Question about the history of Christianity

[Klaatu]

In Christian theology, when and how did human beings first become aware of the Christian God? Please be as specific as you can.

To make sure I am not misunderstood, I am not looking for proofs for the existence of God here. My question is just about the history of Christianity.

In advance,

Thanks,

Klaatu

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

In Christian theology, when and how did human beings first become aware of the Christian God? Please be as specific as you can.

To make sure I am not misunderstood, I am not looking for proofs for the existence of God here. My question is just about the history of Christianity.

In advance,

Thanks,

Klaatu

Hi Klaatu. Thanks for your question! Let's look at this.

First off, I'd say that it's not best to say "the Christian God" as Christianity is rooted in Judaism and it's clear in the NT that the God who revealed himself to Abraham is the Father of Jesus Christ. Thus, we will have to look at the OT.

Looking at the story of Adam and Eve, I would say man knew but over time, while living in rebellion since the fall, chose to deny the truth and go forming their own ideas instead of believing the truth that had been handed down. This also happens after the flood with events like the tower of Bab-el. The only way someone can be aware of God though is if God reveals himself. As a Christian, I believe that there are four words God has used to reveal himself.

Psalm 19: The Heavens declare his majesty. (General revelation speaks of a creator.)
Romans 2: His law is written on our hearts. (A moral compass that tells us about right and wrong)
Psalm 119. Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Scripture of course)
John 1:14. The Word became flesh. (Referring to the incarnation of Jesus Christ.)

There are two ways then. The first two are general and the second two are specific. For Abraham, God spoke his own personal words revealing himself to Abraham and setting him apart. It is from Abraham that all the Israelites were descended.

Throughout history then, God reveals himself in many ways through miracles and prophets and such. The OT Scriptures were increasing over time as more and more prophets showed up such as when Micah is quoted in the book of Jeremiah.

Finally, we get to the time when God reveals himself in Christ. In Christ, God revealed new aspects of his nature in a far more personal sense than had ever been known before. While some Jewish writers were open to the possibility of God having a number of persons within himself, something like this was quite unusual in their eyes.

So when did people become aware of God? The ultimate answer is "When he revealed himself."

Hope this helps!

[Klaatu]

In using the phrase "the Christian God", I mean the God that Christians worship.

In an effort to focus my original question more clearly, let me rephrase it. As far as it is known, when was the first time that God spoke to human beings. When was the second time? And so on,...

Specific scriptural references are appreciated. I will be looking to scripture myself, but I am happy to get help here. I am now not as familiar with the Bible as I will be down the road.

thank you,

Klaatu

[National Intelligence Director Phoenix]

In using the phrase "the Christian God", I mean the God that Christians worship.

In an effort to focus my original question more clearly, let me rephrase it. As far as it is known, when was the first time that God spoke to human beings. When was the second time? And so on,...

Specific scriptural references are appreciated. I will be looking to scripture myself, but I am happy to get help here. I am now not as familiar with the Bible as I will be down the road.

thank you,

Klaatu

The first place would be in Genesis. After God creates man, he gives the command to be fruitful and multiply. He tells them about the food they can eat and about the animals in the garden as well. God speaks to them after the fall as well. (Genesis 1:28-29)

The second time is spoken to Cain when he hs murdered his brother. God is then silent until he speaks to Noah. (Genesis 4:9)

The third time is before the flood. (Genesis 6:13-21)

After the flood, God does speak to Noah but then is silent in the text until Genesis 12 when he speaks to Abram.

The times when God speaks in the OT may seem common, but they are the rare events in history. It would often be done through a prophet. Of course, the final revelation as Hebrews 1 indicates was in the Son.

Hope this helps!