In our journey to understand the Christian faith, a vital step is exploring the nature and character of God. Understanding who God is profoundly influences how we relate to Him, perceive His actions in the world, and live out our faith. This post is a continuation of our exploration of the Gospel, building on last week’s discussion on “Understanding the Gospel: What Is the Good News?” by delving into the attributes and character of the One who is at the heart of the Good News.
The Gospel, the Good News, centres on the profound truth of God’s nature and His work in redeeming humanity through Jesus Christ. To truly appreciate the Gospel, we must first understand the God who designed and accomplished it. In this post, we will explore the attributes and character of God, providing a deeper understanding of His nature and how it shapes our faith and lives.
Understanding God: Theological Foundations
1. The Incomprehensibility of God
The first attribute we must acknowledge is God’s incomprehensibility. God is infinite, eternal, and beyond the full grasp of human understanding. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
This doesn’t mean we cannot know anything about God, but it humbles us to realize that our knowledge of Him will always be partial and dependent on His self-revelation.
2. The Self-Revelation of God
God has revealed Himself to humanity in several ways:
a. General Revelation: God reveals Himself through nature and the created order, providing evidence of His existence and attributes (Romans 1:20). When we look at the intricate design of the universe, the beauty of a sunset, or the complexity of life, we see the fingerprints of the Creator.
b. Special Revelation: God reveals Himself through the Scriptures and ultimately through His Son, Jesus Christ (Hebrews 1:1-3). The Bible is God’s inspired Word, providing a more detailed and personal understanding of His nature and will.
3. The Triune Nature of God
One of the most distinctive doctrines of Christianity is the Trinity, which teaches that God is one Being in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This profound mystery reveals the complexity and relational nature of God.
God the Father: The Father is the Creator, Sustainer, and Sovereign over all things. He is the source of all life and the ultimate authority in the universe.
God the Son: Jesus Christ, the Son, is the eternal Word who became flesh to redeem humanity. He is the perfect revelation of God’s character and the mediator between God and humanity.
God the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the presence of God active in the world and in believers’ lives, empowering them for service and sanctification.
The Attributes of God
God’s attributes are the characteristics that define His nature. These attributes can be categorized into two types: communicable and incommunicable.
Incommunicable Attributes
Incommunicable attributes are those that belong to God alone and have no direct analogy in human experience.
Our words and language are not adequate to describe accurately heavenly matters and some attributes of God are included in the list of such.
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1. Aseity (Self-Existence)
God is self-existent and independent of anything else. He is not contingent upon any other being or source for His existence. As Exodus 3:14 reveals, God declares, “I AM WHO I AM,” indicating His self-sufficiency and eternal existence.
2. Immutability (Unchanging Nature)
God is unchanging in His nature, character, and promises. James 1:17 tells us:
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
God’s unchanging nature provides us with a foundation of stability and trust.
3. Eternality
God is eternal, existing outside the bounds of time. Psalm 90:2 affirms:
“Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
God’s eternality assures us that He is sovereign over all history and the future.
4. Omnipresence (Everywhere Present)
God is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10 beautifully expresses this truth:
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:7-10
God’s omnipresence assures us of His constant presence and guidance in our lives.
5. Omnipotence (All-Powerful)
God is all-powerful and able to accomplish His purposes. Jeremiah 32:17 declares:
“Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.”
God’s omnipotence gives us confidence that He can fulfil His promises and work all things for our good.
6. Omniscience (All-Knowing)
God is all-knowing, possessing complete and perfect knowledge of all things past, present, and future. Hebrews 4:13 reminds us:
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
God’s omniscience assures us that He understands our circumstances and guides us with wisdom.
Communicable Attributes
Communicable attributes are those that God shares with humanity to a certain extent, reflecting His character in our lives.
1. Holiness
God is perfectly holy, set apart from all sin and moral imperfection. Isaiah 6:3 declares:
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.
