“The knowledge of God is the most important knowledge a person can have.”
– A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy
We are known by God.
And, we were made to know Him.
To know His character as a Father. To know His nature as the almighty God. And all throughout the Scriptures, we see His attributes displayed. We see His love, goodness, and holiness. We see His justice, mercy, and kindness.
And the attributes of God reveal to us who God is and what God is like.
As John Frame writes in The Doctrine of God:
The Bible does not set out to prove the existence of God; rather, it reveals the attributes of the God who already is.
What we find throughout the pages of Scripture is God’s revelation of Himself, expressed through a variety of attributes.
But, the attributes of God not only reveal what God is like. They also reveal who we were created to be as His image-bearers.
It’s this beautiful revelation of Himself, that also provides a revelation of who we are as His sons and daughters.
The Attributes That Set God Apart
When it comes to the attributes of God, there are qualities that belong to Him alone. Because, while we were created to be like Him, we were not created to be Him.
God Is Eternal
God has no beginning and no end.
He always was, always is, and always will be.
While we live within the limits of time, God exists outside of it. Moses wrote in Psalm 90, “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”
God’s eternality is a core attribute that is unique to Him.
God Is Unchanging
In a world full of change and uncertainty, God’s character and promises remain unchanged.
As the prophet Malachi declared, “I the LORD do not change.” Although culture and circumstances shift and change, the attributes of God do not.
And it’s His unchanging nature that sets Him apart from us as His creation.
God Is All-Powerful
God spoke the universe into existence.
He sustains all things and holds complete authority over all things. In Jeremiah 32:17 NIV, the prophet 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 is a foundational component of who He is.
And it’s these key attributes of God that are reserved for Him, and Him alone.
But, while they set God apart as wholly Other than us, these attributes do inform and infuse our identities as His children.
The Attributes God Reflects in Us
God created us in His image to reflect His character. This means that while we are not divine, God has given us the capacity to embody aspects of His nature in our daily lives. These attributes shape how we live, how we relate to others, and how we represent Him to the world.
Love
God’s love is unlike any human love.
It is unfailing, sacrificial, and unconditional. 1 John 4:8 NIV tells us, “God is love.” Love is not just something He does, it’s who He is. And we see the fullest expression of His love in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.
It’s this same kind of love that God calls us to reflect in our relationships. It means putting others before ourselves, forgiving when it hurts, and loving those who we might feel don’t deserve it.
Love is at the core of what it means to be a follower of Jesus.
Justice
God is perfectly just.
He upholds what is right and defends those who are oppressed. Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV declares, “He is the Rock, His works are perfect, and all His ways are just.”
God’s justice is not swayed by circumstances or favoritism. And in a world where injustice is everywhere, God’s justice provides a standard of truth and righteousness. As His people, we are called to reflect this attribute by pursuing justice in our own lives. This means standing up for those who are mistreated, being honest and fair in our decisions, and not compromising our integrity.
God’s justice reminds us that righteousness is not just an idea. It’s a way of living that honors Him.
Goodness
God’s goodness is evident in everything He does.
He provides for us, protects us, and invites us to experience His kindness and mercy. And God’s goodness doesn’t depend on our circumstances. It’s constant, regardless of the situation.
And we are called to reflect His goodness to the world around us. Whether it’s offering help to someone in need or simply listening to a hurting friend, our actions can demonstrate God’s goodness at work in the world.
Holiness
God is entirely separate from sin and perfectly holy.
Isaiah 6:3 NIV describes a powerful scene where the seraphim proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.” This repetition emphasizes the weight of God’s holiness. It’s central to His being. And while we are imperfect, God calls us to pursue holiness in our lives.
This means turning away from sin, aligning our hearts with God’s Word, and walking in His way.
These attributes remind us of our calling to live in a way that honors God. Because when we embody His love, justice, goodness, and holiness, we not only reflect His character but also represent Him to those around us.
Why Understanding God’s Attributes Matters
Knowing the attributes of God shapes every part of our faith.
His unchanging nature gives us confidence in uncertain times. His holiness calls us to live lives set apart for Him. His love teaches us how to serve and care for others. And His justice reminds us to stand up for truth and righteousness.
By understanding who God is, we can trust Him more deeply, grow in our relationship with Him, and, ultimately, reflect who He is to the world around us.
Learn More About the Nature of God
In our course, The Attributes of God, Dr. Michael Heiser explores both the attributes that set God apart and those He reflects in us. He also presents arguments for God’s existence, helping you grasp the fullness of His being.
This course will give you a solid theological foundation for understanding God’s nature and deepening your relationship with Him.
If you’re ready to explore who God is and grow in your understanding of who you are in Him, sign up for this free course here.
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