> The nature and character of God are foundational to our understanding of who He is and how we relate to Him. Throughout Scripture and the teachings of great Christian thinkers, the attributes of God have been explored, revealing a Being who is infinitely holy, loving, just, and sovereign.
This article delves into the nature and character of God, drawing upon the wisdom of theologians and the eternal truths of Scripture.
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God’s Holiness: The Essence of His Being
God’s holiness is the defining characteristic of His nature. R.C. Sproul, a respected theologian, once remarked, “When the Bible speaks of God’s holiness, the primary thrust of those statements is to refer to God’s transcendent majesty, His august superiority, by which He is absolutely distinct from all His creatures.” This understanding of God’s holiness emphasizes His utter otherness—He is separate from sin and evil, perfect in righteousness and purity.
“Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in glorious deeds, doing wonders?” —Exodus 15:11 (ESV)
God’s holiness is not merely an attribute among others; it is the essence of His being. This holiness permeates all that God is and does. It is because of His holiness that He cannot tolerate sin, and it is in His holiness that we find the standard by which all moral good is measured.
“Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” —Isaiah 6:3
God’s Love: The Heart of His Character
While God is holy, He is also love—indeed, love is central to His character. Charles Spurgeon, the beloved preacher, spoke of God’s love in this way: “God loves His people with a love that is deep, undying, and unquenchable.” This love is not conditional or fleeting; it is steadfast and eternal.
“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” —1 John 4:8
God’s love is most clearly demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem a fallen world. The love of God is sacrificial, giving, and selfless. It is a love that reaches out to us even when we are undeserving, drawing us into a relationship with Him.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” —Romans 5:8
This love is not passive but active; it seeks the highest good for the beloved. As recipients of God’s love, we are called to reflect that love to others, embodying the love of Christ in our daily lives.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” —1 John 4:11
God’s Sovereignty: The Rule of His Power
The sovereignty of God is another key aspect of His character. A.W. Pink, a profound theologian, once wrote, “God is working out His eternal purpose, not only in spite of human and satanic opposition, but by means of them.” This quote highlights the absolute authority and control God has over all creation. Nothing happens outside of His sovereign will.
“Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” —Psalm 115:3
God’s sovereignty assures us that He is in control of all things, from the grand movements of history to the smallest details of our lives. Even when we do not understand His ways, we can trust that He is working all things for His glory and our good.
“The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” —Psalm 103:19
This sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, but it does provide the ultimate assurance that God’s plans will be accomplished. His purposes are unthwarted by human sin or satanic schemes. In God’s sovereignty, we find comfort and confidence, knowing that our lives are in the hands of a loving and all-powerful God.
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” —Romans 8:28
God’s Justice: The Foundation of His Throne
God’s justice is an integral part of His character. John Calvin, the great Reformer, asserted, “If God is sovereign, He must also be just; for God’s sovereignty and His justice are inseparable.” God’s justice means that He always does what is right and fair. His judgments are perfect and righteous, reflecting His holy nature.
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” —Psalm 89:14
In a world where injustice often prevails, the justice of God offers hope. We can trust that God will ultimately right all wrongs, vindicate the innocent, and bring to account those who persist in evil. His justice is not arbitrary but is rooted in His unchanging character.
“For the LORD is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him.” —Isaiah 30:18
God’s justice was fully displayed at the cross, where His holiness and love met. In Christ, God judged sin justly, while extending mercy to sinners. This profound act demonstrates that God’s justice does not stand in opposition to His love but works in harmony with it.
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” —1 Peter 2:24
God’s Immutability: The Unchanging One
The immutability of God refers to His unchanging nature. A.W. Tozer, a pastor and author, observed, “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This statement reflects the truth that God’s unchanging character should shape our understanding of everything else. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” —Malachi 3:6
God’s immutability is a source of great comfort for believers. In a world that is constantly changing, we can rely on the unchanging nature of God. His promises are sure, His purposes are fixed, and His love is everlasting.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” —Hebrews 13:8
This unchanging nature of God ensures that His attributes—His holiness, love, justice, and sovereignty—remain constant throughout all time. As we place our trust in Him, we can be confident that He will always be faithful to His word.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” —James 1:17
Conclusion
The nature and character of God are profound and multifaceted, revealing a Being who is holy, loving, sovereign, just, and unchanging. These attributes are not merely theological concepts but are the foundation of our relationship with God. As we grow in our knowledge of who God is, we are drawn deeper into worship and awe, realizing that the God we serve is both infinitely majestic and intimately involved in our lives.
“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” —Romans 11:33
May our understanding of God’s nature and character lead us to trust Him more fully, love Him more deeply, and serve Him more faithfully. In knowing Him, we find our true purpose and fulfillment, for we were created to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” —Proverbs 9:10
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