The Moral Attributes of God (Part 1)
Brian R. Kenyon

The "attributes" of God refer to the objective qualities that inhere in the essence of God. They denote the characteristics and way in which God exists and operates.1 God's attributes can be analyzed under two categories. First, God consists of non-moral attributes. These are those that do not of themselves involve moral qualities, such as omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. Human beings cannot be like God in these attributes.

Second, God consists of moral attributes. These involve moral qualities, such as holiness, love, justice, and many more. To a limited extent, humans can, and must, become like God in these attributes (cf. Lev. 11:44; Mt. 5:48; 2 Pet. 1:4; 1 Jn. 4:9-17). Below, is a sketch of some of God's moral attributes.

Holiness

God is holy (Ps. 99:9; Isa. 6:3; Rev. 4:8). God is absolutely separate from and exalted above all of his creatures. He is equally separate from all moral evil (Jas. 1:13; 1 Jn. 1:5). There is a definite separation between God and sinful people (Isa. 59:1-2; Hab. 1:13). People cannot approach God upon their own merits (Ps. 24:3-4). Accountable people do not possess nor can they acquire the sinlessness necessary to access God (Rom. 3:23). Christ, the only mediator, makes such access possible (Rom. 5:1-2; Eph. 2:18; Heb. 10:19-20). God's holiness necessitates atonement. What His holiness demands, His love provides (Jn. 3:16; 1 Pet. 3:18). Thus, mankind must approach God through Christ "with reverence and godly fear" (Heb. 12:28-29). The proper view of God's holiness leads to the proper view of sin (Ps. 97:10; 119:104, 133 cf. Isa. 6:5-7). Humiliation and a contrite heart result from the proper view of God's holiness.

Holiness is interwoven with and superimposed on each of God's other attributes. There is eternal conformity of God's being and will. God does not will the good because it is good, for that would imply that good is above God. Neither is the good good because God wills it, for that would imply that good is arbitrary. God's will is the expression of His holy nature. That is, holiness "flows" from God. Although people cannot obtain this holiness in perfection, they can and must reflect the holiness of God in this life (Lev. 11:44; 2 Cor. 7:1; Heb. 12:10).

Love

God is loving. He always seeks the other's highest good. God loves sinners while hating sin (Jn. 3:16; Ps. 45:7). God's great love is demonstrated through Christ (Rom. 5:8); it is the basis for our love to one another (1 Jn. 4:20-21; 1 Cor. 13); and it will endure forever (Rom. 8:35-39). The love of God demands our love in return (1 Jn. 4:19). Our love for Him cannot be separated from our obedience to Him (Jn. 14:15, 23; 15:12-14; 1 Jn. 5:3). God's love does not imply approval for everything people do.

Grace and Mercy

God is gracious and merciful (Ps. 86:15; 103:8). Grace and/or mercy is not a matter of debt. God does not "owe" us grace or mercy. If each were of debt, then each, by definition, would be impossible. Grace is goodness extended to the undeserving; unmerited favor. Grace is offered to all (Tit. 2:11). Grace is the avenue of salvation (Rom. 11:6; Eph. 2:8-9). Faith is the means of accessing grace (Rom. 5:2; Eph. 2:8), and Biblical faith requires obedience (Lk. 6:46; Jas. 2:14-26). Forgiveness of sins through the blood of Christ is the greatest demonstration of God's grace (2 Cor. 5:21; 9:15).

Mercy is kindness or good will towards the miserable and afflicted, joined with a desire to relieve them.2 Mercy is when one does not receive what one deserves, whereas grace is when one receives what one does not deserve. Because of sin, mankind deserves death, but because of God's mercy, mankind does not necessarily have to receive death (Rom. 6:23 cf. Eph. 2:1-4). Because of sin, mankind does not deserve salvation, but because of God's grace, mankind can receive salvation (Eph. 2:5-7). God's mercy is extended to those who "reverentially" obey Him (Lk. 1:50).3 God's plan of salvation is an act of His mercy (Tit. 3:5; 1 Pet. 1:3).

Conclusion

With just this small sampling of the moral attributes of God thus far studied, is there any other conclusion that we can come to other than that God is great? These attributes, however, are not to be viewed as mere "theological studies." Rather, they must motivate us to live our lives for God (cf. Rom. 2:4). In next week's article, we will consider God's moral attributes of righteousness, justness, and truth. In the meantime, let us live our lives in obedience to His will, and let us "Give unto the LORD the glory due unto his name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness" (Ps. 29:2).