Topical Encyclopedia
The attributes of God are the inherent characteristics that define and describe the nature of God as revealed in the Bible. These attributes are essential to understanding who God is and how He interacts with His creation. The Bible provides a comprehensive picture of God's attributes, which can be categorized into communicable and incommunicable attributes.
Incommunicable Attributes1.
Aseity: God's self-existence and independence from His creation. He is the uncaused cause, existing eternally without dependence on anything outside Himself. "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (
Genesis 1:1), indicating His existence before creation.
2.
Immutability: God's unchanging nature. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. "I, the LORD, do not change" (
Malachi 3:6). This attribute assures believers of God's consistent character and promises.
3.
Eternity: God is eternal, having no beginning or end. He exists outside of time and is not bound by it. "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God" (
Psalm 90:2).
4.
Omnipresence: God's presence is everywhere at all times. He is not confined to any physical location. "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?" (
Psalm 139:7).
5.
Omniscience: God's all-knowing nature. He possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit" (
Psalm 147:5).
6.
Omnipotence: God's all-powerful nature. He has unlimited power and can accomplish anything that is consistent with His character. "For nothing will be impossible with God" (
Luke 1:37).
Communicable Attributes1.
Holiness: God's absolute purity and separation from sin. He is morally perfect and calls His people to be holy. "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth" (
Isaiah 6:3).
2.
Love: God's self-giving and sacrificial nature. His love is unconditional and demonstrated supremely in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. "God is love" (1
John 4:8).
3.
Mercy: God's compassion and kindness towards those in distress. He is patient and forgiving, not treating us as our sins deserve. "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (
Psalm 103:8).
4.
Justice: God's commitment to righteousness and fairness. He upholds His moral law and will judge the world with equity. "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice" (
Psalm 11:7).
5.
Truthfulness: God's nature as the ultimate source of truth. He is faithful to His promises and cannot lie. "God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should change His mind" (
Numbers 23:19).
6.
Wisdom: God's perfect application of knowledge. He knows the best means to achieve the best ends. "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!" (
Romans 11:33).
These attributes, while distinct, are perfectly unified in the being of God. They provide a framework for understanding His actions and character as revealed in Scripture. Each attribute is essential to the nature of God and reflects His glory and majesty.