I. 3. B. The Communicable Attributes (Part 1)

I. Theology Proper


3. Nature and Attributes of God (Cont. . .)

B. The Communicable Attributes (Part 1)

The second category of God’s attributes are the communicable attributes, or those attributes of His character that can be shared in some limited way with human-kind, i.e. Power, goodness, truth, etc. As previously stated, the most important aspect of this categorization is to uphold superior clarity and orderliness. You don’t need to necessarily memorize the exact categorization as much as the attributes themselves and how they help attribute to the massive thatch-work of God’s being. This topic of attributes is not very standardized as to which are presented, but I will take a combination of Grudem, who presents many separate attributes, and Hodge, who is more concise, albeit meatier and philosophically exhaustive.

In Grudem’s Sytematic Theology, he further divides the “Communicable Attributes” into sub-headings based on their relation to God’s character as man would segment them. He separates them into subheadings like being, mental, moral, purpose etc. I considered following this outlines, but it simply helps to lead us into the dissecting of the person of God. We, as humans in the 21st century, are spoon fed everything to meet our mold of understanding. I understand that since these are “communicable,” or shared attributes that one could say that Grudem is not dividing God (which I believe is not his aim) but merely helping us to categorically see the parallels in our lives versus God’s nature. To which I would object that this mode of thought leads us to compare God to ourselves, our natures, etc. My aim is to look at God in a totally new way, without preconceptions and errors that would be subconsciously present in a comparison situation of infinite God and finite man  (who’s nature it is to attempt to rationally, logically understand God.) With that in mind, these below are listed logically, but not categorically. Please read and understand without any former conceptions and let the truth speak for itself, fresh in your mind. The single greatest thing we possess as true Christians is absolute truth. Let’s not waste that by applying our knowledge to His divine truth. In searching for a picture to put here of God, or of someone's conception of God, I have decided to put this picture here. Look at it and imagine the absolute depth, magnitude, power, wisdom, knowledge etc that it would take to CREATE this much less understand it. This God is far more than a just judge, or a benevolent father, or a sovereign creator; He is all of these and more! In our study of God, it is has transformed my view of God and His being. Don't let a subconscious preconception ruin that. DO NOT TRY TO RATIONALIZE GOD! Learn of Him and praise Him for being who He is! 

Disclaimer: Through this deeper study, truer, greater praise WILL RESULT causing you to look ridiculous to the world, but even more precious to God as you marvel at His greatness. (Results will vary, side effects include brain pain, a case of the so-heavenly-minded-no-earthly-good syndrome, and occasionally random acts of praise to God so that your life ends up being one big praise fest bound into a finite setting.)

1. Spirituality of God

In defining this key attribute of God, I want to begin with addressing the issue of language and interpretation. The use of language is communication. If the language intended to communicate an idea is out of date or confusing, then the language needs to be analyzed and changed to suit the proper end of the intended meaning. Therefore, I will define spirit as it was originally intended, so that true communication is upheld.

In Jesus’ day, when he used the word spirit (John 4:24) to identify the character of God’s physical being, he meant the idea of moving air, especially in the breath; then any invisible power; then the human soul. God is not flesh and blood. He is not made of matter at all; rather He is an immaterial being that is free from all laws and properties of matter. He cannot be divided, or compounded and does not have bulk form. He is invisible. If God is a spirit it is imperative that He be self-conscious, intelligent, and a voluntary agent. Also, since God is a Spirit, it follows that He is also an intelligent and moral Being. We, as humans have these characteristics because we too are spirits, therefore, it would be proper to assume that He must possess these attributes and more, lest we esteem ourselves higher and more sophisticated than God, our maker. The spirit of man is subject to change, whereas we know of God’s immutability, so He does not change. His nature is interwoven, creating a being greater than imagination, which, if simplified, destroys His majesty and takes away from His glory. 

The Scripture everywhere presents these attributes, and on these attributes a foundation is made on which all our worship, prayer, confidence in redemption, preservation and blessings lie. The God of the Bible is a person. He revealed Himself to Noah, He spoke to Adam, He covenanted with Abraham, He conversed with Moses. How? The Bible says that God gave us spirits to converse with and worship Him: (John 4:24; 1 Cor 14:14; Phil 3:3), and in which we are united with His spirit: (1 Cor 6:17) with which the Holy Spirit joins to bear witness of our adoption into God’s family: (Rom 8:16) and in which we pass into the Lord’s presence when we die: (Luke 23:46; Eccl 12:7; Heb 12:23). With this in mind, it is clear how God’s spirituality is labelled as a Communicable attribute.

Along with God’s Spirituality comes the attribute of invisibility. These two go directly together in my mind, so I will not discuss them separately. Basically, invisibility means that we will never see God. We (as humans in this finite world) have seen theophanies (appearances of God) when He appeared to Abraham (Gen 18:1-33), Jacob (Gen 32:28-30), the people of Israel as a pillar of cloud and fire (Ex 13:21-22). Also, God came in human form through His son, Jesus. Jesus said that “He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). So we know that God can present Himself to us in someway, but His total essence will never be seen by us.

2. Knowledge (Omniscience)

Many philosophical debates and theories have risen on the subject of God’s omniscience. Some believe that God cannot know because with the idea of knowledge comes the implication of the knower versus the learner, i.e. God cannot know, or perceive something from a source. Knowledge must originate and be learned through deduction, instruction, observation, comparison, etc. This is the nature of knowledge. So, can there be knowledge in God? Can there be a distinction between subject and object in an absolute and infinite Being? This question is answered in Scripture. The Bible teaches that knowledge in God, is essentially what knowledge is in us, but perfect. If you take an attribute that we share with God into examination, it is always going to come with the imperfections that we know as humans. God’s knowledge is perfect, complete, full. There is no object and subject within God to possess knowledge since He is knowledge. The vast procession of events, thoughts, feelings, and acts, stands open in his view. He knows all things as they are. (Ps 89:1-2, Prov 15:3; Prov 15:11; Ps 147:5; Ezek 11:5; Acts 15:18; Matt 10:30.)

3. Truth of God- Faithful

The definition of truth can be stated in four sections. First, truth is that which is real, opposed to that which is fake. Jehovah is the true God, because he is really God while the gods of the heathen are not true, having neither attributes nor existence. Second, that truth completely fulfills what it claims to be. The true God is he in whom is found all that Godhead imports. Third, truth in life agrees with the declaration. God is true, because He really is what he claims to be; because He is what He commands us to believe Him to be; and because all His declarations correspond to what really is. Fourth, the truth can be depended on to never fail, change, or disappoint. God is true as He is immutable and faithful. His Word abideth forever.

This truth of God is the basis for our religion. Were it not for God’s absolute truth we would have no means to worship him over other gods who claim to be truth just as Jehovah does. God is the one true God (John 17:3; 1 John 5:20). Since God is the only being in his class, HE sets the standard for the Godhead. We, as humans, cannot assume we are the source of the knowledge of God as Godhead. We have had this limited knowledge placed inside us as by God himself. Were God not the source of all veracity (truthfulness or reliability) his character would be degraded into that which is moved by the same swaying, variable truth of other gods.

Blogging for His glory, Adam Setser