God is unchanging The attribute of God's unchangeableness, often referred to as God's immutability, is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, underlined by Malachi 3:6, which states, "For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed." This declaration emphasizes the steadfastness and constancy of God's character, purposes, and promises.In the context of Malachi 3:6, God is addressing the people of Israel, reminding them of His unchanging nature as a reassurance of His unwavering commitment and covenant with them. Despite their unfaithfulness and the myriad ways humanity may falter, God's nature, His justice, mercy, and promises, remain constant. This unchanging aspect of God is not only a source of comfort but also a call to accountability for the people, as it implies that God's standards of justice and righteousness are also unalterable. God's unchangeableness is intrinsically linked to His faithfulness. Because God does not change, His promises and covenants are utterly reliable. This reliability forms the bedrock of trust and faith for believers, assuring them that God's words and deeds are consistent throughout time. The immutability of God sharply contrasts with human variability and inconsistency. This contrast highlights the divine nature of God, setting Him apart from His creation, and underscoring the need for humans to rely on God's stable nature. The unchanging nature of God is a source of hope and comfort, especially in times of turmoil and uncertainty. Knowing that God's love, mercy, justice, and grace remain constant provides a secure anchor for the soul. God's immutability is also seen as an aspect of His perfection. A being that is perfect cannot change, for change would imply a movement either towards or away from perfection. Thus, God's unchangeableness is tied to His perfection and completeness. Understanding that God is unchanging influences how believers live and worship. It calls for a worship that is grounded in the awe of God's eternal and unalterable nature and a conduct that aligns with the unchanging moral and ethical standards set by God. The concept of God's unchangeableness, as articulated in Malachi 3:6, offers profound insights into God's divine nature. It reassures believers of God's steadfast presence and guidance, encouraging them to find solace in His eternal consistency amid life's transient circumstances. This attribute of God invites a deeper reflection on the nature of divine perfection, the reliability of divine promises, and the appropriate human response to the unchanging God.God is sovereign The sovereignty of God emphasizes God's ultimate authority and control over all creation. Psalm 115:3, "Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases," succinctly encapsulates this attribute, highlighting God's supreme power and freedom to act according to His will.Psalm 115 addresses the contrast between the true God and idols, underscoring God's sovereign nature as opposed to the powerlessness of man-made idols. The verse conveys that, unlike idols, God is not confined to earthly domains or subject to human limitations; He resides in the heavens and possesses the freedom and authority to accomplish His divine purposes without hindrance. God's sovereignty signifies His absolute authority over the universe. He reigns supreme over all aspects of creation, from the largest galactic structures to the minutest details of life, ensuring that His divine plan unfolds according to His perfect will. The phrase "he does all that he pleases" reflects the freedom intrinsic to God's sovereign nature. This freedom is not arbitrary but is always consistent with His character, which is inherently good, just, and loving. The acknowledgment of God's sovereignty serves as a humbling reminder of human limitations and the futility of idolatry. Unlike idols, which have no power or life, the sovereign God is actively involved in His creation, guiding history toward His ultimate purposes. For believers, God's sovereignty is a source of comfort and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty or distress. It affirms that nothing occurs outside of God's governance, and He works all things, even seemingly adverse circumstances, together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Recognizing God's sovereignty elicits a response of trust and submission from believers. It invites them to relinquish control and rest in the assurance that the sovereign Lord is orchestrating all events in alignment with His divine wisdom and love. The sovereignty of God is a foundational reason for worship, inspiring awe and reverence. Worship in this context is an acknowledgment of God's unparalleled greatness and an expression of gratitude for His benevolent rule. The sovereignty of God, as highlighted in Psalm 115:3, underscores God's ultimate authority and freedom over all creation. This doctrine reassures believers of God's active involvement in the world and His capability to fulfill His divine purposes. It invites a posture of trust, submission, and worship, acknowledging God's unmatched power and benevolent governance over the intricacies of life and the expanse of the universe.God is loving The attribute of God's love is vividly portrayed in scriptures such as John 3:16 and 1 John 4:8. These passages not only affirm the loving nature of God but also illustrate how this divine love shapes the relationship between God and humanity.John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." This verse is one of the most well-known passages in the Bible, highlighting the sacrificial nature of God's love. It underscores the depth of God's love in offering His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity.1 John 4:8: "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." This passage further cements the understanding of God as inherently loving. It identifies love as not just an attribute of God but His very essence, influencing all His actions and interactions with creation.The love of God is characterized by self-sacrifice and unconditional giving. The sending of Jesus Christ to atone for humanity's sins, as described in John 3:16, is the ultimate expression of this sacrificial love, offering redemption and eternal life to all who believe. Declaring that "God is love" places love at the core of God's being. It implies that all of God's actions, even those that involve justice and correction, are motivated by love. This intrinsic love governs God's interactions with humanity, inviting them into a relationship marked by grace and mercy. The divine love exemplified by God serves as a model for human relationships. Believers are called to emulate this love in their interactions with others, promoting love that is selfless, unconditional, and reflective of God's love for us. God's love is the foundation of the Christian understanding of salvation. It is not humanity's merit but God's loving initiative that restores the broken relationship between God and humans, offering salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. The assurance of God's love provides comfort and hope to believers, especially in times of doubt, fear, or suffering. It reassures them of their value and worth in God's eyes and the certainty of God's compassionate presence in their lives. The emphasis on God's love invites individuals into a personal and transformative relationship with Him. This relationship is characterized by trust, intimacy, and a deepening understanding of God's character and desires for humanity. The depiction of God as loving in John 3:16 and 1 John 4:8 offers profound insights into the nature of God and the dynamics of the divine-human relationship. It highlights the sacrificial, unconditional, and all-encompassing nature of God's love, which not only serves as the basis for salvation and hope but also as the ultimate model for human love and relationships. This understanding of God's love calls believers to embrace and reflect this love in their lives, fostering a world more aligned with the values and character of the divine.God is gracious and mercifulThe attributes of God's grace and mercy offer insights into His character and His relationship with humanity. Jonah 4:2 and Deuteronomy 4:31 are pivotal scriptures that highlight these divine qualities, illustrating how God's compassion and forgiveness transcend human understanding and failure.Jonah 4:2: In this verse, Jonah laments to God, saying, "I knew that you are a gracious and merciful God, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster." Jonah's words, spoken in a moment of frustration, actually underscore a fundamental truth about God's nature. Despite Jonah's reluctance and the Ninevites' wickedness, God's response is characterized by grace and a willingness to forgive.Deuteronomy 4:31: "For the Lord your God is a merciful God. He will not leave you or destroy you or forget the covenant with your fathers that he swore to them." This verse, part of Moses' exhortation to the Israelites, reassures them of God's enduring mercy and faithfulness, especially in the context of their covenant relationship with Him.Both passages highlight God's profound compassion and readiness to forgive, characteristics that define His interactions with humanity. God's grace and mercy are not given because of human merit but arise from His intrinsic loving nature. God's slowness to anger, as mentioned in Jonah 4:2, reflects His patience and long-suffering towards humanity's failings and rebellions. This patience provides space for repentance and transformation, emphasizing God's desire for reconciliation over judgment. Deuteronomy 4:31 speaks to God's faithfulness to His covenant, even when His people fall short. God's mercy is linked to His commitment to the promises made to the ancestors of the Israelites, showing that His mercy is both a reflection of His character and His faithfulness to His word. The story of Nineveh in the book of Jonah illustrates the transformative power of God's grace. Despite their initial wickedness, the Ninevites' repentance in response to Jonah's message leads to God's merciful reprieve, highlighting the potential for redemption and change through divine grace. These revelations of God's grace and mercy invite a human response of gratitude, repentance, and a deeper trust in God's goodness. Recognizing God's gracious nature fosters a willingness to turn back to Him, even from the depths of sin and failure. God's gracious and merciful dealings with humanity provide a model for believers to emulate in their interactions with others. Followers of God are called to exhibit grace, forgiveness, and patience, reflecting the character of God in their lives. Jonah 4:2 and Deuteronomy 4:31 richly convey the attributes of God's grace and mercy, revealing a God who is compassionate, patient, and faithful. These divine qualities offer comfort and hope to believers, underscoring the possibility of forgiveness and renewal through God's unmerited favor. They challenge believers to respond with repentance and to mirror God's grace and mercy in their relationships with others, fostering a community characterized by forgiveness and unconditional love.God is righteousThe righteousness of God encapsulates His inherently just, holy, and morally perfect nature. Psalm 11:7, "For the Lord is righteous, he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face," provides a clear affirmation of God's righteousness and His favorable disposition towards acts of righteousness among people.
