Chapter 3 The Living God

Question 1

When does God reveal his attributes?

Answer 1

in the context of historical works.

Question 2

Incommunicable

Answer 2

means not shared with creatures, even analogically (as in ‘communicable diseases’, not as in ’communicate with someone’)

Question 3

Simplicity

Answer 3

God is pure in spirit, not composed of different faculties or parts.

Question 4

Essence/Energies

Answer 4

Like the sun and its rays, the essence of God is simple and transcendent while God’s energies are his works - and the attributes that his working displays.
His essence is beyond are reach
His attributes all are of equal rank

Question 5

Aseity

Answer 5

"from-himself-ness"
- World is dependent 
- Free to act without compulsion 
- does not need the world
creation is an act of grace

Question 6

Immutability & Impassibility

Answer 6

God can not be affected by creation against his ill. God is sovereign (free) & thus can choose to love, be wrathful, be merciful. Moral character and purposes do not change.

• Hidden and revealed will (Dt. 29:29)
• not stoicism or open theism

Question 7

Eternity/Omnipresence

Answer 7

It is because God is beyond time that he can be fully present in all times equally
- God transcends time

Question 8

Communicable Attributes

Answer 8

Since humans are created in God’s image we share some of his attributes in a highly imperfect, creaturely manner

Question 9

Holiness

Answer 9

Holiness refers to an ontological difference between God & creation
But it also refers to an ethical difference – God’s distance from & abhorrence for sin

Question 10

To be just…

Answer 10

Is to be in proper relationship to God.

Question 11

Jealousy & Wrath

Answer 11

God’s jealousy & wrath arise in reaction to any violation of righteousness
God has a rightful claim on our worship & for him to ignore sin would make him sinful

Question 12

Righteousness

Answer 12

is a legal and ethical term that refers to a right relationship, (closely related to justice in Heb/Grk)