By «God» I mean the pervasive personal presence, distinct from me and prior to me, who is the source and support of my existence; who through Scripture makes me realize that he has towards me the nature and name of love - holy, lordly, costly, fatherly, redeeming love; who addresses me, really though indirectly, in all that Scripture shows of his relationship to human beings in history, and especially in the
recorded utterances of his Son, Jesus Christ; and who is
daily drawing me towards a face - to - face
encounter and consummated communion with him beyond this life, by virtue of «the redemption which is in Christ Jesus» (Rom.