Psalm 11 confronts the challenges and threats posed by the wicked, offering reassurance of God's righteous judgment and protection for the upright. In verse 7, the psalmist declares the Lord's righteousness as a fundamental aspect of His character, emphasizing that God not only practices righteousness but also delights in righteous deeds performed by others. This divine approval of righteousness sets a standard for human conduct and lays the groundwork for a life that aligns with God's will. God's righteousness is not merely an attribute but is intrinsic to His very being. It governs all His actions and decisions, ensuring they are always just, fair, and morally impeccable. God's righteousness is the ultimate standard against which all human actions are measured. The phrase "he loves righteous deeds" highlights God's positive regard for righteousness in human behavior. It implies that God's righteousness is not only about divine judgment but also about His pleasure in seeing His creation act justly and morally. The promise that "the upright shall behold his face" speaks to the intimate relationship between God and those who live righteously. It suggests that righteousness draws one closer to God, enabling a deeper experience of His presence and favor. Understanding God's righteousness challenges believers to pursue righteousness in their own lives. It calls them to live in a manner that reflects God's moral perfection, promoting justice, integrity, and holiness in their personal conduct and communities. For those who suffer injustice or witness the triumph of wickedness, the affirmation of God's righteousness offers hope and comfort. It assures them that God will ultimately vindicate the righteous and bring about true justice, even if it is not immediately evident. Recognizing God's righteousness inspires worship and reverence. It elicits awe for God's pure and flawless nature and gratitude for His just governance of the world. Psalm 11:7 underscores the righteousness of God as an essential aspect of His character, influencing His actions and expectations for humanity. This divine righteousness serves as a moral compass for believers, guiding them toward a life that mirrors God's justice and moral perfection. It offers comfort in the assurance of God's just rule and prompts a response of worship, gratitude, and a commitment to uphold righteousness in every aspect of life.
God is holyThe holiness of God emphasizes His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from all that is sinful or impure. Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16, among other passages, highlight this essential attribute of God's character.
Leviticus 19:2: "Speak to all the congregation of the people of Israel and say to them, You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." This command is part of the Holiness Code directed to the Israelites, underscoring the expectation of holiness in their lives, reflective of God's own holiness.
1 Peter 1:16: "Since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" Peter reiterates the call to holiness found in Leviticus, applying it to the New Testament believers. This admonition links the holiness expected of Christians directly to the innate holiness of God.
Divine Purity: God's holiness reflects His absolute purity and moral perfection. It denotes His complete freedom from any form of sin or evil, setting Him apart from His creation. God's holiness is not just one attribute among others but pervades all His characteristics, including His love, justice, and mercy. The holiness of God implies a fundamental separation from all that is sinful, corrupt, or impure. This separation is not merely physical but moral and spiritual, emphasizing the profound gap between God's purity and human sinfulness. Both Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16 extend the call for holiness to God's people. This call is not about achieving moral perfection through human effort but about living lives that are set apart and reflective of God's character, facilitated by the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. God's holiness serves as the foundation for ethical and moral behavior among believers. The moral laws and principles outlined in the Scriptures are grounded in the holiness of God and are intended to guide believers in living lives that honor Him. The recognition of God's holiness inspires awe, reverence, and worship. It acknowledges the majesty and otherness of God, leading to a deeper appreciation of His greatness and a more profound commitment to worship Him in spirit and truth. Encountering the holiness of God has a transformative impact on individuals, as seen in biblical accounts such as Isaiah's vision in Isaiah 6. The realization of God's holiness brings a heightened awareness of personal sinfulness and a renewed desire for purification and sanctification. The holiness of God, as depicted in Leviticus 19:2 and 1 Peter 1:16, encapsulates His absolute purity, moral perfection, and separation from sin. This attribute not only defines God's essence but also establishes the standard for holiness among His people. The call to holiness for believers is an invitation to a life that reflects God's character, marked by ethical living, reverence, and a transformative encounter with the divine.
God is justThe justice of God affirms that God is fair, righteous, and equitable in all His dealings. This attribute is highlighted in scriptures such as Deuteronomy 32:4 and Isaiah 30:18, which portray God's justice as an integral part of His nature and His governance of the world.
Deuteronomy 32:4: "The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he." This verse is part of the Song of Moses, where God is celebrated as the Rock – a symbol of strength and reliability. It emphasizes God's perfection in His works and His just nature in all His ways.
Isaiah 30:18: "Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him." Isaiah speaks of God's justice in conjunction with His grace and mercy. This verse highlights the balance between God's just nature and His desire to extend grace and mercy, showing that divine justice is not merely about retribution but also encompasses fairness and righteousness.
