Bible Discussion Replies PAGE 144

God's attributes (D through G); Divinity; Essence; Father; God

These characteristics all are involved with the Trinity to some respect; but we will not attempt to "parse out" specific attributes related to any member of the Godhead in this posting but get into general characteristics here unique to the Lord. Divine has a sort of untouchable royalty associated with the sentiment behind the meaning; which of course sort of fits in with the "essense" generally of His precence. Father and God also are pretty well interchangeable as to our designation of the almighty Lord.

Divinity: God is high and exalted but not remote. Isaiah 57:15 states: "For this is what the high and exalted one says, the one who rules forever, whose name is holy: 'I dwell in an exalted and holy place, but also with the discouraged and humiliated, in order to cheer up the humiliated and to encourage the discouraged.' Philippians 2:7 shows how Christ emptied Himself from divine form and became a servant. Divinity is used in a handful of other verses as well; but we understand the condescension Christ did for our behalf as part of the "Divine counsel" ( Psalm 82:1).

Essence: To sum God up would bring unique characteristics (the three "O"s-omnipresence; omnipotence and omniscience which will be discussed later in the O section). God is to be worshipped in "Spirit and truth" ( John 4:24). He also came bodily and we must believe He came in the flesh ( 1 John 4:2) to have saving faith; thus we don't adhere to a "gnostic" gospel. His Godhead is important and apparently evident from creation (King James version Romans 1:20) which also BTW mentions His Divine nature.

He who denies the Son doesn't know the Father ( 1 John 2:23). Therefore we must hold to the Christian faith where there is the Messiah in Christ promised in the O.T.; as well as God the Father and the Spirit which lives within His elect ( Ephesians 1:13-14).

Father and God: God was Christ's Father and our heavenly father.

Dear KJV believers and lovers,

New theology and I call it Quartet or Four Part Theology: We born again believers are God's based on Joh 17:20-23. I mean I am God, equal to HIM, and am part of Quartet. Trinity is based on 1Joh 5:7, 8 and Joh 10:30. Modern, corrupt Bible versions combined vv 7 and 8, and made it less tenable for it unfortunately. Although we are God's, we can't do miracles because Holy Ghost knows whom to empower them to as HE imparts various spiritual gifts to different believers. We are still imperfect, hence we can fall and commit sins. All born again believers received Holy Ghost (Joh 3:3) who is an empowering agent or a connector in Trinity so to speak. This Quartet theology puts us tremendous responsibilities or accountabilities on all born believers as to what and how they do or think on earth. In other words we are supposed to live very godly life; we are supposed to act like God no matter how difficult it sounds like living in this sinful world and exposed to Satanic temptations, difficulties, challenges, and etc. Our faith is tried all the time but we can overcome them. The more it is tried, the stronger it shall be ( 1Pe 1:7).

God hates sin. Sin means everlasting death in hell.

Everyday we live, we are 1 day closer to death, and then our final judgement.

This life is short. Are you willing to give up this world, and receive eternal life? If not, why not?

Nothing in this world is worth losing our salvation for, nothing.

Why do we try to hold on to material things? They don't belong to us. These things were here before we were born, and they will be here when we die. When God destroys this earth as promised, all material things that we see and admire will be destroyed - they mean Nothing!

God created this earth, and everything that man created came from God's earth. Man's creations do not impress God, so why should they impress us?

Live for God, store your treasures in heaven.

Happy Sabbath Day!

God's attributes: Compassion or caring

1 Peter 5:7 says that we should cast all our cares on Him because He cares for us. Several passages in Psalms discuss God's compassion and or mercy. Romans 9:15 states that He will have mercy on whom He will have mercy; and compassion on whom He will have compassion. Ultimately; of course that involves those who come to saving faith in Christ; but of course for now it rains on the just and the unjust. ( Matthew 5:45). Luke 18:38 shows how Bartimaeus asked for mercy and Christ healed his blindness.

According to Lamentations 3:22 his compassions they fail not; and that is due to His mercy that we are not consumed. The theme there is the destruction of the Babylonians with the horrible famine in particular focus. This verse could be taken as physical survival of the ordeal but also spiritual preservation of the soul. God always preserves a remnant; and God honors His covenants and that is through the remnant that is purged in various trials.

