What are God's attributes?

God’s Attributes

Below is a comprehensive overview, drawn from the fullness of Scripture as found in the Berean Standard Bible, describing the many attributes that define and reveal the nature, character, and acts of God.

1. Eternality

God has neither a beginning nor an end. He stands outside of time, having created it. As expressed succinctly: “Before the mountains were born… from everlasting to everlasting You are God” (Psalm 90:2). In archaeological discoveries across the Middle East—such as ancient manuscripts preserved in the Dead Sea region—references to God’s eternal existence similarly highlight His unbounded nature.

Because He is eternal, He is not subject to decay or change. This also underscores His sovereign plan that transcends historical eras, ensuring that His purposes endure even when human affairs shift with time.

2. Self-Existence (Aseity)

God is self-sufficient, relying on no other source for His being. He declared to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This statement points to His independent, uncreated nature, indicating that all other life depends upon Him, rather than vice versa. Historical Jewish commentaries affirm this core concept by consistently maintaining God as the ultimate origin and ground of all being.

3. Omnipotence (All-Powerful)

God possesses the power to do all things that are in harmony with His character. “For nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Geological formations, from the Grand Canyon’s layered strata to intricate fossil records, have been cited by some scientists who support intelligent design as indicators of a powerful Creator who shaped the earth’s complexities.

His omnipotence does not imply contradictions (He does not act contrary to His nature). Instead, it underscores that there is no force too great for Him to overcome, highlighting His supremacy over creation.

4. Omniscience (All-Knowing)

God’s knowledge knows no limits. “He determines the number of the stars; He calls them each by name” (Psalm 147:4). Modern astrophysical research continually uncovers the staggering vastness of the cosmos, yet the Scriptures uphold that God knows every detail perfectly. The Dead Sea Scrolls affirm that from the earliest transmission of texts, believers understood God’s sweeping knowledge of events, hearts, and future outcomes.

5. Omnipresence (Present Everywhere)

God is not confined by physical dimensions. The Psalmist writes: “Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). Even if one were to ascend to the heavens or descend to the depths, God is there (Psalm 139:8). This attribute offers great comfort, for it assures that no matter the locale—be it a hidden place or open fields—His abiding presence is constant.

6. Immutability (Unchanging Nature)

God’s nature and character remain constant over time. “I the LORD do not change” (Malachi 3:6). Ancient manuscript evidence, including Septuagint and Masoretic traditions, consistently preserve this truth about God’s changeless nature. Because He is unchanging, His promises stand firm, providing a stable backdrop of assurance.

7. Holiness

Holiness denotes God’s absolute moral purity and distinctness from all creation. “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth” (Isaiah 6:3). This threefold “holy” emphasizes the completeness of His purity. Archaeological findings of early Christian hymn fragments reveal that early believers praised God’s holiness, aligning with both the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament writings.

8. Love (Agape)

God is the ultimate expression of perfect love. “God is love” (1 John 4:8). This love is demonstrated historically in the deliverance of His people and preeminently in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ. From a behavioral science standpoint, love that is sacrificial and others-focused is strongly transformative, and believers understand this as a reflection of God’s own character.

9. Mercy

Mercy is God’s compassionate favor extended to the undeserving. “But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God” (Psalm 86:15). Throughout the Old and New Testaments, testimonies of individuals and entire nations highlight the theme of divine mercy that spares, redeems, and restores. In anecdotal mission reports and documented healing cases, many attribute God’s mercy as the decisive factor in rescue from dire circumstances.

10. Grace

Grace refers to the unmerited favor God bestows on humanity. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith” (Ephesians 2:8). This underscores that nothing we possess, achieve, or accomplish can earn God’s favor; rather, it is freely given. Ancient manuscripts, from early Greek papyri to later codices, consistently convey this teaching that salvation is initiated and fulfilled by God’s grace alone.

11. Righteousness

God’s righteous nature ensures He is always just and morally upright. “He loves righteousness and justice” (Psalm 33:5). The consistency of the biblical record—verified across thousands of manuscripts—highlights that no wrongdoing goes unacknowledged. Archaeological discoveries referencing local ancient laws in Israelite culture reveal how deeply justice was engraved in the community’s identity to mirror God’s nature.

12. Sovereignty

God reigns supreme over all creation, orchestrating history for His ultimate purposes. “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). Even pagan rulers of the ancient Near East, such as Nebuchadnezzar (witnessed in Babylonian records), were forced to acknowledge God’s ultimate rule. His sovereignty means events in the natural world, human history, and the individual heart unfold under His authority.

13. Faithfulness

Faithfulness denotes God’s unwavering commitment to His promises. “Your faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 119:90). This theme is echoed throughout Scripture and reinforced by centuries of lived testimony in both Jewish and Christian history. Communities that endured famine, exile, and even persecution have attested that God’s promises remain trustworthy.

14. Goodness

God’s nature is intrinsically good, manifesting in generosity, kindness, and benevolence. “Taste and see that the LORD is good” (Psalm 34:8). Historical testimonies, from early church history to modern-day Christian experiences, illustrate how people have encountered God’s goodness through provision, guidance, and personal transformation. Even in times of trial, the overarching witness is that His acts remain good.

15. Patience (Long-Suffering)

Patience portrays God’s willingness to withhold deserved judgment, longing for repentance. “The Lord is not slow… but is patient with you” (2 Peter 3:9). Modern and historical accounts of revivals and societal reform movements often trace their beginnings to the patient forbearance of God, who waits for hearts to turn back to Him.

Conclusion

These attributes of God—eternality, self-existence, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, immutability, holiness, love, mercy, grace, righteousness, sovereignty, faithfulness, goodness, and patience—together form a tapestry revealing the all-encompassing glory and character of the One who created the universe. Scriptural records, archaeological findings, and the vast testimony of believers through the ages highlight a consistent message: God alone holds these divine perfections, and He invites all people to recognize His nature and glorify Him. Each attribute provides a facet of His majesty and trustworthiness, encouraging our posture of worship and awe.