attributes Flashcards
independence (aseity)
God does not need us or the rest of creation for anything, yet we and the rest of creation can glorify him and bring him joy
unchangeableness (immutability)
God is unchanging in his being, perfections, purposes, and promises, yet he acts and feels emotions in response to different situations.
unity (simplicity)
God’s attributes are not divided into parts, yet we see different attributes emphasized at different times
eternity
God has no beginning or end and is in no way bound by time, yet he sees events and acts in time.
omnipresence
God does not have size or spatial dimensions and is present everywhere with his whole being, yet he acts differently in different places.
transcendence
God is absolutely and uniquely distinct from and superior to everything in creation.
infinity
God is free from all qualitative limitations.
spirituality
God is not made of matter, has no parts or dimensions.
invisibility
God’s total essence, all of his spiritual being, will never be able to be seen by us, yet he shows himself to us through visible, created things
faithfulness
God will always do what he has said and fulfill what he has promised.
knowledge (omniscience)
God fully knows himself and all things, actual and possible, past, present, and future, in one simple eternal act.
wisdom
God always knows and chooses the best goals and the best means to them. Wisdom is a moral and intellectual quality.
truthfulness
God always represents things as they really are. All of God’s knowledge and words are true and the final standard of truth.
righteousness, justice
God always acts in accordance with his moral law, which reflects his character
jealousy
God deeply desires to maintain exclusive faithfulness and honor especially among his covenant people.
love
God is freely and eternally giving of himself for the good of others.
mercy
God’s kindness toward those in misery and distress
grace
God’s kindness toward those who deserve only punishment.
patience
God’s kindness in withholding punishment of those who sin over a period of time.
holiness
God is absolutely and uniquely excellent above all creation (majesty) and without sin (purity)
wrath
God intensely hates and responds with anger to all sin and rebellion
peace (order)
In God’s being and actions he is separate from all confusion and disorder, yet he is continually active in innumerable, well-ordered, fully controlled, simultaneous actions/
goodness
All that God is and does is worthy of approval and he is the final standard of goodness.
kindness
God is generous, warm-hearted, and has a sympathetic disposition.