· Theology Proper ·

Lecture Twenty Three:  The Communicable Attributes of God II

TH330 Systematic Theology I · Moody Bible Institute · Dr. Richard M. Weber

I. Moral Attributes

A. Goodness

“The goodness of God means that God is the final standard of good, and that all that God is and does is worthy of approval.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 197)

Luke 18:19.  “No one is good – except God alone.”

Ps 100:5.  “The Lord is good and his love endures forever…”

Ps 34:8.  “Taste and see that the Lord is good…”  (Cf. Ps 106:1)

James 1:17.  “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights…”

Ps 145:9.  “The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”  (cf. Acts 14:17)

B. Love

“God’s love means that God eternally gives of himself to others.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 198)

THE FATHER

1 John 4:10.  “This is love:  not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

Rom 5:8.  “God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (cf. John 3:16)

            THE SON

Gal 2:20.  “…[T]he Son of God…loved me and gave himself for me.”

“It should cause us great joy to know that it is the purpose of God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit to give themselves to us to bring us true joy and happiness.  It is God’s nature to act that way toward those upon whom he has set his love, and he will continue to act that way toward us for all eternity.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 199)

C. Mercy/Grace/Patience

1. Mercy

“God’s mercy means God’s goodness toward those in misery and distress.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 200)

2 Sam 24:14.  “David said to Gad, ‘…Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great…”  (Cf. Matt 9:27)

Matt 5:7.  “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”

2 Cor 1:3-4.  “[God] comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

2. Grace

“God’s grace means God’s goodness toward those who deserve only punishment.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 200)

Rom 3:23-24.  “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

Rom 11:6.  “And if by grave, then [salvation] is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.”

3. Patience

Be slow to speak and slow to become angry…this is evidence that we must have this also.

“God’s patience means God’s goodness in withholding of punishment toward those who sin over a period of time.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 200)

Ps 86:15.  “You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”  (cf. 103:8; Ex 34:6; Rom 2:4)

1 Pet 2:20.  “How is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it?  But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.”

D. Holiness

“God’s holiness means that he is separated from sin and devoted to seeking his own honor.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 201)

E. Peace

“God’s peace means that in God’s being and in his actions he is separate from all confusion and disorder, yet he is continually active in innumerable well-ordered, full controlled, simultaneous actions.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 203)

F. Righteousness/Justice

God always acts in accordance with what is right. Because He is just.

“God’s righteousness means that God always acts in accordance with what is right and is himself the final standard of what is right.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 203)

Deut 32:4.  “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just.  A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.”  (cf. Ps 19:8; Isa 45:19)

Rom 9:20-21.  “Who are you, O man, to talk back to God?  ‘Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”’  Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?”

Job 40:2, 8.  “[God said to Job,] Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him?  Let him who accuses God answer him!  … Would you discredit my justice?  Would you condemn me to justify yourself?”

Job 40:9.  “Do you have an arm like God’s and can your voice thunder like his?”

Job 40:4.  “I am unworthy – how can I reply to you?”

God demands perfect righteousness, because He is perfectly righteous. Even in the OT, punishment and atonement was necessary for a right relationship. God’s righteousness shows that sin must be punished.

Jealousy

“God’s jealousy means that God continually seeks to protect his own honor.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 205)

G. Wrath

“God’s wrath means that he intensely hates all sin.”  (Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology, 206)

Heb 1:9.  “[The Lord] loved righteousness and hated wickedness…”

Zech 8:17.  “’Do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love falsely.   I hate all this,’ declares the Lord.”

Ps 103:8-9.  “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 may delay His wrath for a season, but one way or another He will work out His wrath…in either Christ’s sacrifice or

Rom 2:4.  “…God’s kindness leads you toward repentance.”

2 Pet 3:9-10.  “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”