God's Attributes: Covenants

I have discussed covenants in particular focus on the marriage covenant in previous posts. I have given at least an outline of the (imlied) covenant with Adam and the first one in scripture regarding the rainbow and God preserving the world from another global flood; the Abrahamic Covenant; the Mosaic Covenant; and finally the new covenant that Christ has given His people under the blood and how it is even more stringent with thoughts and intentions than the previous one (see Matthew 5:20 on exceeding the righteousness of the Pharisees). I will reinforce the fact that except for the abrogation of the Old Covenant in terms of the law and righeousness for the New under Christ; covenants in God's eyes are eternal; or at least as far as the terms made between men and God or even between men as to the length (in marriage it is until "death do us part" which fits in with 1 Corinthians 7:39.) We are not to take a vow flippantly ( Ecc. 5:4-6).

Good Morning Richard.

I think it is fine for us to do this together. You can identify the attribute that comes to your mind, and I can do what comes my mind for the same letter. It would be good to get both insights since this is such an important matter.

I once led jr. high Sunday school and had the kids brainstorm aspects of God's character a-z and then had partners pick use concordance and bible to find Scripture that spoke about what is said about that aspect. Then they shared out by reading the Scripture.

The intention was for them to learn more about God's nature and revere Him and to learn to use a concordance to find things in Scripture

So, I am glad to collaborate with you on this stream. It is always good to remind ourselves on the greatness of God in a wide and true view of His nature.

For letter "C" I think of His CREATIVITY

He created all this, visible and invisible, all from nothing but His Word and Power. He created physical matter with it's atoms and the protons, electrons and neutrons that make up the atom. He also created the energy that causes atoms to work. He created the life of every living thing. Life comes only from His Being because He is the Life's source.

He caused the planets to form and stars/suns to give off life, being constant burning of gases that emit light and heat. He created moons to reflect light from the suns. The vastness of the universe is mind boggling for us. The way the solar systems have organization, magnetic and gravitation pull on planets to revolve around the sun. The way forces keep solar systems stable is amazing.

The diversity of life on this planet is astounding. I was just watching two spiders in my yard where one smaller and a different species) attached the larger one in the web and prevailed. To see how the larger one continued to fight for life even when disabled by the smaller one showed me how God put this survival instinct into living creatures. Life is precious and worth living.

Col. 1 :16-17

Question. When Christians talk to non-believers what is one thing people will say to get them to see, or understand the Truth?

Answer. When we call on the name of ((the Lord)) we shall be saved.

( Acts 2:21) also ( Rom 10:13)

Now we look at (Lu 23:42) in the KJB. "And he said unto Jesus, ((Lord)), remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom".

The thief called on the name of the "Lord" (Lu 23:43) "And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise".

Here's a number of modern version bibles that remove the "Lord" from that verse.

The Nasb, the Niv, the Esv, the Rsv, the Nrsv, the Nlt, the Asv, the Amp, the Hcsb, and the Isv.

Are these modern versions that remove the name "Lord" Inspired by God?

The answer to this question would have to be, NO, they are not Inspired by God.

The Body of Christ must "Grow daily" in understanding and accepting the Truth in the Word of God, we are running out of time!

((Every)) word of God is pure ( Prov 30:5-6) ( Ps 12:6-7) especially the word "Lord"!!

Blessings to all who seek His Truth.

Maybe you should do every other study or certain letters as it is clear you have more detailed scriptural insight and such into these matters. Certain themes tend to overlap such as wrath; anger; indignation; etc. or love; compassion; mercy and the like. (As a sidenote I could do "X" ray vision or with His "stripes" we are healed like a zebra.) My foresight and planning are nil as you can probably tell although I think fast and type quickly so maybe I am able to camoflauge those weaknesses. Since my organization is lacking I will take any suggestions on your part on what is lacking.

