The Attributes of God
The Attributes of God
by
by
Digital Fire (Editor)
it was amazing
Not a light read. But worth the effort for the individual committed to knowing God. [John 17:3]
In Christian culture, I find it interesting how rarely believers think about God as an entity, as a person(s). Who is He? Can He be known and to what extent? So much focus, of our thought and activity seems to revolve around our behaviors as followers of Christ (in spite of the fact that we as Christians are saved by faith alone NOT by works). And if glorifying God and having relationship with Him is our fullest purpose, what better way to pursue that than by getting to know who God is, contemplating His qualities as we can understand them. I think that is why I find this book so refreshing.
Arthur Pink delves into God's attributes. Who He has revealed Himself to be through scripture. Attributes such as His Solitariness, His decrees, His knowledge and foreknowledge, His supremacy, His sovereignty, immutability (unchanging), holiness, power, faithfulness, lovingkindness, grace, love, Wrath (interesting chapter) and many more explorations.
It was an expansive read for me. The author explores the breadth & depth of scripture to paint a picture for us with his practiced hand - to give us a glimpse of God. I found exploring each facet helpful in gaining a better perspective of his nature overall. Having a fuller understand of his character is helpful in not isolating one particular aspect to the exclusion of other - such as considering only God's judgement and wrath without also considering his love, grace and mercy.
Arthur Pink delves into God's attributes. Who He has revealed Himself to be through scripture. Attributes such as His Solitariness, His decrees, His knowledge and foreknowledge, His supremacy, His sovereignty, immutability (unchanging), holiness, power, faithfulness, lovingkindness, grace, love, Wrath (interesting chapter) and many more explorations.
It was an expansive read for me. The author explores the breadth & depth of scripture to paint a picture for us with his practiced hand - to give us a glimpse of God. I found exploring each facet helpful in gaining a better perspective of his nature overall. Having a fuller understand of his character is helpful in not isolating one particular aspect to the exclusion of other - such as considering only God's judgement and wrath without also considering his love, grace and mercy.
I plan to reread it at some point. It is well worth revisiting.
Favorite Quotes:
"God is no gainer even from our worship. He was in no need of that external glory of His grace which arises from His redeemed, for He is glorious enough in Himself without that. What was it that moved Him to predestinate His elect to the praise of the glory of His grace? It was, as Ephesians 1:5 tells us, “according to the good pleasure of His will.”
There is such an absolute perfection in God’s nature and being that nothing is wanting to it or defective in it, and nothing can be added to it to make it better.
“Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18)....
an infinite understanding does not proceed by steps, from one stage to another:
because there was only one act of His infinite mind about future things.
Sin could not proceed from a holy God by positive and direct creation, but only by decretive permission and negative action.
Real prayer is indited [dictated] by the Spirit, yet it is also the cry of a human heart.
But what is the use of praying to One whose will is already fixed? We answer, Because He so requires it.
Christ is both God and man. He is Omniscient, yet “increased in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). He was Almighty, yet was “crucified through weakness” (II Cor 13:4). He was the Prince of life, yet He died. High mysteries are these, yet faith receives them unquestioningly.
When speaking of Himself, God frequently accommodates His language to our limited capacities.
Sin can no more exist without demanding His punishment than without requiring His hatred of it. God has often forgiven sinners, but He never forgives sin; and the sinner is only forgiven on the ground of Another having borne his punishment: for “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb 9:22).
The clay rises up against the Potter and asks, “Why hast Thou made me thus?” A lawless insurrectionist dares to call into question the justice of divine sovereignty.
Would God be “good” if He punished not those who ill-use His blessings, abuse His benevolence, and trample His mercies beneath their feet?
It would much quiet the minds of God’s people if they would remember that His covenant love binds Him to lay on them seasonable correction. Afflictions are necessary for us: “In their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15).
On Judgement:
Eternal life is a gift, therefore it can neither be earned by good works, nor claimed as a right. Seeing that salvation is a “gift,” who has any right to tell God on whom He ought to bestow it?
Is God obliged to force His gift on those who value it not? Is God compelled to save those who are determined to go their own way?
God is not influenced by things outside of Himself as we are. If God were influenced by the abject misery of leprous sinners, He would cleanse and save all of them. But He does not. Why? Simply because it is not His pleasure and purpose so to do.
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