QUESTION:
What are the attributes of God?
ANSWER:
When we study the attributes of God, we’re not just learning theology—we’re deepening our relationship with the Creator. Understanding God’s nature helps us see His hand in our lives and trust Him more fully. The more we know about who God is, the more we can worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).
Failing to recognize the attributes of God can leave us spiritually disoriented. In times of trial, uncertainty, or suffering, a limited or distorted view of who God is can lead to confusion, anxiety, and even doubt. We may question His presence, His plan, or His goodness. But when we anchor our hearts in the unchanging truth of God’s character, we begin to see life through the lens of faith rather than fear.
It is only by trusting in God’s attributes—His love, justice, mercy, power, and sovereignty—that we can wholeheartedly accept whatever comes our way. Whether life is filled with joy or marked by struggle, knowing who God is gives us confidence, peace, and purpose.
In this article, we’ll explore key attributes of God, supported by multiple Bible references, to help you reflect, grow, and teach others about the nature of our awesome God.
1. God is Eternal
God has no beginning and no end and from everlasting to everlasting. He exists outside of time-—He was never created, and He will never cease to be. He is infinite in duration, always existing in the past, present, and future without change.
Bible References:
Psalm 90:2 – “Before the mountains were brought forth… from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
Isaiah 40:28 – “The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary.”
Revelation 1:8 – “I am the Alpha and the Omega… who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”
“There has never been a time that God was not, and there will never be a time when He will not, because He is!”
(See: Who Created God?)
2. God is Omnipotent (All-Powerful)
God is all-powerful. He has unlimited power and can do anything that is consistent with His nature..
Bible References:
Jeremiah 32:17 – “There is nothing too hard for You.”
Genesis 18:14 – “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”
Job 42:2 – “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”
3. God is Omniscient (All-Knowing)
God knows everything—completely, perfectly, and eternally. There is nothing hidden from God: past, present, and future are all fully known to Him. He understands not only every action but also every thought, motive, and intention of the heart
Bible References:
Psalm 147:5 – “His understanding is infinite.”
Hebrews 4:13 – “There is no creature hidden from His sight…”
1 John 3:20 – “God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.”
4. God is Omnipresent (Everywhere Present)
God is present everywhere at all times. He is not limited by space or confined to a physical location—He fills heaven and earth and is fully present in every place at once. Unlike human beings who are bound by time and space, God transcends all dimensions and is intimately near to all His creation.
Bible References:
Psalm 139:7-10 – “Where can I go from Your Spirit?…”
Jeremiah 23:24 – “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord.
Proverbs 15:3 – “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.”
5. God is Holy
To say that God is holy means that He is completely set apart, distinct from all creation, and exalted in His glory. Holiness in the Bible primarily means “separated”—He is infinitely above and beyond everything else in purity, majesty, and nature. His holiness is why His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8–9) and why all have fallen short of His glory (Romans 3:23). He is not like us; He chooses to dwell in unapproachable light, separated by His own divine nature. This separation magnifies His glory and calls us to revere Him. As the seraphim in Isaiah 6:3 proclaim, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!”—reminding us that God’s holiness defines who He is and why He alone is worthy of worship.
Bible References:
Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts…”
1 Peter 1:15-16 – “Be holy, for I am holy.”
Revelation 4:8 – “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!”
6. God is Love
To say that God is love means that love is not just something He does—it is who He is by nature (1 John 4:8). God’s love is self-giving, sacrificial, and unconditional, seeking the good of others without expecting anything in return. It is seen most clearly in the giving of His Son: “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Unlike human love, which can be fragile and self-centered, God’s love is perfect, eternal, and unfailing (Psalm 136:1). His love corrects, redeems, forgives, and never ceases. It is not sentimental but holy and just, working always for our highest good and His ultimate glory.
