This session, "The Attributes of God Part 3," is the tenth installment in our "Studies in Theology" series, continuing our exploration of Christian doctrine guided by our statement of faith. Following previous discussions on God's existence, the three-part series on the Trinity, and the Doctrine of Scripture, we reiterate that doctrine is a "warm and living and vital and absolutely necessary" part of the Christian walk, as highlighted by Paul's admonition to Timothy in 1 Timothy 4:13-16.
We first review that studying God's attributes before individual persons of the Trinity ensures understanding that each attribute applies equally to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Previous sessions covered:
• Pervasiveness of God: God is Living, Personal, Spirit, Eternal, Infinite (Immense & Omnipresent), Immutable (unchangeable), and Unified.
• Perfections of God: His Omnipresence (everywhere with His whole being, seeing all thoughts and actions), Omniscience (knowing all things – past, present, future, and possible – in one eternal act, never learning, possessing infinite understanding and wisdom), and Omnipotence (exhaustless power in creation, providence, redemption, and our lives, bound by His holy character, making it impossible for Him to lie or sin). We concluded that to oppose such a God in any measure is "utter folly" and "complete madness."
This session delves into the Goodness of God, which biblically is defined as "all that is God" (Luke 18:19), encompassing both His beautiful and terrible aspects. The foundation of God's goodness is His Love, which originates from the perfect eternal fellowship within the Trinity (John 17:24). God does not love us for His own sake or ours, but because He is love (1 John 4:8).
We explore four manifestations of God's love:
• Benevolence: God's unselfish interest in us for our own sake. He provides for and desires the happiness of both saints and sinners (Matthew 5:43-48, Zephaniah 3:17).
• Mercy: God's goodness towards those in need. This is demonstrated by His provision for Adam and Eve's sin (Genesis 3:21) and Israel's helplessness (Ezekiel 16:3-8). Mercy involves giving of oneself, even beyond one's excess, requiring preparation and counting the cost; it is a commandment and a way of life, not an option (Ephesians 4:28, Luke 10:30-37).
• Grace: God's goodness towards those who deserve punishment. It bestows undeserved favor and blessing, always based on Christ's finished work, extending to all humanity, saint and sinner alike (Romans 3:23-24). We are commanded to forgive others based solely on Christ's work, not their merit or repentance (Luke 12:15-21).
• Patience: God's goodness in withholding punishment from persistent sinners over a long period. His long-suffering (Romans 2:4, 1 Peter 3:20) is exemplified by His dealings with Nineveh despite Jonah's reluctance (Jonah 4:2). We are called to emulate this extreme patience.
Ultimately, love is not a feeling but a substance manifested in action – the giving of oneself for the benefit of another, as Christ laid down His life for us (Romans 5:8, John 3:16). As we are made in God's image, we are called to imitate and reflect this comprehensive love to all of creation, acting as His ambassadors to a lost world.