Type of Doctrine: Primary
"The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge!"
-Psalm 50:6 ESV
Why Does It Matter?
Who is God? What is he like? This article will address these questions by covering the attributes of God.
This topic is typically considered a primary issue which Christians generally agree on. (There are a few of these attributes which have sparked debate, but for the most part, Christians are in agreement)
What Is It?
Scripture refers to various aspects of God's character. Don't be surprised if studying the attributes of God makes you want to worship. These attributes are astonishing!
The following chart is based on and adapted from H. Wayne House, Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992), 41-42.
The Attributes of God
Attribute | Definition |
Simplicity | God is simple--that is, he is not made up of different parts, not complex, and cannot be divided. He is unique and spirit in his being. |
Unity | God is one. |
Infinity | God is not finite; he is unbounded and without termination. |
Eternity | God is free and unrestrained by the succession of time. |
Immutability | God does not change. |
Omnipresence | God is everywhere; there is nowhere in this universe that is absent of God's presence. |
Sovereignty | God is the supreme authority and the supreme ruler over all things. |
Omniscience | God knows all things; his knowledge is perfect and exhaustive. |
Omnipotence | God is completely powerful. |
Justice | God is perfectly fair, and he will judge accordingly. |
Love | God is perfectly loving towards others. |
Benevolence | God is unselfish; he is concerned with the welfare of those he loves. |
Grace | God gives undeserved favor to those whom he loves. |
Goodness | God is good--that is, his character is shown by benevolence, mercy, and grace. |
Freedom | God is independent from his creatures. |
Holiness | God is perfect; he is fully righteous and set apart from all sin or evil. |
Righteousness | Holiness which is applied to relationships; God's law and his actions are exactly right. |
Truth | God is always right, and he is consistent with all that he represents. |
Genuineness | God is real and true. |
Veracity | God always speaks the truth, and he is fully trustworthy. |
Faithfulness | God always keeps his promises. |
Personality | God is personal; in other words, he has self-cognizance, will, intellect, and self-determination. |
Life | God is life, and he is the ultimate source of all life. |
Mercy | God is tenderhearted; he shows compassion to the miserable, needy people he loves, and he doesn't bring upon them what they deserve. |
Persistence | God is long-suffering and patient toward his people. |
Application
Maybe, like me, after reading these attributes you feel a deep desire to pray and sing praises to God!
Where Can I Learn More?
Bibliography:
-House, H. Wayne. Charts of Christian Theology & Doctrine. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992.