Understanding the attributes of God is central to the our Christian faith, providing us with a deeper comprehension of His nature and how He interacts with the world. Both the Old Testament and New Testament of the Bible reveal various attributes of God, which have been further explored by many Christian scholars. This article discusses just some of the key attributes of God as presented in Scripture, with insights from trusted theologians.
Omniscience (All-Knowing)
One of the fundamental attributes of God is His omniscience, meaning that God is all-knowing. This attribute is clearly presented in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, Psalm 139:1-4 declares, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.” This passage highlights God’s intimate knowledge of every detail of human life, emphasizing His complete understanding of the past, present, and future.
In the New Testament, 1 John 3:20 states, “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” Protestant scholar Wayne Grudem, in his work *Systematic Theology*, explains that God’s omniscience is essential for His sovereignty, as it ensures that nothing happens outside of His knowledge and control.
Omnipotence (All-Powerful)
God’s omnipotence, or all-powerfulness, is another key attribute emphasized in Scripture. In the Old Testament, God’s power is demonstrated in creation, as seen in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” The sheer act of creating the universe ex nihilo (out of nothing) underscores God’s unmatched power.
In the New Testament, Revelation 19:6 refers to God as the “Almighty,” indicating His supreme power over all things. John Calvin, a prominent Protestant Reformer, argued that God’s omnipotence is evident in His ability to fulfill His will without any hindrance. Calvin notes in his *Institutes of the Christian Religion* that God’s power is manifest not only in creation but also in His continual governance of the world.
Holiness
The holiness of God is one of His most emphasized attributes, particularly in the Old Testament. Isaiah 6:3 vividly portrays God’s holiness through the seraphim’s cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” This thrice-repeated declaration signifies the absolute purity and otherness of God, setting Him apart from all known existence.
In the New Testament, 1 Peter 1:16 echoes Leviticus 11:44 by commanding believers to be holy, as God is holy. R.C. Sproul, a well-known Protestant theologian, explored God’s holiness extensively in his book *The Holiness of God*. Sproul asserts that understanding God’s holiness is crucial for grasping the gravity of sin and the necessity of Christ’s atoning sacrifice.
Immutability (Unchanging Nature)
God’s immutability refers to His unchanging nature. Malachi 3:6 in the Old Testament states, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” This verse affirms that God’s character and promises remain constant over time, providing assurance to His people.
Similarly, in the New Testament, James 1:17 describes God as the “Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” A.W. Pink, in his work *The Attributes of God*, highlights that God’s immutability ensures the reliability of His promises and the consistency of His character, which are vital for the believer’s faith.
Omnipresence (Everywhere Present)
God’s omnipresence, His ability to be present everywhere simultaneously, is another significant attribute. Psalm 139:7-10 beautifully articulates this truth: “Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!”
In the New Testament, Matthew 28:20 includes Jesus’ promise to His disciples: “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” This promise affirms God’s continual presence with His people. J.I. Packer, in *Knowing God*, emphasizes that God’s omnipresence is a source of comfort, especially in times of trouble, reminding believers that they are never alone.
Love
The attribute of love is perhaps the most celebrated aspect of God’s nature. The Old Testament frequently describes God’s love for Israel, such as in Deuteronomy 7:9, which states, “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.”
The New Testament expands on this theme, with 1 John 4:8 declaring, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This profound statement underscores that love is intrinsic to God’s nature. Protestant theologian Karl Barth argued in his *Church Dogmatics* that God’s love is the foundation of all His actions toward humanity, culminating in the redemptive work of Christ on the cross.
The attributes of God, as revealed in the Bible, paint a comprehensive picture of His nature and character. These attributes—omniscience, omnipotence, holiness, immutability, omnipresence, and love—are essential for understanding who God is and how He interacts with His creation. Protestant Christian scholars have provided valuable insights into these attributes, helping believers to deepen their faith and relationship with God. Understanding these attributes is not just an intellectual exercise; it is a means of drawing closer to the God who is both transcendent and immanent, both just and merciful.