The nature of God
(His attributes)

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The nature of God is one of the most profound and foundational topics in Scripture. Understanding who God is shapes our faith, our worldview, and our relationship with Him. The Bible reveals God’s eternal existence, His unchanging nature, and His attributes—such as His omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, and perfect love. He is not a distant or unknowable force but a personal and just Creator, actively involved in the lives of His people.

As we explore God’s attributes and character, we see how His holiness demands justice while His mercy extends grace. His power is absolute, yet it is exercised with wisdom and compassion. Through His role as Creator and Redeemer, He has made a way for humanity to know Him and experience His love. This study will not only deepen our understanding of God’s nature but also challenge us to respond in faith, trust, and worship.

God’s Existence and Nature:

Eternal and Unchangeable — God is without beginning or end

“For I am the LORD, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob. (Malachi 3:6)

“Jesus the Messiah is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

God is without beginning or end, existing outside of time and space. His nature is unchanging; He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. This provides a foundation of stability and reliability in a changing world. This contrasts with the ever-changing nature of creation. How does God’s immutability impact our faith and trust in Him?

Omnipotent — God is all-powerful

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The everlasting God, the LORD, The Creator of the ends of the earth, Neither faints nor is weary. His understanding is unsearchable”. (Isaiah 40:28)

“And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, “Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!” (Revelation 19:6)

God is all-powerful, possessing unlimited ability and authority. He is capable of anything consistent with His character. This power is not arbitrary but exercised with wisdom, love, and justice. How does God’s omnipotence comfort us in times of difficulty? How does it challenge our understanding of free will?

Omniscient — God knows everything

“O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether. You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.” (Psalm 139:1-6)

“The eyes of the LORD are in every place, Keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3)

God knows everything – past, present, and future. He understands our thoughts, motives, and actions. This knowledge is not intrusive but demonstrates His intimate understanding of His creation. How does God’s omniscience affect our prayer life? How does it impact our sense of accountability?

Omnipresent — God is everywhere at once

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?

 If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.

 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me; Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.” (Psalm 139:7-12)

Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?” says the LORD; “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:24)

God is everywhere at once, not limited by space. He is present in our joys and sorrows, our successes and failures. This presence offers comfort, guidance, and strength. How does God’s omnipresence encourage us to live a life of integrity? How does it affect our understanding of His involvement in the world?

God’s Character:

Love — God’s love is the foundation of His character

“The LORD did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the LORD loves you, and because He would keep the oath which He swore to your fathers, the LORD has brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you from the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 7:7-8)

“He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him.” (1 John 4:8-9)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

God’s love is the foundation of His character. It is a selfless, sacrificial love that motivates His actions. This love is demonstrated in creation, in His coming in Jesus, and in His ongoing relationship with humanity. How is God’s love revealed in the creation story? How does it manifest in the life of Jesus?

Holiness — God is perfectly pure and righteous

  • “And one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!’ ” (Isaiah 6:3)
  • “The four living creatures, each having six wings, were full of eyes around and within. And they do not rest day or night, saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come!’ ” (Revelation 4:8)
  • God is perfectly pure and righteous, separated from sin. His holiness demands justice and righteousness, yet it is also accompanied by mercy and compassion. How does God’s holiness challenge us to live holy lives? How does it affect our understanding of sin and forgiveness?

Justice God is just and righteous

  • “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Mercy and truth go before Your face.” (Psalm 89:14)
  • “But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.” (Romans 2:2)
  • God is just and righteous, upholding His law and punishing wrongdoing. However, His justice is tempered by mercy and grace. How does God’s justice balance with His mercy? How does this understanding affect our view of judgment?

Mercy and Grace — God’s mercy and grace are expressions of His love and compassion

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, Nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins, Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him; As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, So the LORD pities those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust.” (Psalm 103:8-14)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)

God’s mercy and grace are expressions of His love and compassion. He forgives our sins and offers us salvation despite our unworthiness. How does God’s mercy and grace motivate us to extend forgiveness to others? How does it impact our understanding of salvation?

God’s Relationship with Humanity:

Creator — God is the creator of all things

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)

“Know that the LORD, He is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.” (Psalm 100:3)

God is the creator of all things, both visible and invisible. He is the source of all life and the sustainer of the universe. How does understanding God as Creator impact our stewardship of the earth? How does it affect our appreciation for His power and wisdom?

Redeemer — God’s love led Him to provide salvation

  • “Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, And He who formed you from the womb: “I am the LORD, who makes all things, Who stretches out the heavens all alone, Who spreads abroad the earth by Myself” (Isaiah 44:24)
  • “who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.” (Titus 2:14)
  • God’s love led Him to provide a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him through Jesus the Messiah (2Corinthians 5:18). This redemption offers forgiveness, restoration, and eternal life. How does God’s role as Redeemer impact our understanding of His work? How does it affect our hope for the future?

Conclusion:

God is beyond human comprehension, yet He has chosen to reveal Himself through His Word, His creation, and ultimately through Jesus the Messiah. His nature is a perfect balance of justice and mercy, power and love, holiness and grace. Knowing who God is transforms how we live—shaping our faith, our decisions, and our relationship with Him.

As we reflect on His attributes, we are reminded of His steadfast presence, His limitless power, and His unfailing love. He is not only the Creator of the universe but also our personal Redeemer, calling us to walk in His ways. May this study inspire us to seek Him more deeply, trust Him more fully, and reflect His character in our lives.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of God’s attributes resonates most strongly with you, and why?
  2. How does understanding God’s attributes impact your daily life?
  3. How can we better reflect God’s character in our interactions with others?
  4. How does the concept of God’s immutability affect our understanding of His plan for humanity?

Dr. Richard Elofer, D.I.S.
(Fuller Seminary, School of Intercultural Studies)
Pastor, Hebrew Professor, Writer