Bible References:
1 John 4:8 – “God is love.”
Romans 5:8 – “God demonstrates His own love toward us… while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…”
7. God is Just
To say that God is just means that He always does what is right, fair, and impartial, according to His perfect standard of righteousness. God’s justice is not based on human systems of fairness, but on His holy and unchanging character. Deuteronomy 32:4 declares, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; for all His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.” Unlike human judges, God sees the heart and motives behind every action. He holds every person accountable and will one day judge the world with perfect justice through Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31). Yet His justice is not cold or detached—it works hand-in-hand with His mercy. At the cross, God satisfied His justice by punishing sin in Christ, while offering forgiveness to sinners who believe (Romans 3:25–26). God’s justice gives hope that evil will not go unpunished and assures us that His rule is always right.
Bible References:
Deuteronomy 32:4 – “A God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He.”
Psalm 89:14 – “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.”
Romans 2:6 – “God ‘will render to each one according to his deeds.’”
8. God is Merciful
God’s mercy refers to His compassionate and forgiving nature toward humanity, despite our imperfections and sins. It is a divine act of grace where God chooses not to give us the punishment we deserve, but instead offers us forgiveness, love, and redemption. Through His mercy, He provides opportunities for reconciliation, healing, and restoration, demonstrating patience and kindness. This mercy is most clearly shown through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, where God extends His mercy to all who seek it, offering salvation and eternal life. God’s mercy is limitless, unearned, and given freely to those who repent and turn toward Him.
Bible References:
Psalm 103:8 – “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed…”
Titus 3:5 – “Not by works of righteousness… but according to His mercy He saved us.”
9. God is Gracious
God’s grace refers to His unmerited favor and kindness toward humanity, offering blessings and salvation that we do not deserve. Unlike mercy, which withholds punishment, grace goes a step further by giving us good things we haven’t earned. It is through God’s grace that we receive forgiveness, spiritual gifts, and the promise of eternal life, all given freely, not based on our works but on His love. Grace is the foundation of our relationship with God, as it enables us to live in His presence, grow in faith, and be transformed into the likeness of Christ. God’s grace is a reflection of His generosity and desire to bless and redeem His creation.
Bible References:
Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith… it is the gift of God.”
2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.”
Romans 3:24 – “Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
10. God is Immutable (Unchanging)
God’s immutability means that He is unchanging in His nature, character, and will. Unlike humans and the world around us, who are constantly changing, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. His essence, promises, and purposes are steadfast and reliable, providing a source of unshakable security for those who trust in Him. God’s immutability assures believers that His love, justice, holiness, and truth will never waver. It also means that His Word, as revealed in Scripture, remains relevant and authoritative for all generations, offering guidance that does not change with time or circumstances. This unchangeable nature of God gives us confidence in His ability to fulfill His promises and remain faithful to His people.
Bible References:
Malachi 3:6 – “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”
James 1:17 – “…with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”
Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
11. God is Faithful
God’s faithfulness means that He is completely trustworthy, reliable, and consistent in keeping His promises. Throughout Scripture, God is portrayed as a covenant-keeping God who always honors His word, no matter the circumstances. His faithfulness is seen in His constant presence with His people, His unchanging love, and His commitment to fulfill His plans for them. This faithfulness is especially evident in His promises of salvation, provision, and protection, which are never revoked or altered. Even when people are unfaithful, God remains steadfast and true to His nature. His faithfulness gives believers confidence that He will never abandon them, and His promises are always sure, providing hope in every situation.
Bible References:
1 Corinthians 1:9 – “God is faithful, by whom you were called…”
2 Thessalonians 3:3 – “The Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you…”
Lamentations 3:23 – “Great is Your faithfulness.”
12. God is Sovereign
God’s sovereignty means that He is the supreme ruler and authority over all creation. He has absolute power, control, and dominion over everything that exists, and nothing happens outside of His will or permission. His sovereignty ensures that His plans and purposes will always come to pass, regardless of human actions or circumstances. While people are given free will, God’s sovereignty means that He ultimately works all things together for His purposes, even in the midst of human choices. This doesn’t negate human responsibility, but rather highlights God’s ability to orchestrate His will in ways that we may not always fully understand. God’s sovereignty is a source of comfort for believers, knowing that He is in control of every situation and that His rule is just, wise, and good.