Isaiah 6:3
God’s holiness calls us to pursue holiness in our own lives, as 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts us to be holy as He is holy.
2. Love
God is love, and His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and eternal. 1 John 4:8 tells us:
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
God’s love is demonstrated supremely in the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us. This love calls us to love others as He has loved us.
3. Justice
God is perfectly just and righteous in all His ways. Psalm 89:14 declares:
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.”
God’s justice assures us that He will ultimately right all wrongs and establish His kingdom of righteousness.
4. Mercy and Grace
God is merciful and gracious, extending compassion and forgiveness to those who repent. Ephesians 2:4-5 reminds us:
“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 transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
God’s mercy and grace invite us to receive His forgiveness and live in the freedom of His love.
5. Truthfulness
God is truth, and His Word is the ultimate standard of truth. John 14:6 declares:
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
John 14:6
God’s truthfulness calls us to live with integrity and to stand firm in the truth of His Word.
6. Faithfulness
God is faithful and trustworthy, keeping His promises and remaining steadfast in His love. Lamentations 3:22-23 affirms:
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”
God’s faithfulness assures us that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
The Character of God
In addition to His attributes, God’s character is revealed through His actions and relationships with humanity. The following aspects of God’s character help us understand His heart and purpose:
1. God as Creator
God is the Creator of the universe, and everything in it. Genesis 1:1 declares:
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
God’s creative power and artistry are evident in the beauty and complexity of creation, inspiring awe and worship.
God is before creation. He is not in the category of created beings
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2. God as Redeemer
God is the Redeemer who rescues and restores humanity from sin and death. Through Jesus Christ, God provided the means for salvation and reconciliation. John 3:16 proclaims:
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
God’s redemptive work is a testament to His love, grace, and desire for a relationship with us.
3. God as Father
God is a loving and compassionate Father who cares for His children. Psalm 103:13 assures us:
“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.”
God’s fatherly care provides us with comfort, guidance, and security.
4. God as Judge
God is the righteous Judge who holds humanity accountable for their actions. 2 Corinthians 5:10 warns:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
God’s judgment is tempered by His mercy and justice, ensuring that His purposes are ultimately fulfilled.
How Understanding God’s Nature Shapes Our Faith
Understanding the nature and character of God profoundly impacts our faith and daily lives in several ways:
1. Worship
A deeper understanding of God’s attributes and character fuels our worship and adoration. As we grasp the greatness, holiness, and love of God, our hearts are moved to praise and glorify Him. Psalm 145:3 exclaims:
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
2. Trust
Knowing God’s faithfulness, omnipotence, and sovereignty builds our trust in Him. We can confidently rely on His promises and provisions, even in challenging circumstances. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
3. Obedience
Understanding God’s holiness, justice, and love motivates us to live in obedience to His commands. We strive to reflect His character in our actions and relationships. John 14:15 reminds us:
“If you love me, keep my commands.”
4. Love for Others
As we experience God’s love and grace, we are compelled to love others with the same selflessness and compassion. 1 John 4:11 exhorts us:
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”
5. Mission
Understanding God’s redemptive work fuels our passion for sharing the Gospel with others. We are called to participate in God’s mission to bring salvation and reconciliation to the world. Matthew 28:19-20 commissions us:
“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, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Conclusion
The nature and character of God are foundational to our understanding of the Gospel and our relationship with Him. As we explore God’s attributes and character, we are invited to deepen our worship, trust, obedience, love, and mission. In knowing God more intimately, we are transformed to reflect His glory and participate in His redemptive work in the world.
Next Steps
Join us next week as we explore “The Trinity: Understanding the Triune God.” We will delve into the biblical understanding of the Trinity. Until then, may you continue to seek God and grow in your understanding of His nature and character.
Thank you for reading. If you have any questions or reflections on the nature and character of God, please feel free to share them in the comments below. Let’s continue to seek understanding and grow in our faith together.
