When I became a Christian my understanding of God was very basic. I came to understand that I was a sinner, and that Jesus came as Savior to pay for my sin. That was all that I really needed to know at the beginning.
I soon came to know that being a Christian was a lifelong process of growing in faith and knowledge. As I started reading my Bible showed me that there was so much more to who God was than just his role as Savior.
What are God’s Attributes?
God’s attributes are his foundational characteristics which are eternal and unchanging. They describe God, both who He is and how He acts.
These attributes can be fit into two categories: incommunicable and communicable.
Incommunicable Attributes – Attributes that belong only to God and are not shared with anything or anyone else.
Examples of Incommunicable Attributes
· Infinite – God is self-existing.
· Immutable – God never changes.
· Self-Sufficient – God has no needs.
· Omnipotent – God is all powerful.
· Omniscient – God is all-knowing.
· Omnipresent – God is always everywhere.
Communicable Attributes – Attributes that belong to God and that people are capable of showing (though imperfectly).
Examples of Incommunicable Attributes
· Wise – God is full of perfect, unchanging wisdom.
· Faithful – God is unchangingly true.
· Good – God is always and unchangingly kind and full of good will.
· Just – God is always right and perfect in everything He does.
· Merciful – God is always, unchangeably compassionate.
· Gracious – God is inclined to spare the guilty.
· Loving – God is loving.
· Holy – God is always and unchangingly perfect.
· Glorious – God is forever beautiful and great.
Why is it important understand God’s attributes?
Understanding these characteristics helps us to understand God and His Word.
Only by understanding God can we identify false Gods. There are an unlimited amounts of false Gods. So, to know all of them and how to recognize them would be impossible.
How can you learn about God’s attributes?
To have an accurate view of who God is, you must seek out reliable sources of information.
Most reliable source
· Read your Bible
Less reliable sources
· Sermons
· Bible studies
· Ask questions of mature Christians