The Definition of God

[Delphi]

God is often defined as having various extraordinary characteristics. Infinitely loving, all powerful, omniscient, the creator of the Universe, etc.

How can we know that this is indeed true? How can we verify such grandiose assertions? No greater claims could possibly be made!

Normally, we make definitions based on verifiable evidence and observation. For example, we define a giraffe as being a large four-legged grazing mammal with a long neck, hooves, a mouth, a tongue, teeth, and two eyes. We can rationally define a giraffe this way based on verifiable observation. We define a giraffe by going out and finding a giraffe, then defining it based on its attributes.

Yet somehow, God is defined in the opposite manner. We do not go out and find god and define it based on its attributes. Instead, we apply god's characteristics to him without ever observing god. Definitions seem to fabricated out of imagination. I find this extremely dubious.

It seems to me that we are applying these definitions to the concept of a god. We cannot verify nor falsify these attributes.

What is going on here?

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[Revelations won]

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The Message has added to the Scripture. How can it go from saying Jesus is God's Son to saying Jesus is the true God? Jesus said to God (the Father) while praying:

"And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3, KJV)

Should we take Jesus' words seriously, or dismiss what he is saying?

The MESSAGE is a thought for thought translation, and that is what it understand the verse.
John 17:3 The bolded one does not end in period, and followed by "and Jesus Christ."
If that ends in period that might be an absolute proof text.

The Message is not a word-for-word translation but maybe a thought for thought---the translator's thoughts. He should not have added "Jesus is both true God..." The verses at I John 5:20 are referring to God, the Father, whose SON Jesus is.

The MESSAGE helps us understand what that verse means in a thought for thought translation.
And there are many other translations that said so.

1Jn 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we know the real God. We are in the one who is real, his Son Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the real God and eternal life. (GOD'S WORD Translation)

You didn't answer my question. Should we set aside Jesus' own words when he said to the Father---"You are the only true God"? (John 17:3)

Yes, but it does not end there, it is followed by "and Jesus Christ".

The sentence doesn't read "you are the only true God and Jesus Christ." The only true God is the Father, to whom Jesus prayed, and to be saved one must get to know the Father and Jesus Christ whom the Father sent. Nowhere does it suggest that Jesus Christ is the only true God.

And why there is an "and"?

To complete the thought that one must get to know Jesus Christ also. It doesn't suggest that he is God. We must know Jesus Christ whom the Father, the one true God, has sent. That is why there is "and."

And it doesn't suggest that Jesus is not God also.
And the Father wants us to get to know Jesus Christ also in Heb 1:8,9.

Exactly. That's what I just said.

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The MESSAGE is a thought for thought translation, and that is what it understand the verse.
John 17:3 The bolded one does not end in period, and followed by "and Jesus Christ."
If that ends in period that might be an absolute proof text.

The Message is not a word-for-word translation but maybe a thought for thought---the translator's thoughts. He should not have added "Jesus is both true God..." The verses at I John 5:20 are referring to God, the Father, whose SON Jesus is.

The MESSAGE helps us understand what that verse means in a thought for thought translation.
And there are many other translations that said so.

1Jn 5:20 We know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we know the real God. We are in the one who is real, his Son Jesus Christ. This Jesus Christ is the real God and eternal life. (GOD'S WORD Translation)

You didn't answer my question. Should we set aside Jesus' own words when he said to the Father---"You are the only true God"? (John 17:3)

Yes, but it does not end there, it is followed by "and Jesus Christ".

The sentence doesn't read "you are the only true God and Jesus Christ." The only true God is the Father, to whom Jesus prayed, and to be saved one must get to know the Father and Jesus Christ whom the Father sent. Nowhere does it suggest that Jesus Christ is the only true God.

And why there is an "and"?

To complete the thought that one must get to know Jesus Christ also. It doesn't suggest that he is God. We must know Jesus Christ whom the Father, the one true God, has sent. That is why there is "and."

And it doesn't suggest that Jesus is not God also.
And the Father wants us to get to know Jesus Christ also in Heb 1:8,9.

Exactly. That's what I just said.

I mean the Father wants us to get to know Jesus Christ as God also in Heb 1:8,9.
And Jesus as the Almighty, who is to come, died but made alive. (Rev 1:8,17 and 18).