The Attributes of God: Understanding His Character

What comes to mind when you think about God? Many people have different ideas about who He is, but the best way to understand God is to look at what He has revealed about Himself in Scripture. Let’s look at the attributes of God.

God is not a distant or unknowable force—He has made Himself known through His Word (the Bible), creation, and His interactions with humanity. By studying His attributes, we gain a clearer picture of who He is, what He desires, and how we can draw closer to Him in faith.

The attributes of God describe His nature and help us grasp how He works in our lives. These attributes fall into two categories:

•Incommunicable Attributes – These are qualities that belong only to God and cannot be shared with His creation (e.g., His eternity, omnipotence, and sovereignty).

•Communicable Attributes – These are qualities that God shares with humanity in some measure (e.g., love, mercy, justice, and wisdom).

Understanding these attributes deepens our relationship with God and strengthens our faith, giving us confidence in His promises. As we explore who He is, we find security in knowing that He is unchanging, loving, and completely in control.

📖 Key Scripture:

“The Lord is righteous in everything he does; he is filled with kindness.” — Psalm 145:17 (NLT)

The Incommunicable Attributes of God (God’s Unique Qualities)

These attributes belong only to God and are what set Him apart from all creation. Unlike communicable attributes, which humans can reflect in some way, these qualities make God completely unique, sovereign, and divine.

1. God is Self-Existent (Aseity) [God exists by Himself and is not dependent on anything else]

God is the uncaused cause of all things. Unlike everything in the universe, which relies on something else for its existence, God is completely independent. He does not need anything to sustain Him, yet everything else depends on Him for life and purpose.

• Scripture: Exodus 3:14 (NLT) – “God replied to Moses, ‘I Am Who I Am.’”
• Why This Matters: Understanding that God is self-existent reminds us that He is completely reliable. Unlike human institutions, relationships, or worldly things that fade, God remains constant. This means that our faith is built on an unshakable foundation.
• Application: We should trust in God’s independence and eternal presence, seeking Him above all things. Our hope should not be in material success or human validation but in God, who is the source of all things.

2. God is Eternal [God has no beginning or end]

God is not bound by time. He has always existed and will always exist. Unlike human life, which has a clear beginning and end, God is outside of time—He sees past, present, and future simultaneously.

• Scripture: Revelation 1:8 (NLT) – “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord God.
• Why This Matters: God’s eternal nature assures us that He is not limited by time. He sees everything from beginning to end, which means His plans are perfect and unshakable.
• Application: As believers, we should take comfort in knowing that our eternal God holds our lives in His hands. Even when we face uncertainty, we can trust that He has a plan that extends beyond our immediate circumstances.

3. God is Immutable (Unchanging) [God’s nature, promises, and purposes never change]

Unlike human emotions or opinions, which fluctuate, God is always the same. His character, love, and faithfulness remain constant.

• Scripture: Malachi 3:6 (NLT) – “I am the Lord, and I do not change.”
• Why This Matters: The world is constantly changing—nations rise and fall, cultures shift, people grow and change. But God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. His love, grace, and justice will never fail.
• Application: Because God is unchanging, we can trust His Word and His promises. When life feels unstable, we can find security and peace in Him.

4. God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful) [God has unlimited power]

God has ultimate power over creation, nature, and all things seen and unseen. There is nothing too difficult for Him.

• Scripture: Jeremiah 32:17 (NLT) – “O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you!”
•  Why This Matters: Sometimes, we face situations that seem impossible. Understanding God’s omnipotence reminds us that nothing is beyond His ability.
•  Application: We should trust in His power and not be overwhelmed by difficulties. Whether it’s healing, provision, or guidance, God is able to do more than we can imagine.

5. God is Omniscient (All-Knowing) [God knows everything—past, present, and future]

God’s knowledge is perfect. He knows the future, our thoughts, and the deepest intentions of our hearts.

• Scripture: Psalm 147:5 (NLT) – “How great is our Lord! His power is absolute! His understanding is beyond comprehension!”
• Why This Matters: Many people struggle with anxiety over the unknown. But since God already knows everything, we can rest in His wisdom.
• Application: Instead of worrying about the future, we should seek God’s wisdom through prayer and Scripture. He sees what’s ahead and knows what is best for us.

6. God is Omnipresent (Everywhere at Once) [God is fully present everywhere at all times]

There is no place where God is not present. He is with us always, in every situation.

• Scripture: Psalm 139:7-10 (NLT) – “I can never escape from your Spirit! I can never get away from your presence!”
• Why This Matters: We may sometimes feel alone, but God is always near. There is no situation too dark, no place too far, where His presence cannot reach us.
• Application: Whether in times of joy or suffering, we should remember that God is with us. His presence gives us comfort and strength.

7. God is Sovereign [God has complete control over everything]

God has supreme authority. Everything that happens is either caused or allowed by Him for His purposes.

• Scripture: Daniel 4:35 (NLT) – “All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He does as he pleases.”
• Why This Matters: Even when life seems out of control, God is in control. His sovereignty means that nothing happens outside His plan.
• Application: We should trust His plan, even when we don’t understand it. He is working all things for His glory and our good.

Summary of the Incommunicable Attributes

Each of these attributes makes God completely unique. They remind us that:

• He is greater than anything we can imagine.
• His promises are unshakable.
• We can trust Him fully because He is always in control.

