One of the most important quests to undertake in our spiritual journey is to seek a deeper understanding of God’s nature and character.
Why?
Because in doing so, we are going to the source behind our very own existence. Knowing who God is and what he is like is like a roadmap to discover our true selves because we were made in the image of God. His glory reveals who we are meant to be.
So, let’s embark on this enlightening path and uncover the 10 remarkable characteristics of God, as revealed in Scriptures, and explore their impact on our lives as Christians.
The Significance of God’s divine nature to Creation.
The Bible serves as a window into the heart of who God is and His intention for humanity.
In Genesis, the very act of creation is rooted in God’s desire to make mankind in His image (Genesis 1:26-27). This imagery speaks to the core of our existence and our inherent potential to reflect God’s divine qualities.
Through Jesus Christ and the redemption He offers, we are called back to this original purpose—to imitate our Father in heaven (Ephesians 5:1).
Understanding God’s character is not just an intellectual pursuit; it is the cornerstone of our moral compass, our sense of purpose, and our relationship with the divine.
God is the center of all things, not just as a distant creator but as the ongoing sustainer of the universe. If God were to withdraw His presence, the very fabric of creation would crumble. If He were to be unfaithful to his nature, all creation embodying his identity will live in disarray and inconsistency.
Godly Characteristics: The Character traits of God and Their Impact on Believers.
In this exploration of God’s characteristics, we will delve into how He reveals His goodness and how we, as His children, find our true identity and purpose in imitating Him.
1. God is Holy.
God’s holiness sets Him apart from all else.
Leviticus, often referred to as a ‘holiness code’, reveals God’s character and His desire for His people to live holy lives.
As Christians, we are God’s Chosen people, Hagios, called to be different from the world and to reflect God’s holiness in our lives. This should elevate us, not deviate us from living a life that pleases God. Understanding God’s holiness increases our self-worth, knowing that we have been chosen by a holy God to be His holy people.
This is how I see it: If God has chosen me and found me worthy to be called his own, That is more than enough. I don’t have to grovel for human approval nor fear rejection, or common-day “cancellation”.
2. God is Just.
God is impartial. God’s fairness and righteousness are evident throughout Scripture. In Acts 10, we see God pouring out His Spirit on Cornelius and his household, demonstrating that salvation is for all who believe, regardless of background and ethnicity.
God’s justice assures us that He will set things right and give us peace in difficult times. I learned from my Bible study on Romans 3:21-26 that God will address sin and evil because he is just. His anger is directed at sin, not the sinner. That’s why He forbore with people living under the old covenant and then actively dealt with the sin problem in the provision of salvation in Jesus Christ. He offered up His Son, Jesus, whose perfect blood was more than enough payment for the sins of Mankind. Now all who believe in Christ and his finished work on the Cross, receive the gift of no condemnation as our sin have been fully atoned for by Jesus.
A natural question that might follow is:
Well why wont God just let the sin of Adam be a bygone and move on. Why must there be consequence.
We have created a dedicated post to answer this frequently asked question about the consequence of sin.
However, for the sake of our discourse my simple answer is this: Sin is a grave offense more serious than you think. It requires atonement. However God, in his justice, provided redemption through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
God’s demonstration of justice, fairness is a call to be committed to what is right; to sound morals; even when it is costly and difficult to do so.
3. God Heals.
Jehovah Rophe or Rapha, means ‘the God who restores or makes healthful’. It reveals God as our healer.
This name reflects his nature as the source of healing and restoration. Biblical healing encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual wholeness.
From the Old Testament instructions on hygiene and natural remedies (Leviticus 11, 13-14) to the New Testament miracles of Jesus, we see God’s healing power.
Jesus’ ministry was marked by countless healings, including restoring sight, enabling the lame to walk, and raising the dead (Matthew 4:23-24; John 9; Mark 2:1-12; John 11). This shows God’s commitment to restoration and the provision of abundant life for you and I to enjoy.
4. God is a Banner.
In ancient battles, nations would fly banners as a source of encouragement and a reminder of why they fought.
In the Old Testament, we see how God usually went ahead of his people, Israel, and fought with and for them. Today, we still record testimonies of victorious people who credit their victory to the presence, promises and intervention of God.
God’s banner over our lives reminds us that we are fighting for something greater than ourselves, and He will be our source of encouragement until we see His promises come to pass.
5. God is Loving.
And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” – 1 John 4:16
Love is not just something God does; it is who He is. In the New Testament Greek, four words are translated as love: storge (fondness through familiarity), philia (friendship love), eros (romantic love), and agape (unconditional God-love).
