Hello Beloved,

As we continue to approach the subject of Theology Proper or the Doctrine of God, we have already discussed the essence of God and the meaning of the Trinity. In this article, we will continue the second of three sections that deal with God’s attributes. However, this section of God’s attributes is so prolific, it will take two newsletter articles to cover the material. An attribute could be defined as a quality, character, characteristic, or property that describes the essence of who God is. Defining God’s attributes helps us to understand the particular ways in which divinity exists and operates. Some have also called God’s attributes: characteristics, qualities, or even perfections, which reveal His nature. For the purpose of these articles, we will describe God’s attributes in relation to his intellect, sensibility, and will.

The description of God’s “Sensibility” could also be explained as His moral attributes. The first attribute on the list is God’s Holiness. Holiness distinguishes God as God, inferring that He is pure in essence, character, actions, thoughts, words, and plans. Holiness is also connected to God’s separateness as in relation to His creatures and even as relates to sin. God is holy at all times; His holiness is self-sustaining; and His holiness is never diminished (Lev 19:2; Josh 24:19; 1 Sam 2:2; 6:20; Ps 89:35; Is 6:3; Js 1:13). You may recall that God’s holiness is to be reflected in those whom he claims as His covenant community (Lev 19:2; 1 Pet 1:15-16). God hates sin and His attribute of holiness explains why He must punish it. Further, because humanity is depraved and sinful (Rom 3:10-17), then he must approach God on the merits of another, Jesus Christ (Rom 5:2, Eph 2:18; Heb 10:19). What God’s love demanded, holiness provided in Christ’s atonement through the cross (Rom 5:6-8; Eph 2:1-9; 1 Pet 3:18; Heb 9:22). Though Christians have been justified through the cross, they are still required to approach a Holy God with reverence and awe (Heb 12:28).

The next attribute of God’s “sensibility” which relates directly to His holiness is God’s righteousness/justice. The application of God’s holiness infers that He always does “right” by His creatures in how He relates to His creatures. Righteousness implies a standard or rule that requires conformity. God’s law is ultimate, and He is not subject to another (Neh 9:8; Ps 145:17; John 17:25). God never violates His own law, nor allows His law to be violated without satisfaction (Is 53:6; Mark 10:45; Rom 5:8; 1 Pet 2:24). God’s righteousness manifests itself in His hatred toward sin (Ps 11:4-7; 33:5; Hab 1:12-13; Deut 25:16), in His various abominations (Prov 3:32; 6:16-19), and in his punishment of sin (Gen 6:5-7; Ex 9:23-27; Ps 5:4-6). Further, God bestows rewards upon the righteous for their faithfulness (2 Tim 4:8, 1 Kings 8:32; Matt 10:42), in delivering the righteous from their adversaries (Ps 98:1-3; 129:1-4; 2 Thes 1:6-7; Rev 16:4-7), and by God’s judging man in righteousness (1 Sam 2:3; 1 Kings 8:32; Ps 67:4).

In connection with God’s righteousness is His goodness. Goodness refers to that which God defines as beautiful, profitable, desirable, useful and morally right as compared to that which is not beautiful, profitable, desirable, useful or morally wrong. Everything about God is good (Matt 9:17; Mark 10:17-18). God is good all the time, and all the time God is good. God is not just good in His nature but He is the giver and measure of good (Jas 1:17).

Finally, in relation to God’s goodness, we must speak of God’s truth. Truth relates to the reality that God is completely dependable or faithful. God always abides by his promises and executes every threat in accordance with His nature. As relates to Himself, God’s truth speaks to His genuineness. God is legitimate, true, and living. Scripture often calls Him the true God as opposed to false gods (Jer 10:10; 1 Thes 1:9; 1 John 5:20; Rev 3:7,6:10). As relates to His creatures, God’s truth is reliable and He represents things as they are (Ps 108:4, John 3:33, 1 John 5:20).

Next time, we will continue with the categorical attributes of God’s sensibility in the second section as we look at those attributes which relate to His love, such as mercy, grace, and kindness. Until then, this is Pastor Daniel writing “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”

*Material for this newsletter article are taken from the notes of Jim Smith, Professor of Bible and Theology at Brookes Bible College.