attributes

Question 1

independence (aseity)

Answer 1

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

Question 2

unchangeableness (immutability)

Answer 2

God is unchanging in his being, perfections, purposes, and promises, yet he acts and feels emotions in response to different situations.

Question 3

unity (simplicity)

Answer 3

God’s attributes are not divided into parts, yet we see different attributes emphasized at different times

Question 4

eternity

Answer 4

God has no beginning or end and is in no way bound by time, yet he sees events and acts in time.

Question 5

omnipresence

Answer 5

God does not have size or spatial dimensions and is present everywhere with his whole being, yet he acts differently in different places.

Question 6

transcendence

Answer 6

God is absolutely and uniquely distinct from and superior to everything in creation.

Question 7

infinity

Answer 7

God is free from all qualitative limitations.

Question 8

spirituality

Answer 8

God is not made of matter, has no parts or dimensions.

Question 9

invisibility

Answer 9

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

Question 10

faithfulness

Answer 10

God will always do what he has said and fulfill what he has promised.

Question 11

knowledge (omniscience)

Answer 11

God fully knows himself and all things, actual and possible, past, present, and future, in one simple eternal act.

Question 12

wisdom

Answer 12

God always knows and chooses the best goals and the best means to them. Wisdom is a moral and intellectual quality.

Question 13

truthfulness

Answer 13

God always represents things as they really are. All of God’s knowledge and words are true and the final standard of truth.

Question 14

righteousness, justice

Answer 14

God always acts in accordance with his moral law, which reflects his character

Question 15

jealousy

Answer 15

God deeply desires to maintain exclusive faithfulness and honor especially among his covenant people.

Question 16

love

Answer 16

God is freely and eternally giving of himself for the good of others.

Question 17

mercy

Answer 17

God’s kindness toward those in misery and distress

Question 18

grace

Answer 18

God’s kindness toward those who deserve only punishment.

Question 19

patience

Answer 19

God’s kindness in withholding punishment of those who sin over a period of time.

Question 20

holiness

Answer 20

God is absolutely and uniquely excellent above all creation (majesty) and without sin (purity)

Question 21

wrath

Answer 21

God intensely hates and responds with anger to all sin and rebellion

Question 22

peace (order)

Answer 22

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/

Question 23

goodness

Answer 23

All that God is and does is worthy of approval and he is the final standard of goodness.

Question 24

kindness

Answer 24

God is generous, warm-hearted, and has a sympathetic disposition.

Question 25

gentleness

Answer 25

God is kind and considerate so that he is not cruel, ruthless, or impatient.

Question 26

will

Answer 26

God approves and determines to bring about every action necessary for the existence and activity of himself and all creation.

Question 27

freedom

Answer 27

God does whatever he pleases.

Question 28

omnipotence (power)

Answer 28

God is able to do all his holy will.

Question 29

sovereignty

Answer 29

God has absolute rule over creation as King and total control and determination over all that happens.

Question 30

perfection

Answer 30

God lacks no part of any quality that would be desirable for Him.

Question 31

blessedness (happiness)

Answer 31

God delights fully in himself and in all that reflects his character.

Question 32

beauty

Answer 32

God is the sum of all desirable qualities.

Question 33

glory

Answer 33

God’s glory is the manifestation of the excellence of his character; the display of his holiness and worth in beauty.

Question 34

immanence

Answer 34

God is continuously and actively involved in all of his creation.