God demonstrated His love (Agape) through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. It is this love that enables us to love others for it is the source of our ability to love.
1 John 4:18-19 beautifully captures how God’s love brings into a place where we can choose to live a life free from fear.
Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced his perfect love. We love each other because he loved us first.” – 1 John 4:18-19, New Living Translation
6. God is Merciful and Gracious.
God’s mercy and grace are underserved gifts that come from His nature, not our circumstances or emotions or even blackhat persuasion tactics.
His preferred response is that of mercy. This is what Psalms 103:8-10 and Micah 7:18-19 says corroboratively about the mercy of God.
The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will He harbor His anger forever; He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”
Ephesians 2:4 records a practical demonstration of God’s love towards us. It reminds us that we are rescued by God’s grace, bought by the blood of Christ.
God’s grace and mercy are freely given, enabling us to forgive. Moses, Stephen, and Jesus all selflessly pleaded for God’s forgiveness, setting an example for us to follow and demonstrating a trait God seeks in steward leaders. (Exodus 32:11, Acts 7, Luke 23)
7. Father of Comfort.
I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you fear mortal man, the son of man, who is but grass, that you forget the Lord your Maker, and do not remember Him who stretched forth the heavens and founded the earth?” – Isaiah 51:12
God is the ultimate comforter, and through the Holy Spirit, we have unlimited access to comfort, both for ourselves and to dispense to others.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 assures us that God’s desire and ability to comfort us are not dependent on our perception of righteousness or sense of God’s favour. No matter what we face, God is there to wrap His arms around us and bring peace.
8. God is Sovereign.
God is above all, orchestrating every detail of our lives. 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 and Isaiah 55:8-9 remind us of God’s supreme authority and His right to act as He sees fit. Trusting in God’s sovereignty allows us to rest in His decisions, even when we don’t understand them.
We can choose to live in the truth of His supreme authority, believing that He works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
9. God is Omniscient.
The Hebrew word ‘yada’ means ‘to know, perceive, recognize, or understand’, and it appears over 900 times in the Old Testament.
God has infinite awareness, understanding, and insight. Psalm 139 highlights God’s omniscience, reminding us that He knows our words before we speak them and that He knew us before we were born.
10. God is Self-Sufficient.
God has no needs; He is the peak of leadership and sustenance. Contrary to some teachings, God does not need us to complete Him or house Him eternally. Instead, He chooses to live inside us through the Holy Spirit.
All we have comes from God, and our relationship with Him is not about what we can give Him but about sharing our lives with Him.
11. God is Good.
In difficult circumstances, it is natural to question God’s goodness. However, understanding God’s perspective helps us see that He brings good out of bad situations.
The suffering of Jesus, for example, led to the forgiveness of sins and healing for humanity. God’s goodness means He will always work for our ultimate benefit, even when we cannot see it.
FAQ: Understanding God’s Character and Nature.
In this section of this article, we would be providing answeers to some frequently asked questions like “What is God’s character?”, “What are the characteristics of God?”, “What characteristics does God not have?” and much more.
Let’s dive in.
What is God’s character?
God’s character is defined by His holiness, justice, love, mercy, grace, sovereignty, omniscience, self-sufficiency, and goodness.
He is the source of moral goodness and the embodiment of perfection, as reflected in 1 Corinthians 16:34 and Psalm 145:17.
God’s character is revealed through His actions and interactions with humanity, as depicted in Scripture explored throughout this article.
What is the character of God in the Bible?
The Bible portrays God as having a multifaceted character, encompassing attributes such as love (1 John 4:8, John 3:16), holiness (Leviticus 19:2, Isaiah 6:3), justice (Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 9:7-8), and mercy (Psalm 103:8, Lamentations 3:22).
God’s character is central to His names in Scripture His interactions, from the Old Testament covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15) to the New Testament sacrifice of Jesus Christ (John 3:16), showcase His multi-dimensioned character.
What is God’s character and what is God’s nature?
God’s character refers to His moral and ethical attributes, while His nature is His intrinsic essence. God’s nature is eternal (Psalm 90:2), divine and unchanging (Malachi 3:6).
He is omnipresent (Psalm 139:7-10) and self-existent (Exodus 3:14). God’s character and nature are intertwined, with His character flowing from His eternal, unchanging nature (Exodus 34:6).
What does the resurrection of Jesus reveal to us about God’s character?
The resurrection of Jesus reveals God’s power (Romans 1:4), faithfulness (Hebrews 10:23), and love (1 John 4:9-10). God demonstrated His sovereignty over death (1 Corinthians 15:25-26) and fulfilled His promises (Acts 13:32-33).
