Recall from the Introduction to Theology 101 that Theology Proper means studying God as he is in his essence and attributes and the Trinity. So we could title this post and the next eleven, Theology Proper. But let’s avoid complications and call this long section Doctrine of God.
Theologians divide God’s attributes into two basic categories: incommunicable and communicable. Incommunicable means God does not communicate or share specific attributes with us in an absolute sense. In this post: Self-existence, unchangeable, infinite (yet personal), omnipresent (everywhere), simplicity, and eternity.
Omni- means all. In this post: Omnipotence (all power), omniscience (all knowledge) , omnisapience (all wise). Omnipresence (everywhere) is placed in the post on incommunicable attributes.
No one tells him what to do or bosses him around or forces his hand. He is “large and in charge.” His will shall prevail in the end. How does human free will interact with this?
These attributes mean God exists in all his absolute perfections and takes calm delight in who he is. He lives in totally and absolutely perfect blessedness.
God is Spirit and he is invisible.
The number of verses that show those attributes is huge, which means that God expresses them more than, say, wrath. They are a major theme of Scripture. (These are my personal favorite attributes because I need them daily.)
God wrath is judicial. Think of an old English judge who wears a white wig. As for jealousy, If your child were under attack, what would you do? That (imperfect) surge of protection that you feel comes close to the biblical definition of (perfect) jealousy in God. It’s about his protection over you.
From our point of view, peace is one of God’s great attributes or perfections. Without it, the world would be more chaotic than it is. God’s patience means he is willing to redeem the world over a long time and work with his followers when they commit sins.
God is holy and separate from us. God also has righteous standards. Truth means he is faithful and veracious.
Dr. Jim's Essential Bible Teaching 