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The Attributes of God

The attributes of God are the inherent qualities or characteristics that define and describe God’s nature. These attributes are traditionally divided into two main categories: incommunicable attributes (unique to God) and communicable attributes (those that humans can share in a limited way). Here is a detailed exploration of these attributes:

Incommunicable Attributes

  1. Aseity (Self-Existence)
    • Definition: God is self-existent and independent, not contingent on anything else for His existence.
    • Scriptural Basis: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).
    • Theological Significance: Emphasizes God as the ultimate source of all being, dependent on nothing outside Himself.
  2. Immutability (Unchanging Nature)
    • Definition: God does not change in His nature, character, or will.
    • Scriptural Basis: “For I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6).
    • Theological Significance: Provides assurance of God’s consistent character and promises, making Him reliable and trustworthy.
  3. Eternity
    • Definition: God exists outside of time and has no beginning or end.
    • Scriptural Basis: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God” (Psalm 90:2).
    • Theological Significance: Highlights God’s timelessness and perpetual presence, emphasizing His sovereignty over time.
  4. Omnipresence
    • Definition: God is present everywhere at all times.
    • Scriptural Basis: “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139:7).
    • Theological Significance: Reinforces God’s intimate involvement with His creation and His accessibility to believers everywhere.

Communicable Attributes

  1. Omniscience
    • Definition: God is all-knowing; He knows everything past, present, and future.
    • Scriptural Basis: “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit” (Psalm 147:5).
    • Theological Significance: Assures believers that God understands all circumstances and events fully and perfectly.
  2. Omnipotence
    • Definition: God is all-powerful and can do anything that is consistent with His nature.
    • Scriptural Basis: “I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:1).
    • Theological Significance: Encourages faith and trust in God’s ability to accomplish His purposes and intervene in human affairs.
  3. Holiness
    • Definition: God is absolutely pure, morally perfect, and set apart from all sin.
    • Scriptural Basis: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:3).
    • Theological Significance: Calls believers to worship God with reverence and to pursue holiness in their own lives.
  4. Love
    • Definition: God is inherently loving, characterized by selfless, sacrificial concern for the well-being of others.
    • Scriptural Basis: “God is love” (1 John 4:8).
    • Theological Significance: Demonstrates the foundation of God’s relationship with humanity, especially seen in the sacrificial love of Christ.
  5. Justice
    • Definition: God is perfectly just and fair, administering righteous judgment according to His moral standards.
    • Scriptural Basis: “He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity” (Psalm 98:9).
    • Theological Significance: Ensures that God’s governance of the world is fair and moral, and that all wrongs will ultimately be righted.
  6. Mercy
    • Definition: God shows compassion and forgiveness to those who are in distress or who deserve punishment.
    • Scriptural Basis: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love” (Psalm 103:8).
    • Theological Significance: Highlights God’s readiness to forgive and show kindness, offering hope and redemption to sinners.
  7. Grace
    • Definition: God bestows unmerited favor and blessings upon humanity.
    • Scriptural Basis: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).
    • Theological Significance: Emphasizes that salvation and blessings are gifts from God, not earned by human effort, fostering humility and gratitude.
  8. Faithfulness
    • Definition: God is reliable, trustworthy, and true to His promises.
    • Scriptural Basis: “The LORD is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does” (Psalm 145:13).
    • Theological Significance: Provides confidence in God’s commitment to His word and His unwavering support for His people.
  9. Sovereignty
    • Definition: God has supreme authority and control over all creation.
    • Scriptural Basis: “The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19).
    • Theological Significance: Reassures believers of God’s ultimate control and purpose in all events, encouraging trust in His plan.

Summary

The attributes of God provide a comprehensive understanding of who God is and how He interacts with His creation. Incommunicable attributes highlight God’s unique and infinite nature, while communicable attributes show aspects of His character that He shares, to some extent, with humanity. Together, these attributes form a rich and multifaceted portrait of God, fostering deeper worship, trust, and relationship with Him.