Hello Beloved,

We have been studying God’s attributes in our discussion on Theology Proper or otherwise known as the doctrine of God. Remember that 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 understand the particular manner in which divinity exists and operates. For the purpose of these articles, we described God’s attributes in relation to his intellect, sensibility, and will. Today, we will round out our study of God’s attributes by considering some basic facts that relate to each perfection.

First, it is important to recognize that all of God’s attributes are eternal. God has always possessed these attributes. There was never a time when God did not have all of His perfections, nor will there ever be a time when God will cease to have all of His attributes. Of course, if you have been paying attention, you have probably connected this truth to God’s immutability, otherwise understood as the fact that God does not change.

Second, God’s attributes are infinite. This means that God’s perfections are not limited by time or space. God’s attributes are equal and function harmoniously, being subject to God’s very nature.

Third, God’s attributes are self-existent. God is not dependent on another being as we are. He is completely independent.

Fourth, God’s attributes are completely absolute. This means that His perfections cannot be added to, developed, or improved upon. Also, God’s perfections cannot be subtracted from, diminished, or weakened. They are exactly as they should be.

 Fifth; and this is a big one; all of God’s attributes are completely equal with each other. They are all necessary to describe the quality of God in His perfection. God’s love is not greater than His justice and His justice is not greater than His love.

 Sixth, these attributes are co-substantial, which means that they are not separate components or parts of God. Each attribute is descriptive of God’s total Being. As stated before, these attributes are in harmony. No attribute is independent of the others, nor is any specific one preeminent over the others.

 Seventh, and finally, God’s attributes are real. I did not invent them, nor did any other man. God communicated these perfections about Himself through revelation like the Bible.

 The unveiling of God’s attributes are reflective of God’s greatness. Whenever, I think of this truth, I am reminded of a story:

 In 1715 King Louis XIV of France died after a reign of 72 years. He had called himself "the Great," and was the monarch who made the famous statement, "I am the state!" His court was the most magnificent in Europe, and his funeral was equally spectacular. As his body lay in state in a golden coffin, orders were given that the cathedral should be very dimly lit with only a special candle set above his coffin, to dramatize his greatness. At the memorial, thousands waited in hushed silence. Then Bishop Massilon began to speak; slowly reaching down, he snuffed out the candle and said, "Only God is great." (Today in the Word, April, 1989, p. 24.)

 Until next time, 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.