Notes on the Attributes of God

No One Like God

God's independence, termed aseity, means self-existence, applying only to God. Aseity highlights God's self-sufficiency and independence. He needs nothing outside Himself for existence, strength, or provision. Unlike created beings reliant on external factors, God's nature is inherently self-sustaining.

A God with No Parts

Humans have diverse parts yet remain unified. The question arises: Does God have separate components? Attributes like love, justice, holiness aren't God's pieces but facets describing His unified essence. God is not a sum of parts. He is a unified being, fully present in each attribute.

God is identical to His attributes, united, termed simplicity. Simplicity means God's essence isn't a collection of distinct parts. His being is complete, attributes integrated. Consider light: it has color, intensity, but isn't parts. Similarly, God’s attributes are inseparable, defining one essence.

God is one essence, identified by His attributes. Essence is God's fundamental nature, encompassing His attributes shaping His identity. Attributes aren't a 'them' but a 'Him.' Understanding involves recognizing distinct, unified essence aspects. God's essence is simple, our one, true, personal God.

The Unchangeable God

Immutability, tough to grasp, means God doesn't change fundamentally. Scripture suggests interaction with creation implies change. Immutability means God's nature, character, purposes remain constant. Interactions don't alter His intrinsic nature, even amid creation interactions.

God interacts personally; yet His essence remains. Interactions are real but don't imply change. Consider a rock: weathering changes appearance, yet it's still a rock. God engages creation, but His core essence remains unchanged.

Putting it Together

God differs from creatures, revealing truth understandably. God's nature differs from creation. He communicates understandably, though His being is beyond full human grasp. He is God, independent; humanity is dependent, caused by Him. God is self-existent, while humanity relies on Him as the source of life.

The Infinite God

Limits aid comprehension; God is limitless, unique in infinity. Limits help us understand the finite world. However, God has infinite qualities.

God Beyond Space and Time

God's infinity means He's limitless, unbound by space or time. God transcends space and time. Time and space are created; God is omnipresent. God created time, space, is present everywhere. He isn't restricted.

God is present in all creation, wholly. God’s full being is present at every point in creation.

The Infinite Excellence of God

Scripture references God’s infinite perfections, beyond measure. Assessing God's excellence is impossible due to its infinite nature. God’s infinity makes Him worship-worthy. God's perfection distinguishes Him, making Him worthy of worship.

Infinite in Wisdom

God's knowledge isn't external; He is His knowledge. God’s knowledge is part of His being.

God’s omniscience displays His wisdom, applying His limitless knowledge.

Infinite in Power

God's power, El Shadday, means omnipotence. God is all-powerful.

God has boundless power.

Dynamis, Greek for power, means intensity, supply without limits. God's power is unlimited in intensity and supply.

What Does Infinity Mean to Me?

God communicates personally, is with us; have no fear. God is fully with us, and there is nothing we should fear if we are His.

Never worry about God's power; His wisdom is eternal. Trust His wisdom for eternity.

God of Holiness, Righteousness, and Love

The Holiness of God

God's holiness is foundational; He is devoted and faithful. God's nature is faithful. Sin is absent from God; calling God good is infinitely true. God is free from sin.

The Righteousness of God

God’s righteousness is absolute rightness, balanced scales. In the Old Testament, righteousness is associated with balanced scales.

Righteousness, or justice, responds rightly. God's holiness ensures His perfectly right justice. The standard for what is right is rooted in God's character.

God's judgment, though severe, isn't selfish anger. Sympathizing with sin distorts perception. God’s judgment is motivated by perfect justice, not based on selfish human emotions.

The Love of God

Love is defined by what God is, not just acts. Love is what God is, shown to us as sinners.

Love Shown through Grace

Grace is God's act of unearned love for us. God’s grace is His unmerited favour towards us. God's nature is inherently self-sustaining, unlike created beings reliant on external factors

Love Shown through Mercy

God shows love through withheld deserved punishment. Those unrepentant won't find mercy. Those who do not repent will not receive God's mercy.

Love Shown through Persistence

God's unfailing, infinite, eternal love is constant. We should be humble, devoted like God.

God's love is steadfast and never wavers, providing us with unwavering support even in times of struggle. This love calls us to emulate His patience, extending grace and compassion to others as we navigate our own challenges. Through His unwavering love, we learn the importance of forgiveness, enabling us to grow spiritually and strengthen our relationships with one another.