Topical Encyclopedia
The nature of God is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting His distinct and unparalleled attributes as revealed in the Bible. God's unique nature is foundational to understanding His character, His relationship with creation, and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ.
1. Monotheism and the TrinityThe Bible affirms the existence of one God, a core tenet of monotheism.
Deuteronomy 6:4 declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." This oneness is further expounded in the New Testament through the doctrine of the Trinity, which describes God as three persons in one essence: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19 instructs, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit."
2. Eternality and ImmutabilityGod's eternal nature is emphasized throughout Scripture.
Psalm 90:2 states, "Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God." This eternal existence underscores His immutability, meaning God does not change.
Malachi 3:6 affirms, "For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."
3. Omnipotence, Omniscience, and OmnipresenceGod's omnipotence is evident in His ability to accomplish His will without limitation.
Jeremiah 32:17 proclaims, "Ah, Lord GOD! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You." His omniscience is reflected in His complete knowledge of all things, as
Psalm 147:5 states, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." God's omnipresence is the attribute of being present everywhere, as expressed in
Psalm 139:7-10: "Where can I go to escape Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence?"
4. Holiness and RighteousnessGod's holiness sets Him apart from all creation, characterized by absolute purity and moral perfection.
Isaiah 6:3 records the seraphim proclaiming, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." His righteousness is the standard of His just and moral governance, as seen in
Psalm 11:7: "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face."
5. Love and MercyGod's love is a defining attribute, demonstrated supremely in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.
John 3:16 declares, "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." His mercy is an extension of His love, offering forgiveness and compassion to sinners.
Ephesians 2:4-5 states, "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."
6. Sovereignty and ProvidenceGod's sovereignty signifies His supreme authority and control over all creation.
Daniel 4:35 affirms, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: 'What have You done?'" His providence is the means by which He sustains and governs the universe, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled.
Romans 8:28 assures believers, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."
7. Faithfulness and TruthGod's faithfulness is His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people.
Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!" His truth is the foundation of His word and actions, as Jesus declared in
John 17:17, "Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth."
These attributes collectively reveal the unique nature of God as depicted in the Bible, offering a glimpse into His divine essence and His relationship with humanity.