As to the subject I discussed in my last letter; I just received an email from someone on another video on divorce and remarriage where I was able to talk about some more stuff in detail. Maybe that's an answered prayer it was from something I posted weeks or maybe over a month ago. I should say that there is obvious blessings in those who are in godly marriages and it is noteable in the raising of children; as well as prayers that are answered. In general we can't claim anything from the Lord if there is deliberate sin in our lives; which also gives Satan and his demons legal access to our minds. Staying in fellowship where there is doctrinal truth preached is vital; just as it is destructive to continue where lies are taught. Society has made something honorable in God's sight to be looked down upon as boring or whatever. Good is evil and vice versa in our society.

Maybe I'll get into that with the goodness of God if I get that far.

Agape; thanks as ever for your prolific responses although hope you aren't my only audience...

Rich P

One eighty

God created everything, nothing was made the God didn't create. John 1:3 Yes, God states that He created everything, so that includes evil, he also created good, you my friend have the choice to choose which one you prefer. If God only created good, we wouldn't be talking. If everything he created could only be good and do good, that would be like God creating robots that could only do good, right?

Freewill.

He created all beings to have a freewill, many choose to sin. We all have to make a choice. The devil and his demons made a choice, Adam and Eve also, and all those living in the past, and living now in the present also get to make the same choice of living in the light or darkness. John2:19-20

God loved us so much that He sent His Son to save us. If we listen to the Gospel of Jesus Christ and pick up our cross and follow in His footsteps he will assure us of salvation. This is Love! God loves us and if we love Him we should reject this world, (satan) and follow Christ. If we are living worldly lives we are not following Christ! It's easy to spot true Christ followers, they are few, and they will not be living worldly lives. Easy to understand this verse Matt 7:14

There is another side to this Love/Fear coin. Fear (Wisdom). God tells us to fear Him so that we realise that we need to repent in order to be saved. So God provides us with a carrot (promise of Salvation) if we believe and follow Christ and incorporate what he teaches into our lives. He also provides a stick (Fear of dying and going to hell to suffer for eternity).

When we accept Christ, and follow His commands he indwells in our heart and we have his Holy Spirt to Chastise us, or approve of what we do. If we listen, and follow His Spirit we walk in the light, and grow in sanctification. John 14:20

Lastly, God states that He created everything so that includes evil, he also created good, you my friend have the choice to choose which one you prefer.

GBU

Romans 8:19-21

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

The Word is GOD, self-executing. Believest thou this?

Could not this man -JESUS- which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?

Take ye away the stone. Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of GOD?

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17

13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will GOD bring with Him.(GOD is Life)

15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the Trump of GOD: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:(According Daniel 12:2-3)

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds(the same cloud that was seen by the disciples- Acts 1:9-11), to meet the Lord in the air(in the 3rd heaven that will be established from now on): and so shall we ever be with the Lord.(in he 3rd heaven, which will last a thousand years- Revelation 11:15).

The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely- Revelation 22:17.

20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Romans 8:28-39

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Get ready, there will be a War, spiritual War - Revelation 16:13-15. The Word is GOD, self-executing. Get ready.

Romans 9:28-33 combined with Matthew 24:22 & Daniel 12:10

28GOD will finish the work,and cut it short in righteousness:because a SHORT WORK will the Lord make upon the earth( Matthew 24:22-And except those days should be shortened,there should no flesh be saved:but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened)

29And as Esaias said before,Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed,we had been as Sodoma,and been made like unto Gomorrha.

30What shall we say then?That the Gentiles,which followed not after righteousness,have attained to righteousness,even the righteousness which is of faith.

31But Israel,which followed after the law of righteousness,hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

32Wherefore?Because they sought it not by faith,but as it were by the works of the law.For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

33As it is written,Behold,I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence:and whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed ( Daniel 12:10-Many shall be purified,and made white,and tried;but the wicked shall do wickedly:and none of the WICKED shall understand; but the WISE shall understand)

Revelation 22:11-17

11He that is unjust,let him be unjust still:and he which is filthy,let him be filthy still:and he that is righteous,let him be righteous still:and he that is holy,let him be holy still.

12And, behold,I come quickly; and my reward is with me,to give every man according as his work shall be.

13I am Alpha and Omega,the beginning and the end,the first and the last.

14Blessed are they that do his commandments,that they may have right to the tree of life,and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15Without are dogs,and sorcerers,and whoremongers,and murderers,and idolaters,and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

16I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches.

