------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace, #divine_attributes, #Gods_transcendence, #Gods_nature ## [[God’s Incommunicable Attributes]]: Understanding What Sets Him Apart [[God’s Incommunicable Attributes]] are those characteristics that are unique to Him and cannot be shared or replicated by [[Human beings]]. These attributes distinguish [[God]] from all other beings, showing how He is different from everything He has created. While [[humans]], made in [[God’s likeness]], can reflect some of His [[communicable attributes]] (like [[wisdom]] or [[love]]), there are certain aspects of [[God’s nature]] that have no parallel in human experience. These incommunicable attributes highlight [[God’s]] divine otherness and absolute being. ### What Are [[Incommunicable Attributes]]? The concept of [[incommunicable attributes]] can be a bit abstract, but it essentially refers to those characteristics that define [[God’s unique nature]]. They reveal truths about [[God’s supremacy]], [[transcendence]], and His distinct nature that sets Him apart from the created world. When we try to understand these qualities, we’re often faced with the reality that [[God]] is incomprehensible to our finite minds ([Isaiah 55:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+55.9&version=AMP)). However, through [[Scripture]], [[God]] has chosen to reveal glimpses of His nature so we can know Him truly, though never exhaustively. ### Key [[Incommunicable Attributes]] of [[God]] Let’s explore some of the key incommunicable attributes that set [[God]] apart: 1. **[[God’s Glory]]** [[God’s glory]] refers to His unique excellence and majestic splendor. It’s the outward expression of His inner worth and magnificence. Unlike any creature, [[God’s glory]] is inherent and essential to His nature ([Psalm 145:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+145.5&version=AMP)). 2. **[[God’s Immutability]]** This attribute describes [[God’s unchanging nature]]. He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever ([Hebrews 13:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.8&version=AMP)). [[Humans]] change in response to time and circumstances, but [[God’s character]], purposes, and promises remain constant ([James 1:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1.17&version=AMP)). 3. **[[God’s Omnipotence]]** [[God’s omnipotence]] means that He is all-powerful. There is no force or being that can thwart His will or overcome His power ([Jeremiah 32:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah+32.17&version=AMP)). While human power is limited and finite, [[God’s power]] is infinite and supreme. 4. **[[God’s Omnipresence]]** Unlike [[humans]], who can only occupy one place at a time, [[God]] is present everywhere simultaneously ([Psalm 139:7-10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139.7-10&version=AMP)). This does not mean that [[God]] is spread out thinly across [[creation]] but that He is fully present in every place. 5. **[[God’s Eternity]]** [[God’s Eternity]] signifies that He exists beyond the confines of time. He has no beginning and no end ([Psalm 90:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+90.2&version=AMP)). This is unlike human life, which is temporal and bound by time. 6. **[[God’s Omniscience]]** [[God’s omniscience]] means that He knows everything—past, present, and future. There is nothing hidden from His sight, and He never learns anything new because He has always known all things perfectly ([Isaiah 46:10](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+46.10&version=AMP)). 7. **[[God’s Self-Existence]]** [[God]] is self-existent, meaning He exists independently of anything else. He was not created, nor does He depend on any external source for His life ([Exodus 3:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus+3.14&version=AMP)). In contrast, everything else in [[creation]] is dependent on [[God]] for its existence. 8. **[[God’s Spirituality]]** This attribute means that [[God]] is spirit and does not have a physical body ([John 4:24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4.24&version=AMP)). He is non-physical, invisible, and cannot be contained by the physical world. 9. **[[God’s Unity]]** [[God’s Unity]] refers to the fact that He is one, unique, and indivisible. There is no division or conflict within Him ([Deuteronomy 6:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+6.4&version=AMP)). This stands in contrast to the fragmented nature of created beings, who often experience internal conflict. 10. **[[God’s Simplicity]]** [[Simplicity]] means that [[God]] is not made up of parts. His attributes are not separate components of His being but are identical to His essence. For example, His love, justice, and power are not separate “pieces” of Him—they are all perfectly united in His singular being. 11. **[[God’s Infinity]]** [[God’s Infinity]] means that He is unlimited in every way—by time, space, or any created thing ([1 Kings 8:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Kings+8.27&version=AMP)). This attribute highlights [[God’s transcendence]] over all [[creation]]. ### Why Understanding [[Incommunicable Attributes]] Is Important It’s essential to grasp the significance of these [[incommunicable attributes]] because they shape our understanding of who [[God]] is in His entirety. They remind us that [[God]] is not simply a “bigger” or “better” version of [[humans]]—He is fundamentally different. This difference calls us to worship Him with a sense of awe and reverence. ### Addressing Misconceptions: The Challenge of [[God’s Impassibility]] One of the most challenging attributes for many to accept is [[God’s Impassibility]]—the idea that [[God]] cannot suffer. Some feel that a [[God]] who cannot suffer seems unrelatable or detached from human pain. However, classical theology explains that this does not mean [[God]] is indifferent or cold. Instead, it means that His divine nature is not susceptible to suffering as human beings are. The good news is that [[God]], in His love, did not remain distant. The [[Son of God]], in the person of [[Jesus Christ]], took on human nature and experienced suffering, pain, and even death to redeem us. The doctrine of the [[Incarnation]] shows us that [[God]] can fully sympathize with our weaknesses without compromising His unchanging nature. This beautiful truth reminds us that [[God’s transcendence]] does not negate His immanence and compassion. ### Applying the Doctrine of [[God’s Incommunicable Attributes]] Understanding [[God’s Incommunicable Attributes]] should have a profound impact on our lives. It encourages us to: - **Cultivate Reverence**: Recognizing [[God’s immutability]], [[omnipotence]], and [[eternity]] should inspire a sense of awe and reverence. - **Trust in His Sovereignty**: [[God’s Omnipresence]] and [[omniscience]] assure us that nothing escapes His notice, and His plans are never thwarted. - **Find Comfort in His Immutability**: Knowing that [[God]] does not change means that His promises remain steadfast, providing a solid foundation for our faith. #### Call to Action: - Embrace the truth of [[God’s transcendence]] and let it deepen your worship and trust in Him. Reflect on His [[incommunicable attributes]] and allow them to shape your understanding of who He is in a greater way.