The Nature And Attributes Of God

I know that You can do

everything,

and that no purpose

of Yours 

can be withheld

from You.

Job 42:2

     In approaching this subject of God's Sovereignty it must be asked: "How can we define God?" We have never seen Him, nor touched Him, nor heard His voice thundering from the heavens speaking audibly in our ears. So then, how do we define God, let alone to be able to know and define Him to be Sovereign? We define God His nature as revealed in His Word, and by His attributes that are clearly outlined for all to know and be able to understand by what He has revealed and clearly shown in His Word. But, our definition depends upon what is meant by definition. Is it true that God cannot be defined? Cicero in his De Oratore, 1. would admit that God could not be defined. No creature could and especially man know that which is proper to God, therefore no exhaustive statement could be made of all that God is.  Is this true?
     To define a thing or person is to separate or bind, distinguish, so that the thing defined may be discriminated from all other things. How is this done? First, by stating its characteristics; second, by stating its genus and its specific differences; third, by analyzing the idea as it lies in our minds; and fourth, by an explanation of the term or name by which it is denoted. Each of those four elements are in actuality stating the same thing, that we can define God, and all that is meant is that we can analyze the idea of God as it lies in our mind. Furthermore, we can state the class of beings to which He belongs, and the attributes by which He is distinguished from all other beings. Some may object to that definition but let us remember that we are going to look at His attributes so that we can understand His Sovereignty. We therefore need a good beginning with a thorough definition. The best penned definition by man can be found in the Westminster Catechism. Under the title; "WHAT MAN OUGHT TO BELIEVE CONCERNING GOD" question #7: What is God? Answers thusly: God is a Spirit (John 4:24), in and of himself infinite in being (Exodus 3:14), glory (Acts 7:2), blessedness (1 Timothy 6:15), and perfection (Matthew 5:48), all sufficient (Genesis 17:1), eternal (Psalms 110:2), unchangeable (Malachi 3:6), incomprehensible (1 Kings 8:27), every where present (Psalms 139:1-13), almighty (Revelation 4:8), knowing all things (Hebrews 4:13), most wise (Romans 16:27), most holy (Isaiah 6:3), most just (Deuteronomy 32:4), most merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and aboundant in goodness and truth (Exodus 34:6). 
     This is a true definition for it states the class of beings to which God is to be referred. He is a Spirit; and He is distinguished from all other spirits in that he is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in His being and perfections. Further, it is complete inasmuch as it is an exhaustive statement of the contents or of our idea of God. So then, how are these terms used such as "being," and "perfections," or "attributes" of God? In what relation do His attributes stand to His essence and to each other? these questions will be addressed so that when we come to certain doctrines that are to be found in the Bible we will have the ground upon which to come to know and understand them. As a caveat here though it must be given:; no doctrine saves a person, salvation alone is the work of God through the Holy Spirit. To know and understand doctrine allows us to deepen our faith as that knowledge is assimilated into our very being and having been based upon the Word of God and not some man's definition. It is Scripture interpreting Scripture. The next blog will address the "Being of God." 


I will love You,
     O LORD,
my strength.
     the LORD is my rock 
and my fortress
     and my deliverer;
My God, my strength,
     in whom I will trust;
My shield and the horn
     of my salvation, 
my stronghold.
              Psalm 18:1-2


Today, put your trust in the Lord


Richard L. Crumb