17And the Spirit and the bride say,Come.Let him that heareth say, Come.And whosoever will,let him take the water of life freely.

Brother GiGi

Greetings in Christ JESUS

You said that you "don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated".

Remember that John the Baptist was an angel( Isaiah 40:1 to 14 reveal who is his person combined with Malachi 3:1), angels are born by the Power of the Word of GOD, by prophecy, even our Lord JESUS affirmed this( Matthew 11:9-10), and John the Baptist, the angel of the Lord, knew JESUS before His birth, as even he testified: John the Apostle wrote about the testimony of John the Baptist, saying: John 1:18 - 18 No man hath seen GOD at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him.

By the way, we must know with certainty through the Word of GOD that the TRUE BELIEVERS will be angels of GOD from now on, by the transformation and changing of the nature of them all, the Word of GOD will do it in the true believers, do you understand? Because they was born from GOD-from the Word-the Word is GOD- Philippians 3:20-21 combined with 1 Corinthians 15:51-55 and Romans 8:18-25, Believest thou this?)

Our Lord JESUS said: Luke 20:35-36-

35 - They which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world (next world-the Kingdom of GOD- Revelation 11:15-18) and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

36 Neither can they die any more: for they are EQUAL UNTO THE ANGELS; and are the children of GOD, being the children of the resurrection.

Matthew 25:29 - For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.

Matthew 25:4-6

4 - The wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and SLEPT. (Similar Genesis 2:21-25)

6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; GO YE OUT(yes, GO OUT)TO MEET HIM.

Come up hither- Revelation 4:1

Hallelujah, praise our GOD

Hello Richard,

Another "B" attribute that comes to my mind is:

BENEVOLENT

God is giving. He gives of Himself within the Godhead in relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They give each other love, and, and harmony, and glory in an eternal way. He gives to creation life and beauty and provision for physical needs, and salvation from sin for those elected. He promised to give good gifts to His children when they ask. Luke 11:13.

He gives us all we need for life and godliness: 2 Peter 1:3

"According as His divine power hath given unto all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him (Jesus) who hath called us to glory and virtue."

God even gives to the unbelievers and the believers alike, making the sun to shine on both, giving rain in season, causing crops to grow for a harvest.

So I think it is good to be content in all things, because all good things comes from His hands. We also should cultivate gratitude to Him for all we receive each day from Him. I try to do this more and more. He deserves our gratitude and for us to have thankful hearts before Him.

Hi again Richard.

Doing an A-Z study on the nature of God is a big task. But worth doing.

The attribute that came to mind first for me is:

ALMIGHTY

God has infinite power to the infinite degree. Nothing in creation can compare with the greatness of His power.

Gen. 17:1 - God identifies Himself to Abraham as "God Almighty". then He tells Abraham to walk before Him and be perfect.

This was when He appeared to Abraham again when Abraham was 99 years old. Here God renews the covenant with Abraham. Abraham falls on his face before God Almighty while he talks with God. He gives God the reverence He deserves.

Job 11:7-10 says it well:

"Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do?; deeper than hell; what canst thou know?

The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

If He cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder Him?"

Amos 5:14-15 reassures us:

"Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live; and so the LORD, the God of Hosts (Almighty), shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish (right) judgment in the gate: it may be that the LORD God of Hosts, (Almighty) will be gracious unto the remnant of Jacob."

This is wise counsel from Amos. Knowing that God is truly the absolute Almighty One, and that He is absolutely holy, we should have this attitude about good and evil.

I wonder if Adam and Eve came to have this attitude after gaining the knowledge of good and evil?

I guess "Absolute" could be another "A" attribute to explore.

Hello Richard,

I see God's anger as part of His Holiness and Justice. His holiness cannot tolerate sin and the offense of sin is eternal. That is why hell and its punishment is forever. God is morally righteous to be offended by sin and angry over it. His justice reveals His anger at sin and the rightness of His judgment on the ones who sin. He never makes a mistake in any of His judgments. They are all pure. He never has motives that are wrong for anything he does.

Each of us deserves eternal punishment of God's wrath for even one sin. I m so thankful that God does not leave us in our sin, but made a way for us to be forgivin and justified before Him in Christ. We have forever been freed from the condemnation of sin. Hallelujah!

