Lesson 2 : God - His Character and Attributes

God: His Character and Attributes

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

Introduction

Knowing God rightly is the foundation of all true faith. Without a correct understanding of His character and attributes, our worship, doctrine, and daily walk risk being shaped more by human imagination than divine revelation. As A.W. Pink said, “A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature.”

This lesson explores the character and attributes of God as revealed in Scripture and articulated through Reformed theology.

The Incomprehensibility of God

While we can truly know God, we can never fully comprehend Him. Scripture affirms both realities:

“Canst thou by searching find out God? Canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?” – Job 11:7 (KJV)

Reformed theology emphasizes that God is both transcendent (above us) and immanent (with us). John Calvin wrote in Institutes of the Christian Religion, “God accommodates Himself to our capacity... He lisps, as it were, with us as nurses do with infants.”

The Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes

Incommunicable Attributes (Belonging to God alone)

• Aseity (Self-existence) – God exists by Himself and from Himself (Exodus 3:14).
• Immutability (Unchangeableness) – God does not change in essence or purpose (Malachi 3:6).
• Omnipotence (All-powerful) – “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).
• Eternity – God has no beginning or end (Psalm 90:2).

“Whatever God is, He is infinitely,” said Stephen Charnock. “God is not a God today and not tomorrow.”

Communicable Attributes (Reflected in humans to a degree)

• Holiness – God is morally pure (Isaiah 6:3).
• Justice – He does what is right and fair (Psalm 89:14).
• Mercy and Grace – He shows undeserved kindness (Ephesians 2:4–5).
• Love – Not just something God does, but who He is (1 John 4:8).

God’s Simplicity and Unity

God is not made up of parts. He is simple, meaning all His attributes are perfectly united in His being. As Herman Bavinck noted, “Each attribute is identical with His essence.” His justice is not at odds with His love—He is fully both at all times.

The Glory of God

Everything in creation exists for God’s glory (Romans 11:36). To glorify God is to reflect His nature and exalt His worth. This is our chief end, as the Westminster Shorter Catechism affirms:

“Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.”

Application

Understanding God's attributes leads to:

• Reverent Worship – We approach Him with awe, not flippancy.
• Deepened Faith – Trust grows when we know His sovereignty and goodness.
• Holiness in Life – We reflect His character (1 Peter 1:16).
• Evangelistic Urgency – Proclaiming a God who is just and merciful.

Final Thoughts

To study God's character is to enter sacred ground. Let us not be content with surface impressions of Him. As we behold His attributes in Scripture, may we echo the words of the Apostle Paul:

“O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!” – Romans 11:33 (KJV)