On the Character and Perfections of God

Having shown in the preceding lecture that a correct knowledge of God is necessary to the exercise of faith unto life and salvation, it now becomes necessary to consider more particularly His character, attributes, and perfections, that it may be seen how this knowledge establishes confidence in Him.

For unless God possesses those attributes which inspire confidence, no rational being can exercise faith in Him; and without faith, it is impossible to please Him.

It is therefore essential that men should understand that God is a being of truth, and that His word (davar) is certain and cannot fail.

Concerning this it is written: “God is not a man, that He should lie.” (Numbers 23:19) and again: “Thy word is true from the beginning.” (Psalm 119:160)

From this it is evident that God may be relied upon in all things, for He speaks and it is established, and His purposes do not fail.

It is also necessary to understand that God is unchangeable in His nature and character; for if He were subject to change, His word could not be trusted, and faith could not exist in Him.

For it is written: “I am Yahovah, I change not.” (Malachi 3:6) and again: “With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17)

From these testimonies it is evident that the same God who has spoken in times past continues to act according to the same principles, and that His commandments (mitzvot) remain sure.

It is further necessary to understand that God is a being of justice; for unless He were just, He could not be trusted to judge righteously, nor to reward according to His promises.

Concerning this it is written: “All His ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is He.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

From this it follows that God governs His creations according to righteousness, and that none can escape His judgments.

It is also necessary to understand that God is a being of mercy; for unless He were merciful, no man could be saved, all having sinned and fallen short of His glory.

Concerning this it is written: “Yahovah, Yahovah God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.” (Exodus 34:6)

Yet this mercy does not overthrow His justice, for it is also written that He “will by no means clear the guilty.” (Exodus 34:7)

From this it is evident that mercy and justice are perfectly united in God, and that He deals with His creations according to both.

It is further necessary to understand that God is a being of power; for unless He possessed all power, He could not bring to pass His purposes, nor fulfill His promises.

Concerning this it is written: “I know that Thou canst do everything.” (Job 42:2)

From this it is evident that there is nothing which God has purposed that He is not able to accomplish.

It is likewise necessary to understand that God is a being of knowledge; for unless He possessed all knowledge, He could not judge righteously, nor govern His creations in wisdom.

For it is written: “Great is our Lord, and of great power: His understanding is infinite.” (Psalm 147:5)

From this it follows that God knows all things, and that nothing is hidden from Him.

It is also necessary to understand that God is a being of love, or covenant faithfulness (chesed), for unless He were so, He would not extend mercy nor keep His covenant with those who love Him.

Concerning this it is written: “Keeping mercy (chesed) for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin.” (Exodus 34:7)

From this it is evident that God delights in mercy, and that He is faithful to those who walk before Him in obedience.

These attributes -truth, unchangeableness, justice, mercy, power, knowledge, and covenant faithfulness - constitute the character of God, and it is by a correct understanding of these that men are enabled to exercise faith in Him.

For when men understand that God possesses these perfections, they are enabled to trust Him fully, knowing that He will fulfill His promises, judge righteously, and extend mercy according to His word.

This same character is made manifest in the life and example of Yeshua the Messiah, who walked in righteousness, showed mercy, spoke truth, and submitted perfectly to the will of God.

For he said: “He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.” (John 14:9) not that he was the Father, but that he made known His character through perfect obedience.

From this it is evident that the Messiah did not alter the nature of God, but revealed it more fully through his life and teachings.

It is also evident that the Spirit (ruach) of God works in accordance with these same attributes, instructing in truth, leading in righteousness, and establishing obedience in those who receive it.

For it is written: “Thou gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them.” (Nehemiah 9:20)

And again: “I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes.” (Ezekiel 36:27)

From these testimonies it is evident that the works of God are consistent in all generations, and that there is no contradiction in His nature, His word, or His dealings with men.

Therefore, where men obtain a correct understanding of these attributes, their faith becomes strong, and they are enabled to endure trials, overcome opposition, and obtain the promises of God.

But where this understanding is lacking, faith cannot be perfect, for men cannot trust that which they do not know.

It is, therefore, necessary that all who seek after life and salvation should labor to obtain a correct understanding of the character and perfections of God, that their faith may be established.