Attributes of God
Attributes of God refer to the inherent qualities, characteristics, and properties that define and describe the essence and nature of God. In Christian theology, these attributes are derived from the biblical revelation of God, as well as from philosophical and theological reflection. They serve as the foundation for understanding who God is and how He interacts with His creation. The study of God's attributes is a central aspect of Christian theology, as it seeks to provide a coherent and comprehensive understanding of the divine nature.
The attributes of God can be categorized into two main groups: incommunicable and communicable attributes. Incommunicable attributes are those that are unique to God and cannot be shared or possessed by any created being. Communicable attributes, on the other hand, are those that can be reflected in or shared with human beings to a limited extent, as they are created in the image of God.
Incommunicable Attributes:
Aseity: Aseity refers to God's self-existence and independence. It means that God is not dependent on anything or anyone for His existence, and He is the source of all being. This attribute highlights God's sovereignty and the fact that all things exist because of Him.
Immutability: Immutability means that God does not change in His essence, character, or nature. He is eternally consistent and unchanging, which provides a solid foundation for trust in His promises and character.
Infinity: Infinity refers to the limitless nature of God. He is not bound by time, space, or any other created thing. This attribute emphasizes God's transcendence and incomprehensibility.
Omnipotence: Omnipotence is the attribute of God that refers to His unlimited power and ability to accomplish His will. It means that God can do all things that are consistent with His nature and character.
Omniscience: Omniscience refers to God's unlimited knowledge and understanding. He knows all things, past, present, and future, and nothing is hidden from His sight.
Omnipresence: Omnipresence means that God is present everywhere in His creation at all times. This attribute emphasizes God's immanence and His intimate involvement with His creation.
Communicable Attributes:
Love: Love is a central attribute of God, as demonstrated by His sacrificial actions for the benefit of His creation, most notably in the incarnation and atonement of Jesus Christ. God's love is unconditional, self-giving, and transformative.
Holiness: Holiness refers to God's absolute moral purity and separateness from sin and evil. This attribute is the foundation for God's moral expectations for His people and His judgment against sin.
Justice: Justice is an attribute of God that refers to His commitment to fairness, righteousness, and impartiality. God's justice is displayed in His judgment of sin and His vindication of the righteous.
Mercy: Mercy refers to God's compassionate and forgiving nature, as He extends grace and pardon to those who repent and trust in Him. This attribute is demonstrated in God's willingness to forgive and restore sinners through Jesus Christ.
Wisdom: Wisdom is an attribute of God that refers to His perfect knowledge and understanding of all things, as well as His ability to apply that knowledge in the best possible way. God's wisdom is displayed in His creation, providence, and redemption.
Faithfulness: Faithfulness is an attribute of God that refers to His steadfast commitment to His promises and His unwavering loyalty to His people. God's faithfulness is demonstrated in His covenant relationships and His fulfillment of prophecy.
The study of the attributes of God serves to deepen our understanding of who God is and how He relates to us. By exploring these attributes, we gain a greater appreciation for the majesty, goodness, and love of the God we worship. Furthermore, understanding the communicable attributes helps us to grow in our relationship with God and to reflect His character in our lives. Ultimately, the attributes of God provide a solid foundation for our faith and inspire us to worship, trust, and serve Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
Now we should keep two things in mind. One is Ludwig Feuerbach's argument, and the other is the mythological understanding of God's attributes. Feuerbach understands God as a projection of humanity. It envisions Being itself beyond the limits of human existence. For example, in this framework, humans are finite and God is infinite; humans are evil and God is good. Therefore, by analyzing human beings in detail, we can know God: Theology is anthropology. Mythology adds human attributes to the divine world. When humans are jealous, God is jealous. Divine love is abstracted from human love.
When discussing the attributes of God, we must be careful to avoid a Feuerbachian or mythological understanding. In fact, we cannot escape these two nets in our understanding of God's attributes, but we must not forget that they are traps. In other words, when discussing the attributes of God, we must humbly recognize the limitations of human understanding.