------------------------------------------------------- > **Cross Reference:** #Gods_attributes, #divine_nature, #Christian_theology, #biblical_teaching ## Understanding God’s Attributes: A Unique Perspective [[God’s attributes]] are the descriptions He has revealed about His [[nature]] and [[Character]]. These attributes are unlike those of any other being because [[God]] is wholly unique. The way we describe His attributes differs from how we talk about [[human characteristics]] because His [[essence]] is completely distinct from [[created beings]]. This distinctiveness makes it difficult to define who [[God]] is. Often, it’s easier to say what [[God]] is *not* than to fully describe what He *is*. ### Negative Attributes: What God is Not Many of [[God’s attributes]] are expressed in negative terms—words like **immortal**, **invisible**, **impassible**, **immutable**, and **infinite**. These terms emphasize that [[God]]: - Cannot die (**immortal**) - Cannot be seen (**invisible**) - Cannot be made to suffer (**impassible**) - Does not change (**immutable**) - Is not limited by time or space (**infinite**) All these attributes set [[God]] apart from His creation and underscore His [[divine uniqueness]]. However, they do not tell us exactly what [[God]] is like in His [[essence]]; they just show how different He is from anything else we know. ### Positive Attributes: What God Is While [[God’s negative attributes]] tell us what He is not, there are also positive descriptions of Him that help us understand His [[nature]]. For example, [[God]] is: - **Eternal** – He has no beginning or end. - **Holy** – He is completely pure and set apart. - **Omniscient** – He knows all things. - **Omnipotent** – He is all-powerful. - **Omnipresent** – He is present everywhere. Each of these attributes is unique to [[God]] and reveals a different aspect of His [[being]]. They must be understood together because no single attribute can capture the fullness of who He is. > “Each of [[God’s attributes]] mutually qualify one another, so that they are never abstract or considered in isolation.” For instance, to say that [[God]] is **all-powerful** (**omnipotent**) doesn’t mean that He can do *anything*, but rather that His [[power]] is not limited by anything or anyone greater than Himself. [[God]] cannot act against His own [[nature]] (e.g., He cannot lie or deny Himself), but He can exercise His will freely in accordance with His [[perfect nature]]. ### Incommunicable vs. Communicable Attributes Theologians often categorize [[God’s attributes]] into two types: **incommunicable** and **communicable**. 1. **Incommunicable Attributes**: These describe what [[God]] is in Himself and are unique to His [[being]]. They include attributes like **omnipresence** (God being everywhere) and **immutability** (God never changing). No creature can share these attributes because they are essential to [[God’s divine nature]]. 2. **Communicable Attributes**: These are attributes that, in some form, can be reflected in [[God’s creation]], especially in humans. For example, [[God]] is **faithful** and **just**, and while humans can also exhibit faithfulness and justice, we do so imperfectly and in a limited way. Though the two categories help us organize our thoughts about [[God]], it’s important to remember that all [[God’s attributes]] are uniquely His. Even those that have some reflection in [[creation]] are expressed infinitely and perfectly in [[God]]. ### Human Reflection of God’s Attributes Humans, as [[image-bearers of God]], reflect some of His [[attributes]], though in a limited way. For instance: - **God’s Omniscience**: [[God]] knows all things infinitely. Humans, too, can gain knowledge and understanding, but our knowledge is always limited. - **God’s Eternity**: [[God’s eternal life]] has no beginning or end, but He also gives [[eternal life]] to His children. Our [[eternal life]] has a starting point and is a gift from His grace. These reflections remind us that while we bear the [[image of God]], we are fundamentally different from Him. Our attributes are finite, while His are infinite. ### Tension in Understanding God’s Attributes Because some of [[God’s attributes]] are difficult for us to comprehend, they are often challenged or criticized, especially by modern theologians. For example, one debated attribute is **impassibility**, which means that [[God]], in His [[divine nature]], cannot suffer. Some argue that a [[God]] who cannot suffer cannot fully empathize with human pain and sorrow. However, classical theologians have long taught that [[God’s impassibility]] does not mean He is unfeeling or distant. Rather, it shows that [[God]] is not overwhelmed by suffering as humans are. The issue is resolved in the [[Incarnation]], where the [[Son of God]], [[Jesus Christ]], took on [[human nature]]. In His humanity, Christ experienced pain, sorrow, and even death. But in His [[divine nature]], He remained impassible, unchanging, and sovereign. > “Christian theology has always recognized that [[God’s attributes]] hold together not in our intellectual grasp of them, but in [[God]] himself.” The complexity of understanding [[God’s attributes]] points us to the greatness and mystery of [[God]]. Our limited human minds can only grasp so much, and this should lead us to worship rather than frustration. ### Key Passages to Consider The following verses provide a biblical basis for many of [[God’s attributes]]: - **[John 1:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1.18&version={{AMP}})** – No one has seen God, but the [[Son]] has made Him known. - **[1 Timothy 1:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+1.17&version={{AMP}})** – [[God]] is immortal, invisible, the only wise [[God]]. - **[Romans 1:20](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1.20&version={{AMP}})** – [[God’s invisible qualities]] have been clearly seen through [[creation]]. - **[Colossians 1:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1.15&version={{AMP}})** – [[Christ]] is the [[image of the invisible God]]. - **[Hebrews 11:27](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11.27&version={{AMP}})** – [[God]] is invisible, yet Moses persevered as seeing Him who is unseen. - **[James 1:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1.17&version={{AMP}})** – Every good and perfect gift comes from the unchanging Father. - **[Hebrews 13:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+13.8&version={{AMP}})** – [[Jesus Christ]] is the same yesterday, today, and forever. - **[Hebrews 4:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+4.15&version={{AMP}})** – [[Jesus]] sympathizes with our weaknesses. - **[Psalm 139:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+139.7&version={{AMP}})** – There is no place we can go from [[God’s presence]]. - **[Isaiah 66:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+66.1&version={{AMP}})** – Heaven is [[God’s throne]] and the earth His footstool. ### Final Thoughts: Knowing God Through His Attributes When we explore the [[attributes of God]], we are engaging with the heart of who He is. Although we may never fully comprehend His [[essence]], every attribute reveals something true and beautiful about Him. By studying these [[attributes]], we can deepen our relationship with Him and grow in our awe of His majesty. Let the study of [[God’s attributes]] inspire worship, humility, and a greater desire to know Him as He has revealed Himself in Scripture. --- Let me know if any additional adjustments are needed!