Leaders Manuals:
OVERVIEW
The purpose of this session is to help your group members be assured of their salvation and eternal destiny.
Last week's study was devoted to the amazing truth that the God of the universe wants to have a personal relationship with us. Hopefully that truth is still making an impact on your group members. The fact that they joined your small group is probably a good indication that they want an ongoing relationship with God.
New Christians are often confused over what is promised to them as believers, and often they do not have assurance that God has forgiven them. Older believers may doubt their salvation because their Christian walk has been sporadic. Sin's power may overwhelm them at times. Still others think they're saved but do not have valid reasons for believing so. This study will comfort those who doubt and challenge those who may have false assurances of salvation. The goal for this session is to have everyone know where they stand with God—and know that they are secure in their relationship with him.
PRAYER
Open with a short prayer for the group as you begin this study.
Go around the circle and have each group member answer this question:
The biggest challenge I faced this week was _____________
Then have each person answer this question:
One thing I found myself appreciating this past week was __________
REVIEW
Bible
Have each person share something that they learned from reading the first three chapters of the gospel of John.
Prayer
Ask: What major concern did you pray about this week?
Scripture Memory
Have group members either write down or recite Revelation 3:20.
PURPOSE
No couple can build a lasting marriage if one partner is unsure of the love of the other. What if a spouse isn't even sure if the other person accepts him or her completely and doubts the other's commitment for life? A marriage with that degree of uncertainty is unstable and unhealthy. The same is true in our relationship with God. People who aren't sure of their salvation can never fully experience the blessing of their union with Christ. On the other hand, there are people who assume they will go to heaven while failing to ask what might still stand in the way. These people may live with false hope and may possibly face eternal destruction.
In this study, we will examine some of the most cOmmOn misconceptions about salvation. The purpose of this session is to help you be assured of your salvation and eternal destiny.
STUDY
When it comes to assurance of their salvation, people fall into three categories:
• Those who live with confidence that they have salvation
• Those who at times doubt their salvation
• Those who hope they are forgiven but lack assurance
Which category best describes you?
Some may not have answered or may want to elaborate on the category of certainty into which they place themselves. Allow them to do so. You will probably get a mix of responses, with some people having assurance of their salvation and others not so sure. Some may even try to say that nobody can be absolutely sure. Try to keep the discussion focused on personal sharing rather than theological arguments.
If appropriate for your group, ask: If you died tonight, how certain are you that you would go to heaven?
Be sensitive to those who are unsure whether or not they are Christians.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
False Assurances of Salvation
Examine the following assumptions.
I'm assured of salvation because:
"I believe there is a God."
"I'm basically a good person."
"I attend church and pray often."
"I was baptized or confirmed."
"I once prayed a prayer and asked God into my heart."
Explore with your group members each of the "bogus tickets" people rely on to gain entrance into heaven.
1 "I believe there is a God."
How can a person believe in God and yet not have salvation*
At first, it may seem like a big step to acknowledge God's existence, especially when so many atheists do just the opposite. Some people struggle with believing in him, and so when they come to the end of the search, they assume they've "arrived" by saying, "I now believe there is a God." Yet this statement could be made by the devil! We can see this conclusion doesn't really bring us very far toward God at all.
The problem is our sin. Mere mental assent to the existence of God cannot wash away our guilt before him. It would be like acknowledging that we now believe the police officer who pulled us over for speeding really exists-but who pays the fine?
For further study: Psalm 14:1; James 2:19.
2 "I'm basically a good person."
Why is trusting in our own goodness a false basis for being included in God's
kingdom?
This person assumes that because he has kept out of trouble, God has no quarrel with him. How could a fair God exclude from his presence a person with no major blemishes and many acts of charity ? But the person who relies on his or her goodness is overestimating personal righteousness and is underestimating God's holiness.
For further study: Matthew 5:48; Romans 3:23; Psalm 50:21.
3 "I attend church and pray often."
Why doesn't being religious give enough assurance of salvation?
This person assumes participation in spiritual activities means he's included in God's kingdom. This answer has again reduced salvation to something we do. And if salvation is something you earn, you never know how much is enough.
What if I'm short one good deed? What if I sinned one time too many? If the standard is perfection, we all fall short.
4 "I was baptized or confirmed."
Why could a person have been baptized yet not have assurance of salvation?
