4 Transformational Aspects of God

How would you describe God? The mystery surrounding the nature of God is profound. The Bible offers glimpses into who he is and what he is like.

We know that God is one and is also essentially triune in nature – Father, Son, Holy Spirit. This simple knowledge is impossible for us to fully comprehend and explain. But there are parts of the nature of God that can be not only understood but experienced.

These transformational aspects of God help us understand his nature, his mission, and how they change the way we also understand ourselves and how we fit into his plan.

This passage is prophetic as it foretells the coming of Messiah – God the Son.

For to us a child is born,

      to us a son is given;

                  and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

      and his name shall be called

                  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

      Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace

      there will be no end,

                  on the throne of David and over his kingdom,

      to establish it and to uphold it

                  with justice and with righteousness

      from this time forth and forevermore.

                  The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)

As we focus on the first part of this passage, we clearly see four transformational aspects of God.

Wonderful Counselor

Some have debated whether these are two descriptors of the Messiah, and there is some merit to that argument. However, we can gain so much inspiration and help from the two-word description. Jesus promised his disciples that he would send the Counselor who would help them understand all that he had taught them (John 15:5-15).

The unity of Son and Holy Spirit is demonstrated here and it is easy to see how the Messiah is a wonderful counselor.

He is the one who gives perfect guidance, encouragement and wisdom. A good counselor will always listen. He listens to our hearts, identifies with our struggles and is attentive to our needs. He is always there.

Mighty God

Jesus is the Son of God and thereby God himself. His life demonstrated the power of God in healing the sick, raising the dead and breaking the bonds of spiritual oppression. His sovereignty over the spiritual realm was absolute as he cast out demons and forgave sin.

The authority of Jesus to do all these things was challenged by religious leaders in his day and was one reason they condemned him to death. The fact that he gave his life is another part of the story of the power of God. He withheld his power and did not call on an army of angels to deliver himself. The mighty God in Jesus Christ provided the comprehensive solution to sin and death in his crucifixion and resurrection.

Everlasting Father

Perhaps this is the one descriptor of the Son that we have the most trouble with. How is Jesus Christ the Son of God also the everlasting Father? Here is the answer:

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? (italics added)

John 14:9 (ESV)

Jesus made the clear statement about the unity, the oneness, of Father and Son. That unity is so profound that if you have experienced (seen) one you have seen the other!

Prince of Peace

Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9 – ESV) We are further commanded to do all we can to live at peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14).

We are bound to see opposition in the world. We will suffer some level of rejection and persecution as we follow Jesus but never will he lead us to be something other than peacemakers because he is the Prince of Peace.

He gives us peace in our relationship with him. That peace is a profound contentment and assurance that all is well. No matter how turbulent our circumstances, we can claim the peace that comes from Jesus.

And More

His kingdom is ever expanding and enduring. What he started with his coming will continue throughout eternity. Justice and righteousness will prevail. His perfect leadership, his authority, truth, grace and mercy rule the day and will continue forever. These are transformational aspects of God!

Your turn

As you embrace these powerful truths about God, allow the Spirit of his Son to speak into your life so you more fully understand who he is and how that can change you. Allow his counsel to rule your life, surrender to his power so he can work that power through you. Love the Father just as he has demonstrated his immense love for you and live under the banner of the Prince of Peace becoming the peacemaker he enables you to be!