The Doctrine of God: Understanding His Attributes

Module 3: God's Incommunicable Attributes (Part 1)

Delve into the attributes of God that are unique to His divine nature and cannot be shared with humanity.

Introduction: Defining Incommunicable Attributes

In our study of the doctrine of God, we examine His attributes—the qualities or characteristics that define His nature. These are often divided into two categories: incommunicable and communicable attributes.

Incommunicable attributes are those aspects of God's character that He does not share with humanity or creation. They are unique to His divine essence. Studying these attributes deepens our reverence for God's holiness and power, reminding us that He is fundamentally different and transcendent.

I. God's Independence (Aseity)

Definition: God is self-existent and self-sufficient. He does not need us or anything in creation for His existence or happiness. He is the ultimate source of all being and life.

  • Acts 17:24-25: "The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."
  • John 5:26: "For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself."
  • Psalm 50:10-12: "For every beast of the forest is mine, the cattle on a thousand hills... for the world and its fullness are mine."

II. God's Unchangeableness (Immutability)

Definition: God is unchanging in His being, perfections, purposes, and promises. His character is completely consistent and reliable. This attribute provides a firm foundation for our faith and hope.

  • Malachi 3:6: "For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."
  • James 1:17: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
  • Psalm 102:25-27: "Of old you laid the foundation of the earth... But you are the same, and your years have no end."

III. God's Eternity

Definition: God has no beginning, no end, and no succession of moments in His own being. He transcends time, existing in an eternal present. He sees all of history at once.

  • Psalm 90:2: "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."
  • 2 Peter 3:8: "But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day."
  • Revelation 1:8: "'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says the Lord God, 'who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.'"

IV. God's Oneness (Simplicity)

Definition: God is not divided into parts; rather, all of His attributes are one with His being. His love is His holiness, and His holiness is His justice. This means His actions are always perfectly consistent with His entire character.

  • Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one."
  • Mark 12:29: "Jesus answered, 'The most important is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'"
  • 1 John 4:8: "Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."

V. Module 3 Quiz

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1. Which of God's incommunicable attributes means He does not need anything from creation for His existence or happiness?

2. The doctrine of God's Immutability provides a firm foundation for our faith because it means God is...

3. Psalm 90:2, 'Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God,' is a key verse for which of God's attributes?

4. What does the attribute of God's 'Oneness' (Simplicity) imply about His attributes?

5. Which term is often used as a synonym for God's 'Independence'?