Topical Encyclopedia
The character of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, revealing His nature, attributes, and how He relates to His creation. Understanding God's character is foundational for comprehending the narrative of Scripture and the relationship between God and humanity.
HolinessGod's holiness is a defining attribute, signifying His absolute purity and separation from sin. In
Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim proclaim, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory." This thrice-repeated declaration emphasizes the perfection and transcendence of God's holiness. God's holiness demands that His people also pursue holiness, as seen in
Leviticus 19:2: "Speak to the whole congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’"
LoveGod's love is a profound and enduring aspect of His character. It is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional.
John 3:16 captures the essence of God's love: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This love is not only directed towards humanity but is intrinsic to God's nature, as stated in 1
John 4:8: "Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love."
JusticeGod's justice is an integral part of His character, ensuring that righteousness and fairness prevail.
Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." God's justice is not arbitrary but is rooted in His moral perfection, and He holds humanity accountable to His standards.
Mercy and GraceGod's mercy and grace are expressions of His compassion and kindness towards humanity.
Ephesians 2:4-5 highlights this: "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in our trespasses. It is by grace you have been saved." God's mercy withholds the punishment deserved, while His grace bestows unmerited favor.
OmniscienceGod's omniscience refers to His all-knowing nature. He possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future.
Psalm 147:5 states, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This attribute assures believers that God is fully aware of their circumstances and needs.
OmnipotenceGod's omnipotence is His unlimited power and authority over all creation.
Jeremiah 32:17 affirms, "Ah, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You." God's omnipotence is evident in His ability to accomplish His purposes and fulfill His promises.
FaithfulnessGod's faithfulness is His unwavering reliability and trustworthiness.
Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, "Because of the LORD’s loving devotion we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" God's faithfulness assures believers that He will fulfill His promises and remain constant in His character.
ImmutabilityGod's immutability means that He is unchanging in His nature, character, and promises.
Malachi 3:6 declares, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed." This attribute provides believers with confidence in God's consistent and reliable nature.
SovereigntyGod's sovereignty is His supreme authority and control over all creation.
Psalm 103:19 states, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." God's sovereignty assures believers that He is in control of all events and circumstances, working them according to His divine purpose.
These attributes, among others, collectively reveal the multifaceted character of God as depicted in the Bible. Each attribute is perfectly balanced and harmonized within the divine nature, providing a comprehensive understanding of who God is and how He interacts with His creation.