The first five chapters of the Westminster Confession of Faith have a wonderful way of describing a BIG God.

The Confession opens by discussing the Bible, the Word of God.  The confession teaches what the Bible claims about itself – it was written by God to provide revelation about himself to mankind.  It is authoritative (1.4), sufficient (1.6), and clear enough so that the message of salvation is understandable to anyone who reads it (1.7).  In addition, the work of the Holy Spirit in the elect includes persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth of the Word (1.5).

The Second chapter of the Confession describes this BIG God.  He is Spirit, unchangeable, boundless, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute, loving, gracious, merciful, long-suffering, abundant in goodness and truth, and the rewarder of those who diligently seek him.  He is also most just, hating all sin. (2.1)

Chapter three lays out what we know, through the Word, of God’s eternal, wise and holy plan for the whole universe, centering on his care for his people (3.1).  Some people are predestined to life, all to the praise of his glorious grace (3.5); the rest are predestined to wrath, all to the praise of his glorious justice (3.7).  The first answer of the Westminster Shorter Catechism echoes this notion:  “Man’s chief end is to glorify God , and to enjoy him forever.” Some (the elect) will believe, glorify him, and enjoy him in heaven forever.  Others will reject the revelation of God and suffer his wrath.

Chapters four and five speak of the ways that God has worked his plan, including his power and goodness in the creation of the universe and his providential care ever since.  He uses ordinary means, including “laws of science” (which God ordained and which reflect his character) that govern the normal events of the day.  He is also free to work without, above, and against the ordinary means as he desires (5.3).  God can do what he pleases; what he HAS done includes the way things are in the world around us, spiritual realms we cannot see, and all past and future events.

A Christian worldview values the Word as an external reference point for all knowledge about God and our duty toward him.  This BIG God works all things together for the good and salvation of those who are called according to his purposes (Romans 8.28).

A Naturalistic worldview denies God’s complete control, replacing it with a different source – nature,  science, mankind,  randomness, or something else.  A less-than-Christian worldview would value man’s experiences, feelings, and culture just as much as Biblical revelation.  Both these alternate worldviews  usually elevate man’s position and diminish the role of the BIG God, thus producing a small God.