.

Richard,

Yes, we see the beauty of God in the scars on our Lord's hand feet, side, and head. These are viewable by all who see Him in heaven at the right hand of the Father, reigning and ruling with all power and authority. Praise God!

Our world is so very beautiful, even though corrupted and fallen from sin. When I am blessed to go into the mountains and see over the mountain ridges it is breathtaking. To see crystal clear mountain lakes undisturbed by civilization, I am wowwed. When I see all that God has allowed me to see in this life, I am thankful and blessed. But we do know that mankind is chief among His creatures. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. When I see new born babes, I am so taken.

But all of the beauty of creation cannot compare to the beauty of God in Christ. I am so glad that we will be able to see Him in eternity. Though the Father dwells in inapproachable light, Jesus is approachable and visible for us in heaven. So, we will see God, as all the Godhead dwells in Him bodily. How gracious of Him to have become incarnated so we mere humans can see Him with our own eyes.

I don't know if the angels can see the Father, or if for all eternity they saw the Godhead in the Son even before He was incarnated. But we are not purely spiritual beings like the angels and to think that God thought it best to take on humanity (that was formed in His image) for us! I also think that His holiness will be visibly beautiful, His perfection in every attribute awesome, and His Presence overwhelming. Can't wait!

Giannis

In my understand and vision you need to re-study what you wrote for good self-correction. Remember: JESUS said: John 14:28 - 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is GREATER than I. I highlighted this detail in my prior post.

And about the person of the Holy Spirit I said and explained also he is the lesser among the three. By the way, in Revelation 11:4 JESUS called the person of the Holy Spirit as God of the earth.

Surely, as you said, "we must go with faith, just accept it as it written".

GOD bless and be careful

Hi Giannis

In your last paragraph you wrote: >>>We have 3 persons in one God, who have played and still play a distinctive role in the salvation of mankind. There isn't a person who is superior than the others, just their work, ministry is different. We don't know much about the Godhead, how, what, when, so we must go with faith, just accept it as it written. This is how I know it.

Hi Giannis

Greetings in Christ JESUS

You said"God doesn't have a name like humans,say John,George, Michael..." .

Perfectly.Let us recapitulate what the Word reveals:In Exodus 3:14,when Moses wanted to know GOD's name,GOD said:I Am That I Am. In fact was not a name,for example,you are that you are,I am that I am. And GOD said unto Moses:Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel,I Am hath sent me unto you.

So,for Moses specifically the I Am was GOD, His GOD.

Well,it is interesting to consider that the people of GOD in Egypt, Abraham's descendants,were all Egyptians by birth,including Moses, in fact they became a people familiarized with the idolatry of the Egyptians, the Apis ox, so in their journey through the desert, a golden calf came out from their heart as was a god for them.

And for the people of Israel as a whole, then the I Am introduce Himself as the GOD of them, Moses was instructed to preach for the people, saying:"...the Lord GOD of your fathers, the GOD of Abraham, the GOD of Isaac,and the GOD of Jacob,hath sent me unto you:this is my NAME for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations(of Israel).The Lord GOD of your fathers,the GOD of Abraham,of Isaac, and of Jacob,appeared unto me- Exodus 3:15-16.

And prophet Amos preached: For, lo, He that formeth the mountains,and createth the wind,and declareth unto man what is his thought,that maketh the morning darkness,and treadeth upon the high places of the earth,The Lord( Exodus 6:3),The GOD of hosts is His NAME.

By the way, YHWH,and Yahweh,Jehovah,Yehovah,Elohim,Adonai, HaShem,Yahusha,YEHshia,YEHvah,these 10 names,rather, nicknames,are NAMES of the father and god of the Jews.Jn.8:44-45 combined with 2:Th2:3-4& Jn 5:43-47.Take a look.

Acts 4:11-12 say:11 JESUS is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.12 Neither is there salvation IN ANY OTHER:for there is none OTHER NAME UNDER HEAVEN given among men-EXCEPT JESUS- whereby we must be saved.