God's justice is foundational to His rule and governance of the universe. It assures that God's decisions, commands, and judgments are based on righteousness, fairness, and truth, devoid of any form of injustice or partiality. The justice of God is consistent with His other attributes, such as His holiness, love, and wisdom. God's justice is not arbitrary but is deeply rooted in His holy and loving nature, ensuring that His judgments are always right and good. Scriptures that proclaim God's justice provide hope and comfort to those who are oppressed or suffering injustice. The assurance that God is just offering solace to those longing for fairness and vindication, affirming that injustice will not prevail indefinitely. The justice of God serves as the ultimate standard for human justice. Believers are called to emulate God's justice in their interactions and societal structures, advocating for fairness, equity, and the protection of the vulnerable. The conjunction of justice with mercy and grace, as seen in Isaiah 30:18, illustrates that God's justice is not incompatible with His compassion. God's willingness to show mercy reflects His desire for repentance and restoration rather than punishment. God's justice is often exercised with patience, giving individuals and nations the opportunity to repent. This patience underscores God's loving desire for reconciliation over judgment, aligning with His merciful character. Deuteronomy 32:4 and Isaiah 30:18, among other passages, richly convey the justice of God as an integral part of His divine nature. God's justice ensures that His rule is marked by righteousness and equity, offering hope to those suffering under injustice and serving as the ultimate standard for human justice. The balance between God's justice and mercy highlights His compassionate approach to judgment, emphasizing restoration and righteousness over retribution.
God is forgivingThe forgiving nature of God highlights His readiness to pardon sin and restore fellowship with those who repent. This aspect of God's character is eloquently captured in 1 John 1:9, which states, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
This verse, written by the Apostle John, addresses the early Christian community and reassures believers of God's unwavering promise to forgive. It not only acknowledges human fallibility but also emphasizes God's readiness to cleanse and restore. The conditions for receiving this forgiveness are confession and repentance, which involve acknowledging one's sins before God. Faithfulness of God: The phrase "He is faithful" underscores God's reliability in keeping His promises, including His promise to forgive. God's forgiveness is not whimsical but is anchored in His faithful character, ensuring that He will respond to genuine repentance with forgiveness. The inclusion of "and just" might seem surprising in the context of forgiveness. However, it highlights that God's forgiveness is grounded in the justice fulfilled through Jesus Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross. Because Christ has paid the penalty for sin, God can justly forgive those who confess and turn from their sin. The promise to "cleanse us from all unrighteousness" speaks to the thoroughness of God's forgiveness. It is not merely a legal pardon but a cleansing that addresses the corrupting influence of sin, restoring the believer's fellowship with God. Confession is presented as the prerequisite for forgiveness, involving an honest acknowledgment of one's sins before God. This confession is not about informing God of something He doesn't know but about agreeing with Him concerning the sinfulness of one's actions and attitude. This verse provides profound assurance and hope to believers, affirming that no sin is beyond the reach of God's forgiveness for those who repent. It encourages individuals to approach God with confidence in times of moral failure, knowing that His grace is sufficient to cover all sins. The promise of forgiveness is not a license to sin but a motivation for holiness. The grace and forgiveness experienced through confession and repentance lead to a deeper reverence for God and a desire to live in a way that pleases Him. 1 John 1:9 beautifully articulates the forgiving nature of God, offering reassurance to believers that confession and repentance will always be met with divine forgiveness and cleansing. This verse highlights the faithfulness and justice of God in dealing with sin, underscoring the comprehensive nature of His forgiveness. It provides believers with the assurance that God's grace is sufficient to cover all transgressions, motivating them towards a life characterized by holiness and reverence for God.
God is compassionateThe compassion of God is a key attribute that characterizes His interactions with humanity, reflecting His deep empathy and concern for our well-being. James 5:11 highlights this attribute, stating, "Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful."
In this passage, James refers to the endurance of Job, a figure in the Bible known for his suffering and unwavering faith amidst severe trials. James uses Job's story to illustrate the broader truth about God's nature — He is compassionate and merciful. Despite the hardships that believers might endure, James points to the ultimate purpose and character of the Lord, which is grounded in compassion and mercy. The mention of Job's steadfastness in the face of suffering serves as a backdrop to highlight God's compassion. It reassures believers that God is not indifferent to human suffering; rather, He is deeply moved by it and responds with compassion and mercy. The reference to "the purpose of the Lord" suggests that there is divine intentionality behind the trials believers face. While these trials may be difficult, they are not without purpose, and God's compassionate and merciful nature assures us that He desires our ultimate good. James speaks of considering those blessed who remain steadfast, implying that there is a divine blessing associated with enduring trials with faith. This blessing is rooted in the compassionate character of God, who acknowledges and rewards the steadfastness of His followers. The coupling of compassion with mercy in describing God emphasizes that God's response to human frailty is not only to feel with us in our suffering but also to extend mercy, which often manifests in relief, deliverance, or provision in times of need. The compassion of God serves as a model for believers to emulate in their interactions with others. Just as God is compassionate and merciful, so too are followers of Christ called to demonstrate compassion and mercy in their relationships and actions. For those going through trials, the affirmation of God's compassion provides assurance that they are not alone. God's compassionate nature guarantees His empathetic presence and active involvement in the midst of their struggles. James 5:11, through the example of Job, sheds light on the compassionate and merciful nature of God, especially in the context of human suffering and endurance through trials. This passage reassures believers of God's empathetic involvement in their lives and encourages them to trust in His compassionate purposes, even when faced with adversity. It also calls believers to reflect God's compassion in their own lives, extending mercy and understanding to those around them.