This person has a little better understanding because he knows the need for something to "initiate" his relationship with God. But nowhere in the Bible does it suggest that water baptism without faith confers salvation. No matter when or how a person is baptized, faith or personal trust Is essential. Even a confirmation ceremony may have been done because of parental or peer pressure without the reality behind it being present in the confirmand. As an example, a wedding band symbolizes marriage, but possessing a ring does not make one married. Something deeper is needed.
5 "I once prayed a prayer and asked God into my heart."
I low could a person invite God into his or her heart and still not have a
relationship with God?
This statement may be the closest to the truth among this list of false assurances of salvation. This person knows one has to be born again. But something is still missing. Just because you prayed once or someone told you that you were a Christian doesn't mean you are. Christians are people who have been born again and have been forgiven and transformed-not just people who know they should be or who want to be. Muttering some kind of prayer many years ago doesn't
mean you meant it. Jesus said people can have various responses to the gospel, but only if there is fruit has the real thing taken root.
For further study: Mark 4:1-20.
I'm assured of salvation because:
"I believe there is a God."
"I'm basically a good person."
"I attend church and pray often."
"I was baptized or confirmed."
"I once prayed a prayer and asked God into my heart."
Explore with your group members each of the "bogus tickets" people rely on to gain entrance into heaven.
1 "I believe there is a God."
How can a person believe in God and yet not have salvation*
At first, it may seem like a big step to acknowledge God's existence, especially when so many atheists do just the opposite. Some people struggle with believing in him, and so when they come to the end of the search, they assume they've "arrived" by saying, "I now believe there is a God." Yet this statement could be made by the devil! We can see this conclusion doesn't really bring us very far toward God at all.
The problem is our sin. Mere mental assent to the existence of God cannot wash away our guilt before him. It would be like acknowledging that we now believe the police officer who pulled us over for speeding really exists-but who pays the fine?
For further study: Psalm 14:1; James 2:19.
2 "I'm basically a good person."
Why is trusting in our own goodness a false basis for being included in God's
kingdom?
This person assumes that because he has kept out of trouble, God has no quarrel with him. How could a fair God exclude from his presence a person with no major blemishes and many acts of charity ? But the person who relies on his or her goodness is overestimating personal righteousness and is underestimating God's holiness.
For further study: Matthew 5:48; Romans 3:23; Psalm 50:21.
3 "I attend church and pray often."
Why doesn't being religious give enough assurance of salvation?
This person assumes participation in spiritual activities means he's included in God's kingdom. This answer has again reduced salvation to something we do. And if salvation is something you earn, you never know how much is enough.
What if I'm short one good deed? What if I sinned one time too many? If the standard is perfection, we all fall short.
4 "I was baptized or confirmed."
Why could a person have been baptized yet not have assurance of salvation?
This person has a little better understanding because he knows the need for something to "initiate" his relationship with God. But nowhere in the Bible does it suggest that water baptism without faith confers salvation. No matter when or how a person is baptized, faith or personal trust Is essential. Even a confirmation ceremony may have been done because of parental or peer pressure without the reality behind it being present in the confirmand. As an example, a wedding band symbolizes marriage, but possessing a ring does not make one married. Something deeper is needed.
5 "I once prayed a prayer and asked God into my heart."
I low could a person invite God into his or her heart and still not have a
relationship with God?
This statement may be the closest to the truth among this list of false assurances of salvation. This person knows one has to be born again. But something is still missing. Just because you prayed once or someone told you that you were a Christian doesn't mean you are. Christians are people who have been born again and have been forgiven and transformed-not just people who know they should be or who want to be. Muttering some kind of prayer many years ago doesn't
mean you meant it. Jesus said people can have various responses to the gospel, but only if there is fruit has the real thing taken root.
For further study: Mark 4:1-20.
Genuine Assurance of Salvation
Road John 1:12.
According to this verse, what do we do?
Receive, believe in his name. Note that to "believe" means to rely on, or trust in,
not merely to acknowledge as fact.
According to this verse, what does God do?
He makes us his children-he adopts us into his family.
Read John 5:24.
According to this verse, what do we do?
Hear and believe.
According to this verse, what does God do?
He gives eternal life, does not pronounce any judgment, transfers us from death
to life.
According to this verse, what do we do?
Receive, believe in his name. Note that to "believe" means to rely on, or trust in,
not merely to acknowledge as fact.
According to this verse, what does God do?
He makes us his children-he adopts us into his family.
Read John 5:24.
According to this verse, what do we do?
Hear and believe.
According to this verse, what does God do?
