In our previous post, we observed five attributes of God that strike fear in our hearts. God is a holy God, all knowing and powerful; has given us His law and is unchanging in nature. Due to our sinful hearts and nature, we should be brought to an enhanced state of fright when we fully understand these things. Of course we have not discussed God’s graciousness, mercy or long-suffering – these go a long way in allaying our fear. But is there any positive aspect to these five particular attributes of our God? I think there is, and we’ll use His Word to bring us peace.
- God’s Holiness: we stand in stark contrast in our sinful nature when compared to the holiness of our God. And God commands us to “…be holy as I am holy…”. This is an undoable task! Take heart and be reassured, not only are we commanded to be holy, but we find that God will aid us in this effort: “…He will perfect it (the good work started in us) until the day of Christ Jesus…” He will also bring us into that glorified state, as Paul tells us. We need to be gravely aware of our sin, but we also need to realize that God will cause us to persevere!
- God’s Omniscience: God knows everything?!? That’s right – how uncomfortable does that make you feel? He knows your most hidden, intimate sin – and the deceit you produced to commit that sin in secret. But listen! If God knows all, why would we act as if He doesn’t? We should openly flee to Christ and allow Him to cover us with His redeeming blood! It is there that we will find comfort. God knows every minute detail about us, and still He sent His Son to be our substitutionary atonement on the cross! 2 Corinthians 5 says that God “…made Him (Jesus) who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (Jesus)…” Isn’t that amazing!?!
- God’s Sovereignty: God has given us His law and He remains in control of our lives…because He is sovereign. While the rub with that comes when we desire to be god of our lives, I ask, why would we want to be? Listen to the Psalmist: “…Who is like the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high, who humbles Himself to behold the things that are in heaven and in the earth? He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap…” and also the prophet, Micah: “…Who is a God like Thee, who pardons iniquity and passes over the rebellious act of the remnant of His possession? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in unchanging love, He will again have compassion on us…” God is big enough to be God for all of us, and yet intimate enough to care for each of us.
- God’s Omnipotence: We are easily afraid and intimidated by powerful people. God has absolute power and many times we dread what He could do to us. But have you pondered the fact that His power is transferrable? Listen to the Psalmist again: “…God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear thought the earth should change…” and later, “…Cease striving and know that I am God…” The prophet Isaiah, “…He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power. Though youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, yet those who wait on the Lord will gain new strength…”
- God’s Immutability: God will not compromise. If God cannot and will not change, then I must! Jeremiah 4 and Malachi 3 speak to the immutability of God, as does Hebrews 13. We can take comfort that it is because of Gods unchanging attributes that we know exactly what we must do, how we must live and how He is pleased. There is no variance in His love for us, no change to His grace or mercy. His standards are unwavering and His expectations stay the same. We do not have to wonder what God expects today, but simply heed His word and obey.
A proper understanding of who God is, is only possible as one’s eyes are enlightened to the Truth by God Himself. We do fear God as His children, and at the same time rest in these same characteristics we’ve looked at today. Who is like our God?
