According to the article "10 Attributes of God Viewed Through the Lens of Truth" by Crossway, there are ten key attributes that describe God's nature. These attributes, also referred to in the snippet provided, offer insight into who God is.
Understanding God's Attributes
God's attributes are the qualities or characteristics that define His being. They are not separate parts of God, but rather different ways we understand His single, unified nature. Reflecting on these attributes can deepen understanding of His character and actions.
The 10 Attributes Listed by Crossway
Here are the ten attributes of God as presented in the Crossway article:
| # | Attribute | Brief Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Simplicity | God is not composed of parts; His being is one, undivided essence. |
| 2 | Omniscience | God knows everything, actual and possible, past, present, and future. |
| 3 | Absoluteness | God is the ultimate reality and standard, existing independently of creation. |
| 4 | Omnipotence | God is all-powerful and can do anything consistent with His character. |
| 5 | Goodness | God is the ultimate source and standard of all good. |
| 6 | Will | God sovereignly purposes and directs all things according to His nature. |
| 7 | Mercy | God withholds deserved punishment and shows compassion to the undeserving. |
| 8 | Love | God actively and selflessly seeks the well-being of others. |
| 9 | Truth | God is the ultimate reality, faithfulness, and standard of truth; He cannot lie. |
| 10 | Holiness | God is set apart from all creation, morally pure, and without sin. |
Exploring the Attributes
Delving deeper into these attributes helps illuminate God's character.
- Simplicity: As the reference snippet notes, simplicity is fundamental. It means God is not a collection of attributes, but that His entire being is simple and unified. His attributes are His very essence.
- Omniscience: God's knowledge is perfect and complete. He knows every thought, action, and potential outcome. The snippet specifically mentions this attribute.
- Absoluteness: God is the ultimate, self-existent reality. He is not relative or dependent on anything else. The reference snippet also highlights God's absoluteness.
- Omnipotence: God is all-powerful. Nothing is too difficult for Him, although His power is always exercised in accordance with His other attributes like goodness and will. This is listed in the snippet.
- Goodness: God is inherently and perfectly good. He is the standard by which all goodness is measured. The snippet mentions God's goodness.
- Will: The reference snippet includes "The Will of God". This refers to God's eternal purpose and how He sovereignly directs all things towards His intended end, always consistent with His nature.
- Mercy: God's mercy is His compassion shown towards those who are in need or distress, particularly in withholding deserved judgment. This attribute is included in the snippet.
- Love: God's love is a defining characteristic, shown in His relationship with humanity and His actions. The snippet lists love.
- Truth: God is the standard of truth. His word is reliable, and His nature is consistent with reality.
- Holiness: God's holiness signifies His complete separation from sin and evil, as well as His unique divine majesty.
Why Study God's Attributes?
Understanding God's attributes is crucial for several reasons:
- It deepens our knowledge of who God is, leading to greater awe and reverence.
- It informs how we should relate to God.
- It provides a framework for understanding His actions in the world and in our lives.
- It helps distinguish the true God from false concepts of deity.
For more details on these attributes, you can refer to the source article: 10 Attributes of God Viewed Through the Lens of Truth
