The God News is not a typographical error; the focus of these Bible studies is God—to learn about him. All good news, all love, all happiness and peace are found in the Lifegiver. "This is life eternal—that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." [1]
The purpose of this series is to, in a clear and simple manner, present the good news that God is not the kind of person most people believe him to be—arbitrary, vengeful, unforgiving, exacting and severe. Since Jesus said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father," [2] God is just as loving and trustworthy as Jesus; just as willing to forgive and heal. Though infinite in majesty and power, our Creator is an equally gracious person who values nothing higher than the freedom, dignity and individuality of his intelligent creatures—that their love, their faith, their willingness to listen and obey, may be freely given. He even prefers to regard us not as servants, but as friends! This is the everlasting good news that wins the trust and admiration of God's loyal children throughout the universe. This is the only way in which God could set us right and keep the universe secure for eternity. We believe that this truth about our heavenly Father is the most important of all Christian beliefs, for it was confirmed at such great cost by the life and death of his Son.
Like Abraham and Moses—the ones God spoke of as his trusted friends—we wish to speak well and truly of our heavenly Father. We covet as the highest of all commendations the words of God about Job— "He has said of me what is right." [3]
The doctrines presented in these study guides serve only to clarify the truth about God. We believe that each doctrine can and should be presented in the setting of the Great Controversy over the character and government of God. Each doctrine only serves to further establish the truth about our gracious God. |