Bible References:
Psalm 103:19 – “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
Proverbs 19:21 – “There are many plans in a man’s heart, nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.”
Daniel 4:35 – “He does according to His will… no one can restrain His hand.”
13. God is Truth
God being truth means that He is the ultimate source of all that is true and reliable-the Absolute Truth. His very nature is the standard by which all truth is measured. God cannot lie, deceive, or be mistaken; everything He says is absolutely true and trustworthy. His Word, the Bible, is the embodiment of truth and provides a perfect guide for how to live in accordance with reality. Jesus, as the Son of God, declared Himself to be “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), demonstrating that truth is found in Him alone. God’s truth is not subject to change or fluctuation, and it is consistent with His character—holy, just, and good.
Bible References:
John 14:6 – “I am the way, the truth, and the life.”
Titus 1:2 – “God, who cannot lie…”
Psalm 119:160 – “The entirety of Your word is truth…”
14. God is Wise
God being wise means that He always knows the best course of action and carries it out perfectly, according to His perfect knowledge and eternal perspective. His wisdom is far beyond human understanding, as He sees the beginning and the end of all things and knows how every detail fits into His greater plan. God’s wisdom is not just intellectual, but deeply practical—it produces good, righteous, and purposeful outcomes. We see His wisdom in creation, in the way He governs the world, and especially in the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, which may seem foolish to the world but is the ultimate display of divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Bible References:
Romans 16:27 – “To God, alone wise, be glory…”
Proverbs 3:19 – “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth…”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…”
15. God is Good
God being good means that He is the source and standard of everything that is morally right, pure, and loving. His nature is perfectly kind, generous, and just, and all that He does flows from this goodness. However, because humanity is under the curse of sin due to Adam’s disobedience, we do not deserve to experience God’s goodness. The reason we do is because He is also merciful. His mercy holds back the judgment we deserve and allows His goodness to reach us instead. This is why Scripture so often links His goodness with His mercy—for example, “For the Lord is good; His mercy endures forever” (Psalm 100:5). We cannot define God’s goodness apart from His mercy, because in a fallen world, it is only by His merciful nature that we experience His blessings, provision, and, ultimately, salvation. His goodness, expressed through His mercy, reveals a God who is not only holy and just, but also loving and patient, giving us what we could never earn on our own.
Bible References:
Psalm 34:8 – “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…”
Nahum 1:7 – “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble…”
Mark 10:18 – “No one is good but One, that is, God.”
Final Thoughts:
The attributes of God are not just theological concepts—they are life-giving truths that shape how we live, pray, worship, and trust. They remind us that God is not distant or impersonal, but near, compassionate, sovereign, and deeply involved in the details of our lives.
Yet it is essential to remember: we do not define God—He defines Himself. His Word reveals who He is, and we must approach Him with reverence and humility, not shaping Him according to our own ideas or limited understanding. When we try to interpret God through our feelings or circumstances, we risk creating a god of our own making. But when we let God’s own self-revelation guide us, we begin to see the beauty, depth, and harmony of His attributes—perfect in holiness, justice, mercy, love, and power.
To comprehend His attributes is to gain insight into how He is working in our lives—even when His actions don’t align with our expectations. We may not always receive what we want or understand what He allows, but that’s because His ways are higher than our ways, and His wisdom surpasses our understanding (Isaiah 55:8–9).
When life feels uncertain, the attributes of God become our anchor. His unchanging nature, infinite wisdom, and steadfast love offer a firm foundation. By meditating on who God truly is—not who we imagine Him to be—we learn to trust Him not just for what He does, but for who He is. That trust enables us to endure trials with peace, receive blessings with humility, and walk each day with confident hope.
Let His attributes define your view of life, reshape your understanding, and lead your heart into deeper faith. In knowing who God truly is, you will begin to understand who you were truly made to be.