God is One, yet He exists in three persons The Trinity, which posits that God is One yet exists in three distinct persons – the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit – is a central in Christian theology. This doctrine is encapsulated in several key biblical passages, including Matthew 3:16-17, Matthew 28:19, and 2 Corinthians 13:14, each providing insight into the triune nature of God.
Matthew 3:16-17: This passage describes the baptism of Jesus, where the Holy Spirit descends like a dove upon Jesus, and a voice from heaven (the Father) declares, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased." This event uniquely showcases the distinct presence and activity of all three persons of the Trinity in a single narrative.
Matthew 28:19: Known as the Great Commission, this verse records Jesus' instruction to His disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." This formula encapsulates the triune Godhead in the sacrament of baptism, affirming the distinctiveness and unity of each person within the Godhead.
2 Corinthians 13:14: Often used as a benedictory prayer, this verse, "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all," reflects the distinct roles and blessings associated with each person of the Trinity, emphasizing their coexistence and cooperation.
The doctrine of the Trinity holds that while God is one in essence and being, He exists eternally in three distinct persons. This is not a division of God's nature but a description of the relational and personal aspects of the divine. The Trinity can be understood in terms of the "economic Trinity," which refers to the different roles or functions each person plays in salvation history, and the "ontological Trinity," which pertains to the internal relationship among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The economic Trinity is reflected in how each person is revealed in scripture, while the ontological Trinity underscores their eternal, coequal nature. The Trinity is foundational to Christian belief, influencing doctrines of creation, salvation, and sanctification. It provides a framework for understanding God's nature and how He relates to humanity. While the Trinity is articulated in the creeds and doctrines of the church, it remains a profound mystery that transcends human comprehension. It invites contemplation and worship rather than full understanding. The relational aspect of the Trinity has implications for understanding God's love, the importance of community, and the model for interpersonal relationships within the Christian faith. The doctrine of the Trinity articulates a complex and mysterious aspect of God's nature. It affirms the unity and distinctiveness of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, inviting believers into a deeper appreciation of the relational and personal dimensions of the divine. This doctrine, while challenging to fully grasp, remains a cornerstone of the Christian faith, enriching the understanding of God's interactions with the world and His ultimate purposes for humanity.
There is One God, who is self-existing, uncreated, infinitely wise, powerful, and good; who is present in every place; and fills the heavens, and earth, and all things. Now, as this ONE God is eternal, that is, without beginning or end, and is present everywhere, and fills all space, there can be only One such Being; for there cannot be two or more Eternals, or two or more who are present everywhere, and fill all things. To suppose more than one Supreme Source of infinite wisdom, power, and all perfections, is to assert that there is no Supreme Being in existence. A plurality of eternal beings would resemble a plurality of universes, eternities, and infinite spaces; all which would be contradictory and absurd.
