Theology Proper: The Attributes and Names of God J. Brian Tucker, Ph.D. Moody Theological Seminary

2 Theology Proper I. Divine Attributes II. Divine Names

3 Introduction Lists of Attributes Defined as those distinguishing characteristics of the divine nature that are inseparable from the idea of God and that constitute the basis and ground for his various manifestations to his creatures. They are distinguished from his works. Gordon Lewis: “God is an invisible, personal and living Spirit, distinguished from all other spirits by several kinds of attributes.”

4 Introduction Derivation of the Attributes Problem of source: The classical method: Via negationis Via eminentiae Via causalitatus Hellenistic context and Neo-Platonism: Anthropomorphisms Abstract descriptions

5 Introduction Derivation of the Attributes Problem of source: The biblical (post-Reformation) method: Problem of proof-texting Inductive theological process

6 Problem of Arrangement Variety of ways Philosophical (transcendence) Qualifications concerning attributes God’s attributes are classified under two categories Frequent classifications: Each has deficiencies: The fact of the attributes of God

7 Non-Analogous with Humanity Aseity (Self-existence) Definition: God is by his very definition uncaused and therefore exists apart form any cause. Passage: Ex 3:14 Conclusion: God is an uncaused, necessary being Implications: God is adequate; ‘Living God’

8 Non-Analogous with Humanity Infinity Definition: The infinity of God means that he has no limitations; he is restricted only by his own nature. Passage: Ps 90:2 Conclusion: God is without beginning or end Implications: God created time and is therefore Lord over it

9 Non-Analogous with Humanity Spirituality Definition: He is without material substance and is free from all temporal limitations. Passage: Jn 4:24 Implication: This does not reject the concept of anthropomorphisms (cf. Deut. 33:27; John 10:29).

10 Non-Analogous with Humanity Omnipresence Definition: The infinity of God specifically in his relation to space; he is present everywhere at the same time. Passage: Ps 139:7-12 What it does and does not mean: Implications: Consoles the righteous; practical incentive to holiness

11 Non-Analogous with Humanity Unity Definition: The nature of God is “one essence” he is Perfect Simplicity. Passage: Isa 44:6-8 Implications: One essential truth; there is only one God.

12 Non-Analogous with Humanity Simplicity Definition: The various characteristics of God’s nature are equal aspects of his nature. Passage: Isa 44 Different characteristics: Implications: Cannot decompose; indivisibility attends to God’s immutability

13 Non-Analogous with Humanity Immutability Definition: God is not subject to change in his nature. Passage: Ps 102:25-27; Jam 1:17 God does not change Implications: God alone is immutable; God’s rules don’t change

14 Analogous with Humanity Intellectual: Omniscience Definition: God’s characteristic of having perfect and eternal knowledge of all things, whether actual or possible, past, present, or future.. Passage: Ps 147:4-5; Mt 11:21 God has perfect knowledge of everything Implications: God’s wisdom and the application of his knowledge; prophecy

15 Analogous with Humanity Intellectual: Wisdom Definition: That characteristic of God’s nature whereby he uses the best possible means to accomplish his eternal purposes. Passage: Ps 104:1-24 Implications: God’s chief purpose is his glory not our happiness.

16 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Holiness Definition: The essential purity of God’s nature. Passage: Isa 6:1-5; 1 Jn 1:5 Conclusion: Being set apart Implications: God and sin must be mutually exclusive; God delights in purity

17 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Righteousness Definition: Righteousness implies a rule or a law to which there has been conformity. Passage: Rom 3 Aspects of God’s justice Rectoral Justice Distributive Justice Remunerative Justice

18 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Love Definition: Love means that God delights in his own perfections and in man as the reflection of his image. Passage: 1 Jn 4 Love is not an all inclusive characteristic of God; it does not negate his righteousness (1 Tim 1:5) Implications: Calvary; more than a feeling

19 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Goodness Definition: God’s benevolent interest in his creation. Passage: Acts 14:15-17 God’s goodness desires our best Implications: Whatever God allows to touch our lives is for our ultimate good (Rom 8)

20 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Grace Definition: God’s love extended to undeserving, guilty sinners. Passage: Eph 2:7-9 Implications: Man does not deserve God’s favor but his wrath; Christians should be grateful.

21 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Longsuffering Definition: The patience of God’s love whereby he endures evil men in spite of their disobedience and desires that they come to saving knowledge of the truth. Passage: 2 Pet 3:9 God withholding of justice God’s longsuffering implies accountability

22 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Wrath Definition: God’s displeasure against anyone or anything that opposes his perfections. Passage: Rev 16 The opposite and complementary side of God’s love Special problems: Is God’s wrath real?

23 Analogous with Humanity Moral: Veracity Definition: Veracity is the truthfulness of God. Passage: Heb 6; John 17:17 Implication: We have his word on it

24 Analogous with Humanity Volitional: Sovereignty (Freedom) Definition: God has planned and now directs the events of the universe and the actions of his creatures. Passage: Eph 1:11 God as sole ruler of the universe God’s limitations are based on his character

25 Analogous with Humanity Volitional: Omnipotence Definition: The power by which God can do whatever he wills to accomplish. Passage: Isa 40:10-31 God’s power works within the limits of his character Implication: There is nothing too great for the Lord to accomplish if it is in his will to do so.

26 Theology Proper I. Divine Attributes II. Divine Names

27 The Names of God OT Names Elohim, El Yahweh Adonai

28 The Names of God NT Names Theos Kurios Despotes Abba

29 The End