He gives eternal life, does not pronounce any judgment, transfers us from death
to life.
Three Tests for Those Who Want to Be Sure
The Scriptures give us evaluative tests so we can examine our own lives for evidence that God has fulfilled his promises to us. These tests are not "things we do"; they are things he has done in us that we can see.
1 The repentance test
What does it mean for a person to repent? (Acts 3:19)
The essence of repentance is a change of mind and heart—it literally means "to change one's mind about" or, in another phrase, "to do an about face." Ongoing conviction of sin and the desire to change indicates the Holy Spirit's work in you and is evidence of his possession of you. A saved person continues to be broken about sin; an unbeliever doesn't care or rationalizes. A saved person wants cleansing and forgiveness; an unsaved person doesn't consider guilt much of a problem. The question to answer is, "Have you turned from sin (disobedience) to God (obedience)?" Don't ask: "Have you been obedient at all times?", for nobody has! Rather find out, "Are you grieved by your disobedience—is it something you want to be free from?"
2 The presence test
What does the Holy Spirit do for a believer? (Romans 8:15-16)
This is a subjective test, but one that is thoroughly biblical. The Holy Spirit tells us that we are his children. We feel his presence and have a peace or a calm about our spiritual condition. There's a quiet sort of confidence that we are his (not to be confused with the presumption of someone who hasn't yet seen the seriousness of his own sin). We feel we belong, even if we know we sometimes disappoint him. For further study: 2 Corinthians 13:5; John 1:12; and Revelation 3:20.
3 The evidence test
What will be true of someone who has an authentic relationship with Christ? (1 John 2:3-6)
That person's life will be different. He or she will be living more like Christ. This is not saying true Christians never sin (see 1 John 1:8). But it is saying true believers live differently and have a verifiable behavior change—not just warm feelings. But this change takes place gradually, over time. There are degrees of spiritual maturity, so do not be discouraged if you don't feel "complete." But to experience no change is a warning sign that something is wrong spiritually.
If you have time, ask: What art soma of the old things that have gone and some of the new things that have come for a true Christian? (2 Corinthians 5:17) Some answers may include: new values and goals, character changes, new thought patterns, love for people, concern for what God thinks and feels, sacrificial living for others, a desire to break patterns of sin. Your group members may have heard at one time, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" If you have time, also look at Galatians 5:22-26. Read and ask: What attitudes and behavior characterize a true believer? Fruit of the spirit, harmony with God and others.
Conclusion
Read 1 John 5:11-13. What does the phrase "so that you may know" mean for us?
This could be a very significant meeting for some of your members. Be sensitive to those who may want to talk immediately following the meeting. Take the initiative to help everyone in your group settle once and for all their spiritual standing before God.
BOTTOM LINE
God wants you to be secure about your relationship with him.
1 The repentance test
What does it mean for a person to repent? (Acts 3:19)
The essence of repentance is a change of mind and heart—it literally means "to change one's mind about" or, in another phrase, "to do an about face." Ongoing conviction of sin and the desire to change indicates the Holy Spirit's work in you and is evidence of his possession of you. A saved person continues to be broken about sin; an unbeliever doesn't care or rationalizes. A saved person wants cleansing and forgiveness; an unsaved person doesn't consider guilt much of a problem. The question to answer is, "Have you turned from sin (disobedience) to God (obedience)?" Don't ask: "Have you been obedient at all times?", for nobody has! Rather find out, "Are you grieved by your disobedience—is it something you want to be free from?"
2 The presence test
What does the Holy Spirit do for a believer? (Romans 8:15-16)
This is a subjective test, but one that is thoroughly biblical. The Holy Spirit tells us that we are his children. We feel his presence and have a peace or a calm about our spiritual condition. There's a quiet sort of confidence that we are his (not to be confused with the presumption of someone who hasn't yet seen the seriousness of his own sin). We feel we belong, even if we know we sometimes disappoint him. For further study: 2 Corinthians 13:5; John 1:12; and Revelation 3:20.
3 The evidence test
What will be true of someone who has an authentic relationship with Christ? (1 John 2:3-6)
That person's life will be different. He or she will be living more like Christ. This is not saying true Christians never sin (see 1 John 1:8). But it is saying true believers live differently and have a verifiable behavior change—not just warm feelings. But this change takes place gradually, over time. There are degrees of spiritual maturity, so do not be discouraged if you don't feel "complete." But to experience no change is a warning sign that something is wrong spiritually.