God is goodTo say that God is good means God always acts in a way that is true, noble, right, and good. Goodness is a part of His nature and He cannot contradict His nature. Righteousness and holiness are a part of His nature too. He cannot do anything that is unholy or unrighteous.God self-reveals himself as goodLuke 18:19 and 1 John 1:5: “No one is good—except God alone,” and “God is light; in Him, there is no darkness at all.”Exodus 34:6: The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth.1 Chronicles 16:34 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.Psalm 25:8 And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.”Ezra 3:11 Good and upright is the Lord.Psalm 23:6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.Psalm 145:9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.Mark 10:18 No one is good but One, that is, God.James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.Matthew 7:11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!Psalm 27:13 I would have lost heart unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.Psalm 33:5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!Psalm 100:4-5 Be thankful to Him and bless His name. For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting.Goodness is in His very coreEx 33:18 Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” 19 And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The LORD.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.Beauty is an expression of goodnessPsa. 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.Because God hears our prayers and turns things into goodRom. 8:26 28 And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.Because his goodness and kindness is seen through his people2Cor. 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.Because he has consistently demonstrated his goodness and kindnessPsa. 31:19 Oh, how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you and worked for those who take refuge in you, in the sight of the children of mankind!Because he helps those who seek for helpPsalm 46 "God is our refuge and strength, a present help in times of trouble. Therefore, we will not fear..."Psalm 100:5 ”For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations”Nahum 1:7 .“The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him”Because of Jesus' lifeActs 10:38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. He went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.Because of Jesus' deathTitus 3:3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 so that being justified by his graceGod is good because He Is HolyThere is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you (1 Samuel 2:2).Who among the gods is like you, Lord? Who is like you — majestic in holiness, awesome in glory? (Exodus 15:11).So holy, the angels cover themselves in His presence as they declare such things. While the prophet Isaiah merely cried out, “Woe to me! I am ruined,” recognizing the implications of his own nature before the Most Holy, Lord Almighty (Isaiah 6:2-5).God is good because He Is Righteous and RulesThe Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face (Psalm 11:7).For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver (Isaiah 33:22).Further attributesThe simplicity of God refers to His unified and indivisible nature. It suggests that God is not composed of parts or attributes that could be separated or divided, but rather, He is wholly and perfectly one. God's attributes are not additions to His essence but are intrinsic to His singular nature. God's wisdom encompasses His perfect knowledge and judgment. It involves the application of knowledge to achieve the best possible ends through the best possible means. God's decisions, guidance, and the order of creation reflect His supreme wisdom. The wrath of God is His righteous anger against sin and evil. It is not capricious or malicious but is a just response to wrongdoing, reflecting His holiness and justice. God's wrath is always measured, appropriate, and aimed at ultimately restoring righteousness. God's unequaled nature means that there is no one and nothing that can compare to Him in power, majesty, wisdom, love, or any other attribute. He is unique and unparalleled in every aspect. To say that God is inscrutable means that His ways and judgments can be beyond human understanding. While we can know God truly through what He has revealed, there are aspects of His nature and purposes that remain mysterious and beyond full human comprehension. He is Unfathomable and Unsearchable. These attributes further emphasize the depth and richness of God's nature and His ways, which are so vast and profound that they cannot be fully grasped or explored by human intellect or investigation. God's impartiality underscores His fairness and justice. He does not show favoritism based on external factors but judges righteously according to truth and righteousness. While we can know God personally and truly through His revelation, He is ultimately incomprehensible in His entirety. The infinite nature of God means that He cannot be fully understood or contained by finite human minds. God's infinitude means that He is without limits or bounds in His being and attributes. Whether in terms of power, presence, knowledge, or eternity, God transcends all limitations. God's jealousy, as described in the Bible, refers to His fervent desire for the exclusive devotion and love of His people. It is rooted in His love and commitment to His covenant with them, seeking their highest good. God's longsuffering is His patience and forbearance toward humanity, especially in the face of provocation, disobedience, and sin. It reflects His merciful nature and His desire for people to come to repentance rather than face judgment. The Infinite Creator encapsulates God as the originator of all that exists, with His creative power being limitless and eternal. As the Infinite Creator, God not only brought the universe into being but continues to sustain and govern it in accordance with His will. Each of these attributes contributes to the multifaceted understanding of God's character, inviting believers to marvel at His greatness, worship Him in reverence, and trust in His benevolent governance of the universe.
God is not complexThe notion that God is not complex hinges on the understanding that complexity typically implies compositional diversity or an amalgamation of different parts, which is not applicable to a non-physical entity such as God. The divine mind possesses qualities like self-consciousness, rationality, and volition inherently; these attributes are not separable components but integral to God's singular, non-composite nature. In contrast to the universe, which is rich in disparate elements and characterized by various quantities and constants that denote its complexity, God, as a singular entity with a unified consciousness, is profoundly simple. Consider the analogy of discovering machinery resembling a 1941 Allis Chalmers tractor on an alien planet. The natural inference would be that intelligent beings are present, as the complexity of the tractors suggests design. If an objection were raised that the designers must be as complex as the machinery themselves, it would miss the point of the inference, which is not to account for the ultimate origin of complexity but to explain the specific instance of complexity observed in the tractors. The objection erroneously assumes that explanations must mirror the complexity of what they explain, whereas in many cases, complex phenomena are the result of simpler underlying principles or entities. In a theological context, invoking God as an explanation for the universe's complexity is not to propose an ultimate explanation for complexity per se, but rather to explain the complexity evident in the universe. The divine mind, though capable of complex thought and the orchestration of complex realities, remains fundamentally simple in its essence. Theists argue that God's simplicity is not a hindrance but is, in fact, what enables the divine to serve as the ultimate explanation for the complexity we observe in the physical realm.
