God’s attributes are “those distinguishing characteristics of the divine nature which are inseparable from the idea of God and which constitute the basis and ground for his various manifestations to his creatures.”1 Since God cannot be seen by humanity, the only means of knowing God is His attributes.
There are numerous means of classification that have been used to systematize God’s attributes. The most common three classifications are moral verse non-moral, communicable verse incommunicable, and absolute verse relative.
Moral Attributes are those characteristics of God that pertain to His righteous treatment of His creatures. Non-Moral Attributes are those characteristics of God that do not affect His righteous treatment of His creatures.
Communicable Attributes are those characteristics of God for which there are corresponding characteristics in human nature. Incommunicable Attributes are those characteristics of God for which no corresponding characteristic can be found in human nature.
Absolute Attributes are those characteristics of God which are independent of His relationship to His creation. Relative Attributes are those characteristics of God which relate to His creation.
In future discussions, the study of God’s attributes will be examined following the absolute and relative classifications.
ENDNOTES:
- Then Moses said, I pray You, show me Your glory! […] But He said, You cannot see My face, for no man can see Me and live! - Exodus 33:18-20
There are numerous means of classification that have been used to systematize God’s attributes. The most common three classifications are moral verse non-moral, communicable verse incommunicable, and absolute verse relative.
Moral Attributes are those characteristics of God that pertain to His righteous treatment of His creatures. Non-Moral Attributes are those characteristics of God that do not affect His righteous treatment of His creatures.
Communicable Attributes are those characteristics of God for which there are corresponding characteristics in human nature. Incommunicable Attributes are those characteristics of God for which no corresponding characteristic can be found in human nature.
Absolute Attributes are those characteristics of God which are independent of His relationship to His creation. Relative Attributes are those characteristics of God which relate to His creation.
In future discussions, the study of God’s attributes will be examined following the absolute and relative classifications.
ENDNOTES:
- Augustus Hopkins Strong, Systematic Theology (Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907), 244.
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