Introduction
In our previous discussions about God's attributes, we explored the four omnis: omnipresence, omnipotence, omniscience, and entered into a deeper understanding of His holiness. We recognized that saying God is holy means acknowledging His distinctness from creation. This distinction is critical since many in our world struggle to rightly grasp God's identity. We correctly see God’s handiwork in creation, reflecting Him as an artist does through a painting, but the error lies in conflating the Creator with His creation. This misidentification has implications not only for our understanding of God but also for our lives as Christians. We, too, are called to embody a holiness that sets us apart from the surrounding world.
Main Points
Understanding God’s Holiness Begins With Recognizing
Understanding God’s holiness begins with recognizing that He is set apart and distinct from everything He created. His holiness underscores that He is not merely a product of our imagination or a projection of human ideals; rather, He transcends all creation.
- This separation means that God is not bound by the limitations that define our earthly existence.
- When we affirm God's holiness, we acknowledge that any goodness we aspire to have is merely a faint reflection of His perfect nature.
- As believers, this realization should lead us to live lives that reflect a divine standard, challenging the norms of our culture.
- We are called to be different, to be holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16).
God S Immutability, That Is His Unchanging
God's immutability, that is, His unchanging nature, is another attribute we must deeply appreciate. In an ever-fluctuating world, it is comforting to know that God remains constant.
- Unlike humans who may change based on circumstances, emotions, or public opinion, God is steadfast in His character and purposes.
- This doesn’t mean that He doesn’t engage with humanity in dynamic ways, but rather that His fundamental nature, His love, justice, and purpose, remains unwavering.
- This truth has profound implications for our faith.
- We can anchor our trust in a God who does not change His mind or waver in His plans (James 1:17).
To Illustrate God’s Immutability Consider The
To illustrate God’s immutability, consider the narrative of King Saul in 1 Samuel 15. Saul's failure to fully obey God's command by sparing the Amalekite king and keeping the spoils of war reflects humanity's propensity to prioritize personal gain and popularity over divine instruction. God had a purpose for Saul, but his desire for human approval led to his downfall. This story serves as a sobering reminder that our decisions have consequences, and obedience to God's immutable commands is key to aligning with His will. As Saul's kingship crumbled, we see the gravity of straying from God's immutable standards, leading us to reflect on our choices and the impacts they have on our discipleship. The concept of divine simplicity complements God’s unchanging nature.
When We Say God Is Simple
When we say God is simple, we are asserting that He is not composed of parts or elements that can be separated or diminished. Every aspect of God, His love, justice, mercy, interrelates without conflict, forming a holistic unity. Unlike humans, who can easily compartmentalize their existence or emotions, God’s nature is entirely integrated. Recognizing this helps us understand the fullness of who God is, and also encourages us that in our relationship with Him, we are not dealing with a fragmented being but a perfectly unified God. It is essential to distinguish between the concepts of love as understood in our culture and the divine love described in Scripture. Scripture tells us that God is love (1 John 4:8), but this love is not merely sentimental or romantic.
Rather It Embodies Self-Sacrifice And Seeks
Rather, it embodies self-sacrifice and seeks the best for others, even at great personal cost. The love God calls us to emulate is one that transcends our feelings or fleeting affections. Jesus exemplified this selfless love, teaching us to love our enemies and those who would do us wrong. This radical love is transformative and serves as a model for our interactions with others in both fellowship and outreach. As we conclude our exploration of God's attributes, we must anchor our understanding in the person of Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews and the apostle Paul both underscore Christ’s divinity and preeminence in all things.
Colossians 1 15-17 Tells Us That
Colossians 1:15-17 tells us that all things were created through Him and for Him, emphasizing that He is central to God's creation and plans. The attributes of God that we have studied, His holiness, immutability, and love, are most fully expressed in the life and work of Jesus. As we seek to reflect God’s nature, we must constantly return to Christ, who is the perfect image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15).
Conclusion
In summary, our study of God’s attributes invites us into a deeper relationship with Him, encouraging us to reflect His holiness, embrace His unchanging nature, and embody His love. As we engage with the truths of Scripture, we must commit to living as images of Christ in our daily lives, demonstrating that we are indeed set apart. Ultimately, our understanding of who God is shapes the essence of our discipleship and the way we encounter the world around us.