Attributes of God

Definition and Veracity: God is characterized by absolute truthfulness, often referred to as His veracity. This means that His internal being and His external knowledge eternally and perfectly conform to each other. He is the "true God" ($John 17:3$), and His words are the final, objective standard of truth.
Ontological vs. Ethical Truth:
- Ontological: God is the real God as opposed to idols or false deities.
- Ethical: God is reliable and never deceives. As stated in $Titus 1:2$, "God… cannot lie."
Final Standard of Truth: All knowledge is true to the extent that it conforms to God's knowledge and His revelation. Our perception of reality is only accurate when it aligns with how God has defined the world.
Personification in Jesus Christ:
- Jesus Christ is the Logos (the Word), the tangible expression of God's truth ($John 1:1$).
- Jesus' declaration, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ($John 14:6$), signifies that truth is not merely a set of propositions but is rooted in a Person.

The Essence of Love: God's nature is not just characterized by love; God is love ($1 John 4:8$). This attribute is an eternal, self-giving quality within the Trinity—the Father, Son, and Spirit have existed in an eternal relationship of love.
Theological Definitions:
- Barakman: Describes it as an "affectionate caring" that seeks the highest good of the beloved.
- Grudem: Defines God’s love as the "eternal act of giving Himself to others."
Grace and Mercy: These are specific manifestations of God's love.
- Grace: Love extended to the undeserving.
- Mercy: Love extended to the miserable or those in distress.
Biblical Evidence:
- John 17:24: Highlights the pre-temporal love of the Father for the Son before the "foundation of the world."
- John 3:35: Shows the continuous flow of love from the Father to the Son.

Sacrificial Love (Agape):
- This is the highest form of love, demonstrated at the Cross.
- Reference: $John 3:16$ emphasizes that the magnitude of God's love is measured by the cost of the gift—His only Son.
Universal Love/Common Grace:
- God's love is shown generally through His provision for all of creation.
- He provides rain, sun, and life-sustenance to both the righteous and the unrighteous ($Matthew 5:44-45$).
Compassionate Love:
- This involves God's empathetic response to human suffering and His active involvement in alleviating the spiritual and physical needs of humanity.

Twofold Definition:
1. Transcendent Greatness (Ontological): God is "set apart" from all of creation. He is infinitely above and distinct from everything else that exists ($Exodus 15:11$).
2. Ethical Purity: God is separated from all moral defilement and sin. He is wholly committed to His own moral excellence and glory ($Habakkuk 1:13$).
Scriptural Vision:
- Isaiah 6:3: The angels cry "Holy, holy, holy" is the Lord of hosts. The repetition refers to the superlative nature of God's purity.
The Command to Sanctification: Because God is holy, He requires His people to reflect His character. "You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy" ($Leviticus 19:2$; $1 Peter 1:16$). This involves both a positional setting apart (sanctification) and a practical growth in moral purity.

Attribute of Reliability: God’s faithfulness means He is consistently true to His nature, His character, and His promises. He never changes (Immutability) and therefore never fails to fulfill His word.
Covenant Stewardship:
- When God makes a covenant, His faithfulness ensures that the promises of that covenant remain secure regardless of human fluctuations.
- Reference: $2 Timothy 2:13$ states, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself."
Practical Application: Believers can rely on God's word because his actions always correspond to His declarations. His faithfulness is the foundation of Christian hope and security.