit of your imagination?
