Attributes of God

“An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, or worshiped.” 

Holy (transcendent and pure)

Definition: God is exalted* and sinless pure.   *in the sense that He is separate from and above everything else

Key verses: Psalm 24:3-4a “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart…”

Explanation: This verse shows the two parts of God’s holiness.  He is far above us and He is without any sin. The part that talks about “ascending into the hill of the Lord” emphasizes that God is above and beyond us.  The part that talks about “clean hands and a pure heart” shows that God cannot sin or be around sin.

Good (Love, Mercy, Grace)

Definition: God desires to do good things for us.

Key verses: “O give thanks to the Lord; for He is good; for His mercy endures forever.” Psalm 118:1; 136:1 (Psalm 100:5; 106:1; 118:29; 145:9 are have close to the same wording)

Explanation: God is full of good will toward men. (It may not be very theological, but the word “kind” is one that the children will understand.) God’s goodness and benevolence are shown in at least three ways: His Love: (others are His primary concern.),   His Mercy (compassionate), and His Grace (giving gifts even when we do not deserve it).

True (faithful)

Definition:  Everything that God says will happen.

Key verse:  Psalm 33:4 “For the word of the Lord is right, And all His work is done in truth.”

Explanation:  Emphasize that God speaks the truth and keeps His word. Numbers 23:19 and Titus 1:2 both say that God cannot lie. However, God is not only accurate in what he says. He is also steady and faithful in what he does and how he keeps His word. 

Just (righteousness)

Definition:  God does what is right and rewards everyone for what they do.

Key verses:  Proverbs 21:2b-3 “... the Lord weighs the hearts. To do righteousness and justice Is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Explanation:  This verse doesn’t follow the “God is …” formula often used to proof text an attribute of God, but it helps us emphasize two things.  First, God is considering (“weighs the heart”) our actions, words and thoughts.  Second, being righteous and just is important to God.

Eternal

Definition:  God has no beginning or ending.

Key verse:  “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come...” Revelation 1:8

Explanation:   "There is a difference between being immortal and being eternal. Man is immortal—that is, his soul will never die; but God is eternal—He has neither beginning nor ending.”   Jesus said “Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:59)  The laws of time do not affect God.

Immutable

Definition:  God never changes..

Key verses:  Malachi 3:6a “...I the Lord do not change…”

Explanation:    God is unchanging in His being (what He is), His perfections, His purposes, and His promises.  He responds to events and choices we make, but is always consistent in His response.  Immutable does not mean immobile.

Infinite (Omniscience, Omnipresent, Omnipotent)

Definition:  God cannot be measured.

Key verses:  "Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven--what can you do?” Job 11:7b-8a

Explanation:   God is without any limits. There is no end or limits to his knowledge, strength, location and other perfections. Emphasize the “omni” terms and their meanings. (omniscient-all knowing), (omnipotent-nothing is too hard for God, even though He chooses not to do some things.) (omnipresent-God does not fill up the universe like water fills a glass, but he is present everywhere we are or can be.),

Sovereign

Definition:  God does all that He pleases.

Key verses:  “I am God, and there is no other... My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,”  Isaiah 46:9-10

Explanation:  God governs the world and works through our choices to accomplish His purposes. God has the ability, the authority and the freedom to do everything He chooses.