What are the attributes of God?
The Attributes of God: A Graduate-Level Theological Exploration
Understanding the attributes of God is foundational to a robust theology. The Bible reveals who God is and what He is like, allowing us to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). The Word of God, creation, and the incarnation of Jesus Christ provide humanity with a window into God's character. Without divine revelation, any attempt to explain God's attributes would result in human speculation, often leading to idolatry or error (Job 42:7; Exodus 20:3–5).
The attributes of God fall into two broad categories: communicable (attributes God shares to some degree with humanity) and incommunicable (attributes unique to God). Here, we will examine these attributes as revealed in Scripture, always grounding our understanding in the authority of God’s Word.
God’s Names and Their Significance
The names of God reveal His character and nature. Each name highlights a unique aspect of who God is and how He relates to His creation. Below are some significant names of God:
Elohim: The Strong One, Creator (Genesis 1:1). This name emphasizes God's power and authority as the Creator of all things.
Adonai: Lord or Master, indicating the relationship between a sovereign God and His servants (Exodus 4:10, 13).
El Elyon: The Most High God, supreme over all (Genesis 14:20).
El Roi: The God Who Sees (Genesis 16:13). This name reminds us of God’s omniscience and His care for His people.
El Shaddai: God Almighty, reflecting His infinite power (Genesis 17:1).
El Olam: The Everlasting God, showing His eternal nature (Isaiah 40:28).
Yahweh: I AM WHO I AM, the self-existent, eternal God (Exodus 3:14).
These names underscore God’s incomprehensible greatness and His intimate involvement with His creation.
The Incommunicable Attributes of God
These attributes belong to God alone and highlight His uniqueness.
1. God Is Eternal
God has no beginning or end. He exists outside of time and is not constrained by its limitations. Psalm 90:2 declares, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (NKJV). God’s eternal nature assures us of His unchanging promises and purposes (Hebrews 13:8).
2. God Is Immutable
God does not change in His nature, character, or purposes. Malachi 3:6 states, “For I am the Lord, I do not change” (NKJV). This means that God is utterly dependable, and His promises are eternally trustworthy.
3. God Is Omnipotent
God possesses all power and authority. He can do anything consistent with His character and will. Revelation 19:6 proclaims, “The Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (NKJV). God’s omnipotence is displayed in creation (Genesis 1:1) and in His redemptive acts (Ephesians 1:19–21).
4. God Is Omnipresent
God is present everywhere simultaneously. Psalm 139:7–10 affirms, “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (NKJV).
5. God Is Omniscient
God knows everything—past, present, and future—including the thoughts and intents of the heart. Psalm 147:5 declares, “Great is our Lord, and mighty in power; His understanding is infinite” (NKJV).
6. God Is Self-Existent
Unlike creation, which is dependent, God exists by His own power. Jesus affirmed this in John 5:26: “For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself” (NKJV).
The Communicable Attributes of God
These attributes are reflected in humanity, though imperfectly.
1. God Is Holy
God’s holiness signifies His separation from sin and absolute moral purity. Isaiah 6:3 proclaims, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!” (NKJV). As His image-bearers, we are called to reflect His holiness (1 Peter 1:16).
2. God Is Just
God’s justice ensures that He judges sin righteously. Deuteronomy 32:4 says, “For all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He” (NKJV). His justice is tempered by His mercy through the atoning work of Christ (Romans 3:25–26).
3. God Is Love
God’s love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. First John 4:8 states, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (NKJV). God’s love is most clearly demonstrated in the sending of His Son to die for sinners (John 3:16).
4. God Is Gracious and Merciful
God extends unmerited favor and compassion to sinners. Exodus 34:6 reveals, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (NKJV).
5. God Is Truth
God is the source of all truth and cannot lie. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6, NKJV). His Word is the ultimate standard of truth (John 17:17).
6. God Is Faithful
God is perfectly reliable and true to His promises. Lamentations 3:22–23 declares, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (NKJV).
God’s Revelation Through Creation and Redemption
God’s attributes are revealed not only in His Word but also in creation. Psalm 19:1–2 proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge” (NKJV).
In redemption, God reveals His grace and mercy through Jesus Christ. The cross is the ultimate display of God’s justice, love, and holiness. Romans 5:8 states, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (NKJV).
Conclusion
God’s attributes reveal the depth of His character and the glory of His being. While He is incomprehensible in His fullness, He has graciously made Himself known to us. As Jeremiah 9:24 declares, “But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,” says the Lord (NKJV). May we continually seek to know Him and worship Him in spirit and truth.