If you have time, ask: What art soma of the old things that have gone and some of the new things that have come for a true Christian? (2 Corinthians 5:17) Some answers may include: new values and goals, character changes, new thought patterns, love for people, concern for what God thinks and feels, sacrificial living for others, a desire to break patterns of sin. Your group members may have heard at one time, "If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?" If you have time, also look at Galatians 5:22-26. Read and ask: What attitudes and behavior characterize a true believer? Fruit of the spirit, harmony with God and others.
Conclusion
Read 1 John 5:11-13. What does the phrase "so that you may know" mean for us?
This could be a very significant meeting for some of your members. Be sensitive to those who may want to talk immediately following the meeting. Take the initiative to help everyone in your group settle once and for all their spiritual standing before God.
BOTTOM LINE
God wants you to be secure about your relationship with him.
YOUR WALK WITH GOD
Central to the values behind the Walking With God Series is the belief that "homework" should not compete with a believer's regular appointments with God. Therefore, in this curriculum, a person's walk with God is the homework. Considering the pace of modern life, we thought it impractical for the average person to complete lengthy assignments and have quiet times.
This material was designed to help you with the minimum requirements we considered necessary to maintain a vital connection with God.
To help you follow the regular assignments in this series, we have prepared the Walking With God Journal. In addition to providing pages for writing out the assignments, the journal contains practical advice on Bible study, prayer, and memorization. You'll also find suggestions for keeping quiet times fresh and creative tips on how to apply Bible knowledge to your life.
Bible
Make three appointments with God. Read 1 John chapters 1—2 and list as many reasons as possible for a person to know that he or she is a Christian. Also read "What Is God Like?"
Prayer
Pray over any concerns that come to mind. Also, identify something for which you can be thankful.
Scripture Memory
Write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
Next time we will begin the first of two lessons on personal Bible study. If you want to prepare for the study, think about different ways that you can get teachings of the Bible into your life. Then consider why the Bible is important and what it does for us.
PRAYER
Lead the group in a closing prayer.
This material was designed to help you with the minimum requirements we considered necessary to maintain a vital connection with God.
To help you follow the regular assignments in this series, we have prepared the Walking With God Journal. In addition to providing pages for writing out the assignments, the journal contains practical advice on Bible study, prayer, and memorization. You'll also find suggestions for keeping quiet times fresh and creative tips on how to apply Bible knowledge to your life.
Bible
Make three appointments with God. Read 1 John chapters 1—2 and list as many reasons as possible for a person to know that he or she is a Christian. Also read "What Is God Like?"
Prayer
Pray over any concerns that come to mind. Also, identify something for which you can be thankful.
Scripture Memory
Write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life. 1 John 5:13
Next time we will begin the first of two lessons on personal Bible study. If you want to prepare for the study, think about different ways that you can get teachings of the Bible into your life. Then consider why the Bible is important and what it does for us.
PRAYER
Lead the group in a closing prayer.
What IS God Like?
Most people think they know the answer to that question. It wouldn't even occur to them that they might not have an accurate picture of God.
"Everybody knows what God is like! He's, uh, well he's . . ." What follows is a mishmash of ideas heard from parents and teachers over the years, uncritically examined but firmly believed. At an even deeper level, what people feel toward God flows out of their life experiences—and is equally subjective and untested.
"My grandma talked about God, and she was very nice to me—I guess I see God like her."
"I grew up in a very strict home with lots of rules—pretty much like God treats me now."
"Most ministers say God loves me—I guess he's like that."
"Most ministers say God is really mad at me—I guess he's like that."
Let's begin with this assumption: some of our perspectives of God are wrong. We've seen too much, been hurt too much, been confused too much to assert we've got an accurate picture of God in every area. Somehow we got some misinformation—every one of us. So we'll either have to take deliberate steps to reeducate ourselves about what he's like, or our view of him will continue out of focus . . . and will probably get worse with time.
Where do we begin to get an accurate picture? A good place to start is with what God has done—by seeing his acts we can get a picture of the One responsible. Just as art tells us something about the artist, or a person's work tells us about his or her abilities and interests, what God has created tells us about what he, the Creator, is like.
As we look at creation—nature, the world, the stars and galaxies—one undeniable conclusion emerges: the One responsible for all this must be powerful beyond comparison. From the tiniest single-cell amoeba to entire distant galaxies racing at near the speed of light, from an intricately complex snow flake to a sunset that sends amber blasts of color across the expansive sky, God's handiwork is so evident that you actively have to suppress what you see and feel in order to ignore him. Yet the Bible tells us that's exactly what we do (Romans 1:18-20).