God's attributes: Beauty

The beauty of the cross is perhaps no better described than in Isaiah 52:14. His appearance or "visage" was so marred from the beatings and other injuries before the crucifixion that Jesus was hardly recognizable as a man. But by His stripes; we are healed ( Isaiah 53:5 just a few verses later). He has brought us beauty from ashes ( Isaiah 61:3) which in context means Israel will have restitution after suffering judgment. But God in the flesh resulted not in admiration but in a man of sorrows acquainted with grief ( Isaiah 53:3).

God's awe inspiring attributes are seen in the visions of the Lord as seen by Isaiah 6; Ezekiel 1:22 and associated verses in Revelation 15:2; etal; and Daniel 10:6; etal). The true beauty of God; of course ties in with His selflessness; agape love and other characteristics that are above storge; Philleo and eros type of human love. Satan himself was a most beautiful creation as Lucifer ( Ezekiel 28:12) UNTIL he fell. Now the beauty is vanity as it is with any fallen creature who pride has allowed to contaminate. God Himself deserves worship and is not being arrogant in stating this desire but there are no verses I am aware of that state God is PROUD of being the God of all creation; He is supreme and in that sense better than anyone else; but He calls His followers by name and "friends" ( John 15:15). This makes Him the perfect Father.

God created all things for His good pleasure including man ( Revelation 4:11). No doubt Adam and Eve in a sinless state were beautiful; and perhaps still externally appeared that way after the fall. All things were fearfully and wonderfully made ( Psalm 139:14) but man has sought out many inventions (see Ecclesiastes 7:29). 1 Chronicles 16:27 talks of the majesty of God which no doubt incorporates beauty as seen in the creation. This makes man without excuse; as Romans 1 and Psalm 19 make clear.

God's beauty is more than skin deep and indescribable as all other traits.

God's anger (Part 3)

Concluding this first topic on God's attributes related to anger we also see the imprecatory Psalms; that is those Bible scriptures that plead with God for judgment to occur on our enemies. These verses sometimes are general in nature which David would say in his long struggle with Saul and those perusing Him. David is a good example for us of forgiveness in that regard; as Saul was cornered multiple times and because he was still recognized as the anointed king David didn't take the opportunity to slay him. Even at his death he mourned for him as we see in 2 Samuel 1. There was no PERSONAL vendetta here; much as there isn't with Christ who will rule and reign with justice ( Isaiah 11:3-4) but with righteousness; in other words He will work with God's direction and not let external circumstances skew the picture.

When studying God's anger our first reaction is to understand his attitude toward gross external manifestations of sin; which surely is the state of the world today more than ever. As I said in the last post He chastises all those he loves ( Heb. 12:6). God allowed collateral damage both with David's sin with Bathsheeba ( 2 Samuel 11:3-4) and with the census ( 2 Samuel 24:12). We find it illogical why many innocent had to die in such instances but David brought wars upon himself and others and many died in the second census incident with its after affects. Therefore it is following God's precepts as to HOW to worship and heeding His warnings against sin that are crucial. Saul began his fall by trying to offer a sacrifice himself in an unauthorized procedure as a king. ( 1 Samuel 13:8-14). David didn't trust God's strength when he took the census. This was much the reason Solomon fell as well; he hoarded gold and silver and foreign women as wives all which God warned about. (see 1 Kings 1:11; Deut. 17:17). Those who He loves go through the refining fire; let us pass the test so we can rejoice at the Bema Seat (2 Cor510

God's anger (part 2)

God is angry with the nations as well as individuals. Revelation 11:18 begins a discussion of God's wrath and it is accomplished when the winepress is trod alone by Christ ( Isaiah 63:3) which mirrors Armageddon as described in Revelation 19; but also the campaign of the Exekiel 38 war and the nations God destroys in the process.