It showcases His commitment to salvation (John 3:16-17) and offers eternal life through Christ.
Does God’s law reflect his character?
Yes, God’s law reflects His character. The Ten Commandments, for instance, express His holiness (Leviticus 19:2), justice (Deuteronomy 32:4), and love (Deuteronomy 7:9).
They guide moral behavior (Exodus 20:1-17) and reflect God’s desire for a righteous relationship with humanity (Leviticus 26:3-13).
Furthermore, The covenants and laws that govern God’s interactions with humanity reflect His fundamental character.
He values and respects the free will of people, choosing to relate to them through mutually agreed-upon rules and covenants. While the Old and New Testaments portray different facets of God, these are unified aspects of His unchanging nature, reinforcing the reliability of His character across the biblical narrative.
Why is holiness important, and how does it distinguish God’s character and His person?
Holiness is central to understanding God’s character (Leviticus 11:44-45). It sets God apart as perfectly righteous (Deuteronomy 32:4) and morally pure (Psalm 99:3-5).
God’s holiness distinguishes Him from all creation (Isaiah 6:3) and emphasizes His otherness (Isaiah 55:8-9). It is the foundation for His moral law and our standard for living (1 Peter 1:15-16).
How does God’s being and ethical character define holiness?
God’s being and ethical character define what true holiness is. As a perfect and righteous being (Deuteronomy 32:4), God’s nature embodies holiness (Leviticus 11:44).
His ethical character, seen in His actions (Exodus 34:6-7) and commands (Leviticus 19:2), provides the model for holy living.
Is right and wrong based on God’s character?
Yes, the concepts of right and wrong are rooted in God’s character.
As the source of moral law (James 4:12) and perfection (Matthew 5:48), God’s character establishes ethical standards (Psalm 19:7-11). His holiness, justice, and love (Micah 6:8) guide our actions and choices (Proverbs 3:5-6).
What are God’s characteristics?
God’s characteristics encompass traits such as holiness, love, justice, mercy, sovereignty, omniscience, and faithfulness. These attributes define His moral excellence and how He relates to creation and humanity.
- Holiness: God’s holiness sets Him apart as morally perfect and transcendent. [Leviticus 19:2, Isaiah 6:3]
- Love: God’s unconditional love for humanity is a fundamental aspect of His character. [1 John 4:8, John 3:16]
- Justice: God upholds righteousness and moral order, ensuring fairness and justice. [Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 9:7-8]
- Mercy: God’s mercy extends compassion and forgiveness, withholding punishment we deserve. [Psalm 103:8, Lamentations 3:22]
- Sovereignty: God has supreme authority and rule over all creation. [Daniel 4:34-35, Romans 9:18]
- Omniscience: God possesses all knowledge, including the past, present, and future. [Psalm 139:1-4, 1 John 3:20]
- Faithfulness: God is reliable and keeps His promises, demonstrating faithfulness in all He does. [Psalm 89:34, Hebrews 13:5]
What are the characteristics of God?
The characteristics of God reveal both His divine nature and how He interacts with the world. These traits showcase His uniqueness and provide a foundation for our understanding of morality and His involvement in our lives.
- Divine Nature: God’s characteristics set Him apart as the one true God, eternal and unchanging. [Psalm 90:2, Malachi 3:6]
- Interaction with the World: God is active in creation, demonstrating power, provision, and care. [Genesis 1:1, Psalm 104:24, Matthew 6:26]
What characteristics does God not have?
By definition, God lacks all negative traits as He is perfect and holy. He is not capable of evil, sin, or wrongdoing.
God does not possess or engage in:
- Evil: God is wholly good and cannot be tempted by or condone evil. [James 1:13, Psalm 92:15]
- Sin: God is sinless and cannot be tempted by sin, serving as our moral standard. [2 Corinthians 5:21, Hebrews 4:15]
- Wrongdoing: God is just and righteous, always acting in accordance with what is right. [Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 9:7-8]
God, as described in Scripture, is the embodiment of perfection and moral excellence. He is the standard of goodness, love, and righteousness, and His characteristics provide a foundation for our understanding of morality and our relationship with Him.
Conclusion
From the vast cosmos to the intricacies of our daily lives, God’s holiness, justice, love, provision, and healing are evident. Knowing who God is equips us to understand who we are and our calling.
As we reflect on the nature of God, may we be awestruck by His majesty and realize what it means for us.
Today, open our eyes to see ways we can emulate him in daily lives from the seemingly mundane things to the significant life decisions.