📖 Key Reflection:

“O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all. The earth is full of your creatures.” — Psalm 104:24 (NLT)

The Communicable Attributes of God (Qualities We Can Reflect)

Unlike the incommunicable attributes that belong solely to God, communicable attributes are qualities that God shares with humanity in a limited way. While we can never possess these attributes to the same extent as God, we are called to reflect them in our lives as we grow in faith and Christlikeness.

1. God is Holy [God is completely pure and without sin]

Holiness means to be set apart. God is morally perfect and completely separate from sin. This is why He cannot tolerate evil, yet He invites us into His holiness through Christ.

Scripture: Isaiah 6:3 (NLT) – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Heaven’s Armies! The whole earth is filled with his glory!”

Why This Matters: Many people struggle with guilt and sin, wondering if they are good enough for God. Understanding God’s holiness reminds us that, while we are sinful, He has made a way for us to be cleansed through Jesus Christ. His holiness is not just a standard but also a calling for His people.

Application: We should pursue holiness in our lives, resisting sin and striving to live in a way that reflects God’s purity. Holiness is not about perfection, but about being transformed by God’s Spirit and seeking to honor Him in all we do.

2. God is Loving [God’s love is unconditional, selfless, and sacrificial]

God’s love is not based on our actions or worthiness—it is His nature. His love is perfect, unchanging, and demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice.

Scripture: 1 John 4:8 (NLT) – “But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”

Why This Matters: Many people search for love and acceptance in temporary things, but God’s love is unchanging and eternal. It does not depend on how good we are or what we can offer Him. It is freely given and transforms our lives.

Application: Because God loves us unconditionally, we should extend the same selfless love to others, forgiving and serving without expecting anything in return. Love is a defining characteristic of a true follower of Christ.

3. God is Just [God is perfectly fair and righteous in all He does]

God is the ultimate judge, ensuring justice prevails. He rewards righteousness and punishes sin, yet He also offers redemption.

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:4 (NLT) – “He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair.”

Why This Matters: In a world filled with corruption and injustice, it is comforting to know that God is fair and that ultimate justice belongs to Him. Even when people seem to get away with wrongdoing, we can trust that God will make all things right.

Application: We should stand for truth and righteousness, speaking up for the oppressed and ensuring that our own actions reflect fairness and integrity. We should also trust in God’s justice and not take revenge into our own hands.

4. God is Merciful [God does not give us the punishment we deserve]

Mercy is God withholding the judgment we rightfully deserve. Through Christ, He offers forgiveness and grace instead of punishment.

Scripture: Lamentations 3:22-23 (NLT) – “The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.”

Why This Matters: No matter what sins we have committed, God’s mercy is greater. He desires repentance, not condemnation, and is always ready to forgive those who turn to Him.

Application: Just as God is merciful to us, we must extend mercy to others—offering forgiveness, patience, and compassion even when it is undeserved. True mercy reflects the heart of God.

5. God is Gracious [God gives us blessings we do not deserve]

Grace is God’s generosity in giving us salvation, love, and blessings we did nothing to earn.

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8 (NLT) – “God saved you by his grace when you believed.”

Why This Matters: Many people feel they must earn God’s favor, but grace reminds us that salvation is a free gift. It cannot be achieved through works but is received by faith.

Application: We should show grace in our daily lives, being kind, patient, and generous to those around us without expecting anything in return. Grace should define our relationships and interactions.

6. God is Faithful [God always keeps His promises]

God never breaks a promise. He remains steadfast even when we falter.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT) – “If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.”

Why This Matters: We live in a world where promises are often broken. Knowing that God never fails gives us confidence in His Word and His plan for our lives.

Application: Because God is faithful, we should trust His promises and remain faithful to Him in return. We should also strive to be people of integrity, keeping our word and commitments.

7. God is Good [Everything He does is good and right]

God’s goodness is seen in creation, in His love, and in His perfect plans for us. He is never unjust or unkind.

Scripture: Psalm 34:8 (NLT) – “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”

Why This Matters: When we experience hardship, we can trust that God is still good and that He works all things for the good of those who love Him. Even in difficult times, His goodness never fades.

Application: We should respond to God’s goodness with gratitude and worship, trusting that His ways are better than our own. We should also seek to reflect His goodness in the way we treat others.

8. God is Patient [God is slow to anger and rich in kindness]

God does not act in anger impulsively. Instead, He gives us opportunities to repent and turn to Him.

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9 (NLT) – “The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake.”

Why This Matters: Many of us struggle with impatience and frustration. Understanding God’s patience teaches us to be slow to anger and quick to extend grace. His patience is an expression of His love.

Application: We should practice patience with others, remembering that God is patient with us. This applies to how we treat family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers.

Why God’s Attributes Matter

Understanding God’s attributes helps us know Him personally. It strengthens our trust in His character, reminds us that He is both infinitely great and intimately close, and challenges us to reflect His nature in our daily lives.

Key Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT) – “But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord.”

Other Parts of This Blog Series

• Knowing God: The Foundation of Our Faith
• The Existence of God: Is There Evidence for Our Creator?
• The Attributes of God (You Are Here)
• [Coming Soon: The Names of God]

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