How can God exist without a creator?The short answer is: We don't know. The question is unanswered in both philosophy and theology. The lack of a definitive answer, however, does not necessarily negate God's existence; rather, it highlights the limits of human understanding and the complex nature of ultimate reality. Recognizing the limits of human knowledge, often referred to as "epistemological humility," is crucial in discussions about the existence of God. We, humans, are finite beings with limited capacities for understanding, and it is possible that the nature of ultimate reality, including the existence of a supreme being like God, is beyond our full comprehension. This humility doesn't lead to dismissal but rather an acknowledgment of the complexity of existential questions.God, in philosophical and theological understanding, is the quintessential necessary being—self-existent and the originating cause of all that is. Unlike everything else in the observable universe, which could possibly not exist (being contingent), God's existence is independent, not reliant on any other entity or factor. This distinction between contingency and necessity is crucial to the cosmological argument for God's existence. In this framework, God's existence is seen as mandatory, underpinning the very fabric of reality. Such necessity is not just a feature but an inherent aspect of God's nature. The traditional depiction of God as eternal and outside time further reinforces this idea, as time-bound cause and effect do not apply to an eternal being. The ontological argument complements this by asserting that the concept of God as the greatest conceivable being implies that existence is intrinsically part of what it means to be God. Hence, a necessary being like God does not just initiate existence at some starting point but sustains it continually. God's necessity is not merely a function of His actions or the demands of logic; it reflects the essence of a divine being. This is not about God's existence in a vacuum but about God as the foundation upon which all contingent reality rests. God's eternality and necessity imply that He exists in a fundamentally different mode from that of the universe and its inhabitants. Therefore, the necessity of God is rooted in the essence of divine existence, a concept echoed by theologians who distinguish God's mode of being from all created entities. Such a being is not subject to the finitude and dependencies that characterize contingent existence but exists in a way that is absolute and self-sustained.Who or what created God?The concept of absolute nothingness negates the possibility of existence spontaneously arising from it. Our existence implies that there has always been something in existence.Given that the universe had an origin, it must have been brought into existence by a cause external to itself. This initial cause must be characterized as either personal with volition or as an impersonal phenomenon. An impersonal cause would be inherently physical, thus subject to temporal change and causality, requiring its own origin and creating a paradox of infinite regression, which is logically untenable. Therefore, a plausible explanation for the origin of the universe is an intentional, self-existing creator that transcends materiality and temporality, initiating the universe's genesis, as posited by the Big Bang theory.1. If there ever had been an ontological state of absolutely nothing, then that state would never change, because nothing cannot cause something. Change is never simply a brute fact.2. It is true that an infinite regress is not possible. If the past is infinite without a beginning, then arriving at the present would be like attempting to climb to the surface of the earth from an infinitely deep, bottomless pit.3. Since we exist, something has always been.4. The natural world cannot exist in and through itself. It is dependent on something else. That something must be necessary, unchanging, without a beginning, and everlasting.5. Change without preconditions can only be instantiated by a mind, which wills something into existence without depending on something else. 6. That mind is the ultimate necessary eternal creator, which instantiates creation and sustains it, and which depends on him.To demand a cause for a being that is by definition eternal is a misapplication of logical reasoning, akin to a category error. God is posited as the necessary being, the uncaused cause, the eternal "I AM" who exists independently of the universe and time itself. This concept aligns with the descriptions of God in biblical texts, where God is self-revealed as self-existent and self-sufficient.
Contingent beings, such as the physical universe, require an external cause for their existence because they are not inherently necessary.
The cause of the contingent universe must exist outside the totality of contingent entities, and thus, cannot be contingent itself. It must be a necessary being.
This line of reasoning leads to the recognition of an eternally existent, uncreated, non-contingent being—the prime mover and the ultimate cause of all that exists, whom we identify as God.
Isaiah 40:28: The Lord is the everlasting GodDaniel 4:2-3: His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom and his dominion is from generation to generation. Exodus 3:14: God’s existence is underived; no one made him. He simply always was. The Lord revealed himself to Moses as the “I AM THAT I AM”. The “I AM”The first principles of ontology per the imperatives of logic evince that God must be. Only the abandonment of rationality imagines that it makes sense to conclude that existence can arise from nonexistence, that an infinite regress of causative events is possible, that actual infinities are possible or that the effect of a mechanical cause is not given from eternity. 
