The Scriptures present God as a personal, self?existent spirit being whose entire character rests upon four perfectly balanced attributes: Justice, wisdom, love and power. These qualities are not competing forces within Him but operate in complete harmony.
Justice forms the unchanging foundation of His government, ensuring that everything He does is right, fair, and true. It requires full satisfaction and never bends for sentiment or convenience.
Wisdom surveys every possibility and chooses the best course for the highest good of all creation. It is the attribute that planned the ages, foresaw the entrance of sin, and designed the atonement so that evil would ultimately be overruled for blessing.
Love is the controlling motive of God’s character — a selfless, principled benevolence that seeks the eternal well?being of His creatures. It was love that gave His son as the Redeemer while humanity was still estranged.
Power is the effective energy by which His will is carried out: the force that created the universe through the Logos (Jesus in his pre-human existance), sustains all things, and will one day resurrect the dead and restore the earth.
Beyond these core attributes, the Bible describes God’s nature and personality in deeply personal terms. He is not an impersonal force but a real being — a spirit who dwells in unapproachable light and is naturally invisible to human eyes. He is self?existent, the great “I AM,” possessing life in Himself and depending on no one for His existence. He alone is immortal in the absolute sense, “from everlasting to everlasting,” unchanging in His character and purpose. God is supremely holy — utterly pure, morally perfect, and completely separate from sin. His holiness means He cannot look upon sin with approval and requires righteousness in all who would dwell with Him.
God’s character traits flow naturally from these foundational attributes. He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. His mercy does not cancel His justice but expresses the restorative side of it, providing a path for reconciliation without compromising righteousness. He is faithful and true — the “God of Amen” — whose word is absolutely reliable and whose promises never fail. He is immutable, without variation or shifting shadow, steady and dependable in all His ways. His holiness makes Him pure and undefiled, and His “jealousy” reflects His rightful claim to exclusive devotion, since He alone is the true source of life and deliverance.
The names of God in Scripture reveal additional dimensions of His character. Elohim emphasizes His creative power and authority. Adonai presents Him as the sovereign Lord. El Shaddai highlights His sufficiency and strength. Names like Jehovah?Rapha (the Lord who heals), Jehovah?Jireh (the Lord who provides), Jehovah?Shalom (the Lord our peace), and Jehovah?Sabaoth (the Lord of hosts) show how His care, provision, peace, and command extend into every aspect of life. Each name is a window into His heart and His dealings with His people.
Finally, God’s will reflects His character — perfect, committed, and unwavering. His purposes are not shaped by external pressures but by the principles of His own holiness. He permits evil for a time as a necessary lesson for humanity, yet His ultimate plan is to wipe away every tear and bring all things into harmony under Christ. Everything He does — from creation to redemption to restoration — flows from the flawless unity of His Justice, wisdom, love and power.
Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
3-part series “Who is God?”
For children, parents and Bible class teachers:
Animated video: “Who made God?”
