Julian Avellaneda, ICS105-F, The God Who Is There, 10/4/22
Part I
D. A. Carson’s 2010 book titled The God Who Is There, paints the picture of who God is
as described in the bible. Each chapter describes a different aspect about God while giving
specific examples that can be read in scripture.
Chapter one, “The God Who Made Everything”, describes likely the first aspect of God
that most people think of, Him as the Creator. Carson goes over the first two chapters of Genesis
and what the reader learns about God during these chapters. God simply exists, He is the Creator
of all things, He is the only God, and all that He makes is good, including humans at first. In this
chapter Carson states, “Human beings were made in the image of God, and as his image-bearers
we were made to work, to rule, to serve as God’s stewards, to be surpassingly God-centered.”
This leads into the second chapter, “The God Who Does Not Wipe Out Rebels.” Although Adam
and Eve’s sin had major consequences, both for humankind then and in the future, God promises
to redeem humanity in the future. In chapters 3 and 4, Carson delves into God’s promises, as
well as the laws he set in place for mankind. God does not need us, but he still loves us and
shows that by making covenants with multiple individuals in the Old Testament, such as
Abraham. This is a sign of his grace along with the 10 commandments, rules set by God that
address how we are to relate to him, as well as how we are to love our neighbor. As the Creator,
God is also King, ruler of everything known to exist. Although the people of Israel wanted a
king, and it would eventually be Saul then David, God’s plan was for Jesus to come down and be
the king of His kingdom. This leads into chapter 7 of the book, “The God Who Becomes a
Human Being”. Carson is of course referring to Jesus, the Son of God who was sent down to
earth to redeem mankind of their sins. By believing in Christ as the Lord and Savior, an
individual can also be reborn spiritually through God. God is also infinitely wise and infinitely
loving, as Carson states “The Bible delights to marvel at God’s love.” God shows this love by
sending Jesus to die on the cross, only for him to resurrected for our justification.
Overall, The God Who Is There, recounts everything there is to know about God. He is
the Creator, He forgives, He makes promises, He is just. He became human in Jesus Christ, only
to die and then rise again. He allows individuals to transform through him and seek redemption.
He does all of this just so His people can again be with Him in Heaven in the future.
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Part II
Carson does a great job clearly outlining the points he is making in each chapter of the
book. I also thought that his descriptions of very well-known bible stories offered a very
different perspective that allowed me to fully understand the Word much better. For example, in
chapter 2 “The God Who Does Not Wipe Out Rebels”, Carson goes in depth on Genesis 3 the
story of the fall of man. Carson states “What is crucial is not the tree but the rebellion. What is so
wretchedly tragic is God’s image-bearer standing over against God.” As Carson describes, it’s
not that God was upset that about Adam and Eve eating from the tree, but more from their action
of disobeying direct orders from God. Since we are supposed to be made in God’s image, for us
to disobey him offends God and causes major consequences. However, this also leads into God’s
grace and forgiveness. Even though at that moment mankind became sinners, God also makes a
way for us to be redeemed. This passage correlates to multiple people I have encountered in my
life. Some family, friends, but all used to live very sinful lives before coming to Christ. Without
God’s grace and forgiveness this would not be possible.
Part III
1. What is the purpose of New Jerusalem being in the shape of a cube in Revelation 21:16?
2. Why did God wait as long as he did to send Jesus down to Earth? Why not redeem
humanity of their sins after Adam and Eve?
Part IV
After reading this book I will make sure to always pray before my meals and thank God
for everything he’s Given me. Since I usually eat at school or alone on my way back, I can forget
to pray to God before I eat. I will make it a goal to change this.
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