In such a topic; of course we see other attributes of God balancing things such as wrath and anger with patience and longsuffering of the Lord; for instance. In all this discussion it is important to see how a balanced picture of our Lord brings a better focus as to who He is. We can't just focus on anger or there is no hope for His love; but the same holds true for those who only want to hear "encouraging" verses in scripture. As famously stated we either have all of Christ or we have in reality none of Him. We must take the whole counsel of the Word of God rather than cherry picking what we want as context gets thrown out the window at best with that mindset; and at worst whole doctrinal truths are cast aside. Such is the action of such deists as Benjamin Franklin apparently. The flesh really doesn't even comprehend God's love; for human love and its vicissitudes clearly can't be trusted ( Jeremiah 17:9) as our heart is desperately wicked and who can know it? God judges impartially and is not a "respecter of persons" ( Romans 2:11-16; Acts 10:34). He is entirely righteous and no one can argue with Him once judgment comes. As Psalm 2 states we should "kiss the Son" while He is in the way so that His anger doesn't make us perish (verse 12; loosely translated). God's terms are having Christ as our mediator and High Priest because He can't look upon sin ( Heb. 9:15; Habakkuk 1:13). God will thankfully bring His own people to completion and hence the new heaven and earth will have nations of righteous people serving God; both the survivors of the Tribulation and Resurrected/Raptured saints.

I have; after a suggestion by a sister in Christ on this site, endeavored to start a series on the attributes of God. I thought I could go from "a to z"; although I don't have anything in the "X" or "Z" letters; unless someone else can come up with something.

The first thing I came up with was anger which is not normally something people begin with in studying God; but perhaps a topic that needs discussion. God is clearly angry with the wicked every day ( Psalm 7:11). That verse also says that He judges the righteous.

In discussing God's reaction toward a saved individual as "chastisement" and the wicked as anger; we see a different outcome ultimately with believers not being damned every time they sin to hell. Nonetheless even with chastisement we can't say that God isn't angry. A father can be angry with a child with righteous indignation; and God as our Father certainly is upset when we grieve the Spirit ( Ephesians 4:30). Sin is sin; we clearly can't use grace as an excuse to sin more ( Romans 6:1-2). The REASON for His anger is different to some respect IF we are His children. We are as believers TRULY dead to our old nature; and if Satan attempts to renew our sinful behaviors it is foreign to our new nature; thus the Spirit contends against the flesh. ( Gal. 5:17). It is contrary to who we are in Christ DEAD TO SIN ( Galatians 2:20) if we sin as believers. If we really deceive ourselves then the truth is not in us ( 1 John 1:8). Thus without the Lord we are still dead in sins and trespasses ( Eph. 2:1); and if we do believe there is still potential for the old man to rise up but no NEED for it to happen if we continue to walk in the Spirit we will not satisfy the desires of the flesh ( Gal. 5:16). Clearly Galatians 5 in particular is a good read for that subject.

There are some things which God particularly hates ( Proverbs 6:16-19) and one he loathes (same idea). God also hates divorce ( Malachi 2:16). Anger and hatred are justified for God

Romans 11:4-6,

"4 But what saith the answer of God unto him(Elias)? I(God) have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work."

Verse 6 implies that God choses whom to save not due the works he did but due to His grace. This verse is often used by those who claim a predestination plan of God. BUT lets read verse 4. Those who enjoy God's grace didn't kneel before Baal. SO salvation is a result of a free will, NOT of an arbitrary election of people by God.

Well, its getting late at night here. Have a blessed night (or day).

Romans 10:9-10,

"9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."

SO

It is not adequate just to believe in Jesus to get eternal life. One has to confess his faith. Where, when, to whom?

Acts 8:36-37,

"36 And as they(Philipp and the eunuch) went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. AND HE ANSWERED AND SAID, I BELIEVE THAT JESUS CHRIST IS THE SON OF GOD."

Nicene Creed, "...we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins;"

IN THE BAPTISM IN WATER.

Romans 9:8,

"That is, They which are the children of the flesh(Israel), these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."

Romans 9:6-8,

"6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

Galatians 4:28,

"Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise."

Galatians 3:29,

"And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise (of the eternal life)."

Romans 9:5,

"Whose(Israel) are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."

A better translation of "who is over all, God blessed for ever" is given by the NIV, "... who is God over all, forever praised! Amen."

The NIV makes clearer the divinity of Jesus. It agrees with how the grk text is understood.

Romans 8:13,

"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live."

Giannis

Romans 6:1-13

"1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

...

11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof."

13 Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are

alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

Romans 6:15-16,

"15 What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.

16 Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?"