Important Note: Just as with all preachers and authors, it's essential to acknowledge that we, as humans, are all tainted by sin. While we may appreciate various resources and authors, it's crucial to remember that the only infallible source we can fully trust in all matters of faith and doctrine is the Bible—God's own written word. Therefore, while exploring the resources and insights provided, it's vital to filter everything through the lens of Scripture. In the spirit of the Bereans (Acts 17:11), let's diligently search the Scriptures to verify and align with God's truth.
Foundational Resources
Christian Life and Practice
Historical and Theological Enrichment
Educational and Additional Resources
Attributes of God
Recommended Books on the Attributes of God: Explore these insightful books that delve into the attributes of God, offering a deeper understanding of His nature and character. These works provide rich theological insights and reflections on who God is, His simplicity, and how His attributes are beautifully unified in His divine essence.
- Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically, John Snyder
- Knowledge of the Holy, A.W. Tozer
- Knowing God, J.I. Packer
- The Attributes of God, A.W. Pink
- Pleasures of God, John Piper
- The Holiness of God, R.C. Sproul
- God's Passion for His Glory, John Piper
- The One True God, Paul Washer
- Knowing Christ, Mark Jones
- The Attributes of God, A.W. Tozer
Simplicity and Unity
Understanding the attributes of God is crucial for a deeper relationship with Him and a more profound understanding of His nature. Here are key points about the attributes of God, emphasizing His simplicity and unity:
Simplicity of God:
What it Means: God's simplicity refers to His indivisibility and the absence of composite parts. God is not made up of different components; rather, He is wholly and perfectly unified in His being. This means that His attributes are not separate parts of Him but are fully integrated into His essence.
What it Does Not Mean: Simplicity does not mean that God is simplistic or lacking in complexity. Rather, it emphasizes that God's attributes are not separate entities but are aspects of His one divine essence.
Attributes as Aspects of God's Essence:
Unity: All of God's attributes work in harmony and unity. His love, justice, holiness, omniscience, omnipotence, and other attributes are not separate from each other or in conflict but are expressions of His one unified being.
Indivisibility: God's attributes cannot be divided or compartmentalized. For instance, His love is not separate from His justice, nor is His mercy separate from His holiness. He is entirely and fully each of His attributes at all times.
God's Attributes Explained:
Omnipotence: God is all-powerful, able to do anything that aligns with His nature and will. He does not grow weary or lack the ability to fulfill His purposes (Isaiah 40:28: "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable").
Omniscience: God knows all things, past, present, and future, and His knowledge is perfect and complete (Psalm 147:5: "Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite").
Omnipresence: God is present everywhere at all times, transcending physical limitations (Jeremiah 23:24: "'Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him?' declares the Lord. 'Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?' declares the Lord").
Holiness: God is utterly pure, righteous, and set apart from all sin and imperfection (1 Peter 1:16: "because it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy'").
Love: God's love is perfect, unconditional, and sacrificial, demonstrated supremely in Jesus Christ (1 John 4:8: "The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love").
Implications of God's Simplicity:
Consistency: Because God is simple, His actions and decrees are consistent and reliable. He does not change or contradict Himself (James 1:17: "Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow").
Faithfulness: God's simplicity assures us of His faithfulness and trustworthiness. He is entirely consistent in His nature and dealings with creation.
Theological Significance:
Worship and Awe: Recognizing God's simplicity and unified nature leads to a greater sense of worship and reverence. We can marvel at the depth and beauty of His perfect nature.
Foundation for Doctrine: Understanding God's simplicity is foundational for Christian doctrine, affecting how we comprehend His attributes and His relationship with us.
In summary, the simplicity of God underscores His complete and perfect nature. He is not composed of parts but is wholly unified in His essence. This understanding provides a foundation for appreciating His attributes and trusting in His unchanging and faithful nature.