The Attributes of God: Understanding the Character and Nature of Our Creator

"The Lord is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works." — Psalm 145:17

One of the most foundational aspects of our Christian faith is knowing who God is. Our understanding of God shapes how we view the world, how we interact with others, and how we live out our purpose in this life. The Bible teaches us that God is not distant or unknowable, but He has revealed His character and nature to us through His Word, His works, and most perfectly, through the life of Jesus Christ.

In this message, we will explore the essential attributes of God—His character and nature—so that we can deepen our relationship with Him and reflect His nature more fully in our own lives. Understanding who God is does not just inform us; it transforms us. As we grow in our knowledge of His attributes, we are called to worship, trust, and live more fully in alignment with His will.

1. God is Holy

The holiness of God is perhaps the most foundational of all His attributes. In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” God is set apart, completely different from anything or anyone else. His holiness means that He is perfect, pure, and morally perfect in every way. He cannot tolerate sin, and His holiness demands that sin be dealt with.

God’s holiness should lead us to awe and reverence before Him. It also challenges us to pursue holiness in our own lives. Peter reminds us in 1 Peter 1:15-16, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”

As we meditate on God’s holiness, we are reminded that we are called to live lives of purity and devotion to Him. His holiness is a call for us to grow in righteousness and to reflect His character in the world.

2. God is Love

In 1 John 4:8, we are told, “Anyone who does not know love does not know God, because God is love.” God’s love is not just an attribute—it's His very essence. His love is unconditional, sacrificial, and selfless. It was God’s love that led Him to send His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins (John 3:16). This incredible love reaches out to all people, regardless of who they are or what they’ve done.

God’s love is not passive or sentimental; it is active, transformative, and redemptive. As we experience His love, we are called to love others in the same way. Jesus commands us in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

When we truly grasp the love of God, it compels us to love others, to forgive, and to offer grace, just as He has done for us.

3. God is Sovereign

God’s sovereignty means that He is in control of all things—nothing happens outside of His will or permission. Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases.” God is not merely a passive observer; He is actively working in the world and in our lives. He rules over the universe with wisdom, power, and authority.

While God’s sovereignty can be a mystery to us, especially when we face suffering or hardship, it is a source of comfort. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem out of our hands. Romans 8:28 reminds us, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

As we trust in God’s sovereignty, we find peace knowing that He is working out His purposes, both in our lives and in the world. His plans are always good, even when we cannot see the full picture.

4. God is Omniscient

God knows everything—past, present, and future. His knowledge is infinite and perfect. In Psalm 139:1-4, David writes, “O Lord, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” God knows every detail of our lives. There is nothing hidden from Him.

This attribute of God should bring both comfort and conviction. It is comforting to know that God understands us completely—our fears, our joys, our struggles, and our hopes. He is not distant or uninvolved in our lives. On the other hand, God’s omniscience reminds us that we cannot hide anything from Him. It calls us to live with integrity and to be honest before God.

God’s perfect knowledge also means that we can trust Him completely with our lives. He knows what is best for us, and we can rely on His wisdom in every situation.

5. God is Just

God’s justice means that He always acts in accordance with what is right. He is fair, impartial, and holds all people accountable for their actions. In Psalm 9:7-8, we read, “But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.” God’s justice is perfect and unyielding, and it assures us that wrongs will be righted in His time.

At the same time, God’s justice is tempered with mercy. While we all deserve punishment for our sin, God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to take the penalty for us. Jesus’ sacrifice satisfies both God’s justice and His mercy, allowing us to be forgiven and reconciled to Him.

As we reflect on God’s justice, we are reminded of the need for fairness, righteousness, and compassion in our own lives. We are called to act justly and to love mercy as God does (Micah 6:8).

6. God is Eternal

God has no beginning and no end. He exists outside of time and is not limited by the constraints of our human experience. In Revelation 1:8, God says, “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” meaning He is the beginning and the end. His eternal nature assures us that He is unchanging and reliable.

For us, this attribute of God is a source of hope. While our circumstances may change and the world may feel uncertain, we can rest in the unshakable truth that God remains the same. His promises are eternal, and His love for us is unchanging.

Conclusion: Knowing God, Transforming Our Lives

As we grow in our understanding of God’s attributes, we are not just learning information about Him. We are being invited into a deeper relationship with our Creator, one that transforms our hearts and minds. The more we understand who God is, the more we are able to trust Him, worship Him, and reflect His character in our own lives.

Knowing God changes everything. It changes how we respond to difficulties, how we love others, and how we live with purpose. As we meditate on God’s holiness, love, sovereignty, knowledge, justice, and eternity, may we be drawn closer to Him and become more like Him in every area of our lives.

“Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” — Psalm 9:10

In Christ’s love,
Apostle. Dr. Paul Igbinoghene