Claim: A god that is outside of time and space, is by definition, non-existent.Response: The assertion that a god existing outside of time and space is by definition non-existent can be thoughtfully addressed from a philosophical perspective that acknowledges the limitations of human understanding in comprehending the full nature of existence.The concept of existence itself is not limited to the parameters of time and space as understood by human beings. Time and space are constructs within which humans operate and understand their reality. However, the possibility of other forms of existence that do not conform to these constructs cannot be categorically denied. To argue that something does not exist simply because it does not fit within our current understanding of time and space is to limit the scope of existence to human perception, which may not encompass all forms of reality. The idea of a deity existing outside of time and space is not inherently contradictory or illogical. Such a being could exist in a realm or a state of being that is beyond human comprehension. The limitations of human understanding and the constraints of human language do not necessarily negate the possibility of such an existence. Many philosophical and theological perspectives suggest that the nature of a supreme being or a divine entity transcends human understanding, which means that our conventional concepts of existence may not apply to such a being. Furthermore, the notion of a god existing outside of time and space can be seen as a way to explain the attributes often ascribed to a supreme being, such as omnipresence, omniscience, and omnipotence. These attributes imply a form of existence that is not bound by the physical and temporal limitations that define human existence. Therefore, the concept of a deity existing in a realm beyond human comprehension is not only philosophically plausible but also aligns with the attributes traditionally ascribed to a divine entity. The statement that a god existing outside of time and space is by definition non-existent is a presumption based on a limited human understanding of existence. It does not take into account the possibility of forms of existence that transcend human perception and understanding. Philosophical and theological explorations have long grappled with the concept of a supreme being whose nature and existence are beyond the confines of human experience, suggesting that such a being's existence cannot be dismissed based solely on the limitations of human understanding.The Bible, while not explicitly using the modern scientific concepts of time and space, contains several verses that imply God's existence beyond these dimensions.Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God." This verse suggests God's existence before the creation of the world and time itself, indicating a state beyond time.Isaiah 57:15: "For thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.'" The term "inhabits eternity" can be interpreted as God existing in a realm beyond temporal limitations.2 Peter 3:8: "But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." This verse is often cited to illustrate that God's perception and measurement of time is vastly different from human understanding, suggesting a nature outside of human temporal constraints.John 8:58: "Jesus said to them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.'" This statement by Jesus is interpreted as him asserting his eternal existence, a claim to divinity and existence beyond the human concept of time.Revelation 1:8: "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty." This verse portrays God as encompassing all of time - past, present, and future.Jeremiah 23:24: "Can anyone hide in secret places so that I cannot see him?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD." This verse is often interpreted as God's omnipresence, existing beyond the spatial limitations known to humans.These verses, among others, argue for God's existence beyond the confines of time and space as understood by humans.Claim: God is impossible to exist, so He isn't even an option.Response: There is no logical reason to believe that God's existence is not possible. What can be said with certainty is, that was never a state o absolute nothingness ( in a philosophical sense), since otherwise, there would still be absolutely nothing. An eternal universe is not plausible based on scientific and philosophical reasons. The Big Bang theory points to the origin and beginning of the universe. The second law of thermodynamics refutes an eternal universe or Cosmos ( Multiverses, Bubble universes, etc. ), and we cannot traverse an infinite period of time in the past. Intelligence is a known reality and therefore it is entirely legitimate for science to consider it among the possible causal factors in a given phenomenon coming about. Intelligent agency is currently the only causally adequate explanation for the machinery by which the cell translates DNA code having its assembly instructions also coded in the DNA. The acceptance of neo-Darwinism or any other materialistic evolutionary theory does not necessitate the conclusion that the existence of a deity is impossible. Prominent figures advocating for scientific atheism, such as Dawkins and Nye, acknowledge that science does not possess the capability to completely rule out the existence of a deity. Dawkins and other contemporary proponents of scientific materialism, of course, claim that scientific evidence provides good reason for affirming that nature is all that exists and for denying evidence of a purposive or designed intelligence behind the universe. Indeed, Dawkins argues that we have a much better reason for believing that God does not exist than we do for believing that God does exist—a belief he characterizes as a “delusion,” because “no evidence for God’s existence has yet appeared.”27 What applies in support of his argument against the existence of God might, however, apply—in light of other evidence—to an argument for the existence of God. Indeed, if it’s possible that one pattern of evidence might provide a reason for affirming naturalism over theism, then it’s also logically possible that a different pattern of evidence might give us better reason to affirm theism over naturalism. To say otherwise would treat naturalism as an untestable axiom or dogma rather than a genuine metaphysical hypothesis that could be true or false depending on the evidence—precisely what Sean Carroll, for instance, is loath to do.
