The attributes of God
are the perfections of
His character and being
as revealed in Scripture.
They are not separate parts of God,
but different ways of describing
the one, infinite, and perfect God.
When we speak of God’s attributes,
we are seeking to understand
who He is according to
His own self-revelation in the Bible.
An attribute is a quality or characteristic that is true of God. Because God is infinite and simple (not composed of parts), His attributes are not added to Him or in conflict with one another. Each attribute describes the whole of who God is. For example, God is not partly loving and partly holy; He is fully and perfectly both at the same time.
Theologians have often grouped the attributes into two broad categories:
- Incommunicable attributes — those that belong to God alone and are not shared with His creatures (or are shared only in a very limited, analogical way).
- Communicable attributes — those that God shares with human beings in a finite measure, especially as they are renewed in the image of Christ.
These attributes highlight the uniqueness and transcendence of God:
- Self-existence (Aseity): God has life in Himself and depends on nothing outside Himself (John 5:26; Exodus 3:14 — “I AM WHO I AM”).
- Eternity: God has no beginning or end. He exists outside of time while acting within it (Psalm 90:2; 1 Timothy 1:17).
- Immutability: God does not change in His being, character, or purposes (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8).
- Omnipresence: God is fully present everywhere at all times (Psalm 139:7-10; Jeremiah 23:23-24).
- Omniscience: God knows all things perfectly — past, present, future, and all possibilities (Psalm 147:5; Hebrews 4:13; 1 John 3:20).
- Omnipotence: God is all-powerful and able to do all that is consistent with His nature (Jeremiah 32:17; Revelation 19:6).
- Sovereignty: God rules over all things according to the counsel of His will (Ephesians 1:11; Psalm 115:3; Daniel 4:35).
These attributes reflect aspects of God’s character that He shares, in limited degree, with those made in His image:
- Holiness: God is utterly pure, separate from all sin and evil, and morally perfect (Isaiah 6:3; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Revelation 4:8).
- Love: God is love in His very nature (1 John 4:8, 16). His love is self-giving, steadfast, and sacrificial.
- Righteousness and Justice: God always acts in perfect conformity to His own holy character. He is the standard of right and wrong (Psalm 89:14; Deuteronomy 32:4; Romans 3:25-26).
- Mercy and Grace: God shows compassion to the undeserving and freely gives favor that is not earned (Ephesians 2:4-5; Titus 3:5; Exodus 34:6).
- Truth and Faithfulness: God is completely reliable and true in all He is and says. He keeps every promise (Numbers 23:19; Lamentations 3:22-23; John 14:6).
- Wisdom: God always chooses the best goals and the best means to achieve them (Romans 11:33; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Proverbs 3:19).
- Goodness: God is the source of all that is good and generous toward His creatures (Psalm 34:8; James 1:17; Mark 10:18).
None of God’s attributes ever conflict with another. At the cross, for example, God’s love and God’s justice meet perfectly. God’s holiness does not diminish His love, nor does His love overlook His justice. All of His attributes operate in perfect unity because they describe the one undivided God.
Understanding the attributes of God protects us from creating a God in our own image. Scripture alone must shape our understanding of who He is.
- Exodus 34:6-7
- Isaiah 6:1-5
- Psalm 139
- 1 John 4:7-16
- Romans 11:33-36
- Revelation 4:8-11
- Malachi 3:6
- James 1:17
- God is Love
- Holiness of God
- Sovereignty of God
- Trinity
- Character of God
- Immutability
- Omnipotence
- Omniscience
- Omnipresence
- Grace
- Mercy
- Justice of God
The attributes of God reveal the greatness, beauty, and perfection of the One who made us and redeemed us. Studying them leads not merely to greater knowledge but to deeper worship, trust, and obedience. The more clearly we see who God is, the more we are drawn to love and fear Him as He deserves.