Are we inventing a fake God? Why reverence is dying

Michie · May 29, 2026

Before his passing in 2017, the late theologian R.C. Sproul remarked, “the greatest spiritual need in people’s lives today is to discover the true identity of God.” Those words are just as convicting today, if not more so, than they were a decade ago. Though many in our world would never reject God outright, multitudes are content to reinvent Him.

Modern versions of Christianity continue to shrink God to a size that is more manageable to our senses. We prefer a tame deity who stays in the background. One who shows up when we need Him because He fancies us the center of the universe. This god is anxious to take his marching orders and eager to remain quiet when we disagree with him.

Isaiah 6 offers a much different picture. With a vision of the Lord enthroned, untamed, glorious, and burning with holiness (Isa. 6:1-4), Scripture confronts us with the unrivaled identity of the only true God. This prophetic picture shatters our sentimental preferences. The living God far exceeds the watered-down mascot who cheers our every ambition, no matter how misguided.

The background of Isaiah’s glorious image was a season of national uncertainty in Judah. After a reign of more than 50 years, King Uzziah died, leaving a hole inhabited by instability and anxiety (2 Chr. 26:3). Yet, when God’s prophet looked toward Heaven, he did not see the Lord panicked or pacing, but reigning from His throne without interruption (Dan. 4:34-35). History does not rattle Him. Evil does not overcome Him. The future does not intimidate Him (Isa. 46:9-10).

Continued below.

Are we inventing a fake God? Why reverence is dying

Though many in our world would never reject God outright, multitudes are content to reinvent Him

www.christianpost.com

Aussie52 · May 29, 2026

Michie said:
Before his passing in 2017, the late theologian R.C. Sproul remarked, “the greatest spiritual need in people’s lives today is to discover the true identity of God.” Those words are just as convicting today, if not more so, than they were a decade ago. Though many in our world would never reject God outright, multitudes are content to reinvent Him.

Modern versions of Christianity continue to shrink God to a size that is more manageable to our senses. We prefer a tame deity who stays in the background. One who shows up when we need Him because He fancies us the center of the universe. This god is anxious to take his marching orders and eager to remain quiet when we disagree with him.

Isaiah 6 offers a much different picture. With a vision of the Lord enthroned, untamed, glorious, and burning with holiness (Isa. 6:1-4), Scripture confronts us with the unrivaled identity of the only true God. This prophetic picture shatters our sentimental preferences. The living God far exceeds the watered-down mascot who cheers our every ambition, no matter how misguided.

The background of Isaiah’s glorious image was a season of national uncertainty in Judah. After a reign of more than 50 years, King Uzziah died, leaving a hole inhabited by instability and anxiety (2 Chr. 26:3). Yet, when God’s prophet looked toward Heaven, he did not see the Lord panicked or pacing, but reigning from His throne without interruption (Dan. 4:34-35). History does not rattle Him. Evil does not overcome Him. The future does not intimidate Him (Isa. 46:9-10).

Continued below.

Are we inventing a fake God? Why reverence is dying

Though many in our world would never reject God outright, multitudes are content to reinvent Him

www.christianpost.com

A. W. Tozer was saying the same thing in the 20th century, especially in his book, 'The Knowledge of the Holy'.

NewLifeInChristJesus · May 30, 2026

Michie said:
Before his passing in 2017, the late theologian R.C. Sproul remarked, “the greatest spiritual need in people’s lives today is to discover the true identity of God.” Those words are just as convicting today, if not more so, than they were a decade ago. Though many in our world would never reject God outright, multitudes are content to reinvent Him.

Modern versions of Christianity continue to shrink God to a size that is more manageable to our senses. We prefer a tame deity who stays in the background. One who shows up when we need Him because He fancies us the center of the universe. This god is anxious to take his marching orders and eager to remain quiet when we disagree with him.

Isaiah 6 offers a much different picture. With a vision of the Lord enthroned, untamed, glorious, and burning with holiness (Isa. 6:1-4), Scripture confronts us with the unrivaled identity of the only true God. This prophetic picture shatters our sentimental preferences. The living God far exceeds the watered-down mascot who cheers our every ambition, no matter how misguided.

The background of Isaiah’s glorious image was a season of national uncertainty in Judah. After a reign of more than 50 years, King Uzziah died, leaving a hole inhabited by instability and anxiety (2 Chr. 26:3). Yet, when God’s prophet looked toward Heaven, he did not see the Lord panicked or pacing, but reigning from His throne without interruption (Dan. 4:34-35). History does not rattle Him. Evil does not overcome Him. The future does not intimidate Him (Isa. 46:9-10).

Continued below.

Are we inventing a fake God? Why reverence is dying

Though many in our world would never reject God outright, multitudes are content to reinvent Him

www.christianpost.com

"The greatest spiritual need in people’s lives today is to discover the true identity of God"? What does that even mean? One would think it would be a call for people who are already Christians to wake up to the true nature of God, especially since Reformed theologians (i.e., R. C. Sproul) wouldn't see it as something that leads to salvation. But if it is a call to people who are already Christians, how is the true identity of God kept hidden from them in whom the Holy Spirit is living and to whom He is revealing the deep things of God (that no one except God knows)? If this is through a lack of trusting the Holy Spirit's disclosures (which could be the only cause), then why isn't the greatest need identified as trusting God when He discloses Himself to the ones in whom He lives?

jas3 · Jun 1, 2026

Good article. I particularly liked Dr. Dooley noting the significance of repetition used by the seraphim in Isaiah 6. It shows that there's an appropriate place for repetition in our worship and prayer without it being "vain repetition."

Chaplain Jim · Jun 1, 2026

Outstanding article. "

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

In my humble opinion, it seems that many have lost or never had a biblical/healthy fear of the Lord. When we as disciples of Jesus Christ, have a healthy fear of the Lord, we have great reverence for Abba Father, Jesus, Holy Spirit. We " work out our salvation with fear and trembling " as the Scripture commands us to do as sons and daughters of the Most High God.

Leviathan-at-play · Jun 1, 2026

David danced before God in reverent joy, despite the tongue-clucks of Michal. I see far more verses pointing to joyous, enraptured love of God versus any other. Yet our joy must be counter-balanced against the trembling potential that we can’t sustain our faith. Don’t all deep loves contain a seed of fear that the love might be lost?

Chaplain Jim · Jun 1, 2026

Chaplain Jim said:
Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Lord, I'm so very thankful for the wisdom and discernment that we receive from the Holy Spirit. I experience great joy for my Salvation through the shed blood, death and resurrection, of Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. The peace and joy I receive from God is truly beyond human understanding, in my humble opinion.

NewLifeInChristJesus · Jun 3, 2026

Leviathan-at-play said:
David danced before God in reverent joy, despite the tongue-clucks of Michal. I see far more verses pointing to joyous, enraptured love of God versus any other. Yet our joy must be counter-balanced against the trembling potential that we can’t sustain our faith. Don’t all deep loves contain a seed of fear that the love might be lost?

"There is no fear in love" (1 Jn 4:18).

Leviathan-at-play · Jun 3, 2026

NewLifeInChristJesus said:
"There is no fear in love" (1 Jn 4:18).

“Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

Not counter-arguing brother, but rather nuance-pointing

NewLifeInChristJesus · Jun 5, 2026

Leviathan-at-play said:
“Fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28).

Not counter-arguing brother, but rather nuance-pointing

No problem. God's power to destroy both soul and body in hell should be enough to convince people to seek His mercy that is in Christ before they meet Him in judgement.

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Are we inventing a fake God? Why reverence is dying

Michie

Well-Known Member