The Attributes of God

[E. A. Johnston]

It seems like it would be an edifying and profitable pursuit to discuss our "favorite attributes of God." We all may have a pious penchant to decry such a thought - perhaps as is sometimes the case when one is asked their favorite Bible verse - but I, for one, have in my mind and heart the attribute that brings me the greatest comfort. 

So...

1.) What is your "favorite"?

2.) A definition of said attribute.

3.) Why is it your favorite (or most comforting, if that sets better with you and your proclivities.) 

[Daniel]

I would have to pick His unconditional love.  While I was a sinner, He loved me and pursued me.  He never fails me, never forgets me, and never ceases to love me no matter how screwed up I get.  What a role model!

[David Jensen]

His Jealousy for the Church and for me.

That He relentlessly pursues his lost sheep. That He would lay aside unfathomable glory just to purchase a broken vessel like me.    

[E. A. Johnston]

These are great. How about a formal definition for each?

 

1.) My favorite attribute of God is His sovereignty.

 

2.) God's sovereignty is His original and supreme jurisdiction and power. 

 

3.) This is my favorite/most comforting because this attribute gives me assurance that He is in control no matter what it looks or feels like. Nothing can stay His hand on my behalf. 

[JRKH]

First let me say that I have trouble with the idea of God even having attributes.   Rather, what we call attributes are merely those points where we feel that we have a connection or insight in understanding God.

 

That said, and to answer you questions:

1) I have to go with Love. (surprise surprise...)

 

2) Love is what God IS (1 John 4:8)

 

3) Just read Scripture for what the Holy spirit tells us about Love.  Love is the core of Gods relationship with us and through us to our neighbors.  All law and prophets are based on Love.  Without Love were empty gongs, Love is greater than faith or hope...Out of Love God came to us in the incarnation....

Argue doctrine..debate definitions...scurry to and fro over this or that detail of theology...but be careful to keep Love - grow Love - show Love for God is Love. 

 

Peace

James

[James Gibbons]

First, it is good to define what an attribute is. An attribute, as I understand it, is more than a mere characteristic. It is a characteristic without which a thing would not be what it is. So, if we’re talking about a big, blue ball, big would be a characteristic (but not an attribute), blue would be a characteristic (but not an attribute), and round would be both a characteristic and an attribute (because a ball would still be a ball if it were not big or blue, but it would cease to be a ball if it were not round). So, of the things God is, without which He would not be God, my favorite is…

1. That God cannot lie.

2. The definition is self explanatory. It is an attribute in that if God were ever to lie, He would not be God.

3. It is my favorite, because I can and do lie. I have done much damage and have suffered more than a little because people can and do lie. But all the promises of God are “yay and amen” or in 20th century English, “Yes. And that’s for sure!” When God makes a promise, it is a certain to happen as if it had already happened. Since I AM saved, I know I WILL BE saved. Since I am being conformed to the likeness of His Son, I know I will be conformed to the likeness of His Son. And when we see Him, we will be LIKE Him, for we will see Him as He is.

I tend to have a “hopeless” personality. But when I look at God’s promises, I see nothing but Hope. The Blessed Hope!

Can I get an Amen?

[Alex Guggenheim]

God's integrity.

[Jason]

The holiness of God.

Holiness is what separates God from other gods and all creatures.

All the other attributes of God are enfolded in His holiness so that His love is a holy love, His sovereignty a holy sovereignty, and so on.

 

[E. A. Johnston]

What I really, really love is that we are going to be able to ponder these perfections for eternity!!!

Jason said:

The holiness of God.

Holiness is what separates God from other gods and all creatures.

All the other attributes of God are enfolded in His holiness so that His love is a holy love, His sovereignty a holy sovereignty, and so on.

 

[Jason]

Yeah, check out Eph 2.7

[Leslie Jebaraj]

Immutability. If He changes, all else becomes questionable. He is the unchanging One!

[E. A. Johnston]

This one is HUGE! (Of course, they all are). It is so comforting. My wonderful Father is not fickle like me! He is not moody. He is not always changing His mind! Love this thread simply because people are writing down His attributes and reminding me of them!

Leslie Jebaraj said:

Immutability. If He changes, all else becomes questionable. He is the unchanging One!

[Leslie Jebaraj]

"but I have to ask, why do we say God's Love is unconditional?"

His Being is love. To quote the Bible, "God is love."