That inner sense of his majesty—clearly evident in the cosmos—is squelched. We hear the Voice . . . and ignore it. And so while we all carry around some sense of his grandeur, we've modified and molded our image of him until the gap between who we perceive him to be and who he really is becomes uncrossable. Sin—our deliberate attempts to expel him from the throne of the universe as well as our passive indifference to his rule—not only messes up our lives, it messes up our view of God.
But our condition is not hopeless. God doesn't just do—he speaks. He talks to us. He sends messages. He tells us the truth through prophets and leaders. The Bible is the written record of his love. We learn from this book things we couldn't know otherwise.
For one thing, we learn that the sense of awe we get from his creation needs to be cultivated and expanded. Every notion we have of his power is true—and then some. But we learn also that his power is restrained. He isn't an angry father about to blow his cool. He's a loving Father desiring to be close.
In the earliest parts of the Bible we see God calling out a single man, Abraham, for a
special purpose: to make a nation that would represent him to the world. That group of people was intended to be a tangible picture of his love, power, justice, and holiness. They'd be different from the rest of the world—because he is different.
They'd be holy—because he is holy. They'd show compassion— because he is compassionate. They'd avoid sin—because he has no sin. They'd be blessed—because it's his nature to bless. Next to the picture of God painted in creation would be this picture painted through a unique group of people. He would talk to them, and talk through them.
But God didn't just do and didn't just speak. He became. His work ordered the nothingness and made it a world for all to see. His word came to the prophets and made a book for all to read.
The pinnacle of his communication was his Word coming to dwell among us in Jesus for all to receive. We see his handiwork; we read his book; we meet his Son. Jesus is the ultimate picture of God—the work and Word of God incarnate. What he does, God does. What he loves, God loves. What he hates, God hates. What he says, God says. How he acts, God acts. Look no further for clarification of what God is like: the only begotten Son has fully explained him (John 1:18).
He showed God's awesome power by stilling the storm, healing the sick, and raising the dead—creation was subject to him. He showed God's desire to speak to us by unsurpassed
teaching—truth was fully represented by him. And he lived out God's compassion without compromising his righteousness—God's nature was completely embodied in him.
Nowhere was this more forcefully demonstrated than through his death on our behalf. By hating sin, God shows justice. By forgiving sin, he shows mercy. But by being the payment for that sin himself, he shows matchless, marvelous, magnificent grace.
This, then, is what God is like. Theologians have come up with words that summarize these qualities, or "attributes," as they're known. Once we get past the somewhat formal feel of these terms, they can be useful tools to encapsulate what we know about God. Here's a list of the main attributes.
"Everybody knows what God is like! He's, uh, well he's . . ." What follows is a mishmash of ideas heard from parents and teachers over the years, uncritically examined but firmly believed. At an even deeper level, what people feel toward God flows out of their life experiences—and is equally subjective and untested.
"My grandma talked about God, and she was very nice to me—I guess I see God like her."
"I grew up in a very strict home with lots of rules—pretty much like God treats me now."
"Most ministers say God loves me—I guess he's like that."
"Most ministers say God is really mad at me—I guess he's like that."
Let's begin with this assumption: some of our perspectives of God are wrong. We've seen too much, been hurt too much, been confused too much to assert we've got an accurate picture of God in every area. Somehow we got some misinformation—every one of us. So we'll either have to take deliberate steps to reeducate ourselves about what he's like, or our view of him will continue out of focus . . . and will probably get worse with time.
Where do we begin to get an accurate picture? A good place to start is with what God has done—by seeing his acts we can get a picture of the One responsible. Just as art tells us something about the artist, or a person's work tells us about his or her abilities and interests, what God has created tells us about what he, the Creator, is like.
As we look at creation—nature, the world, the stars and galaxies—one undeniable conclusion emerges: the One responsible for all this must be powerful beyond comparison. From the tiniest single-cell amoeba to entire distant galaxies racing at near the speed of light, from an intricately complex snow flake to a sunset that sends amber blasts of color across the expansive sky, God's handiwork is so evident that you actively have to suppress what you see and feel in order to ignore him. Yet the Bible tells us that's exactly what we do (Romans 1:18-20).
That inner sense of his majesty—clearly evident in the cosmos—is squelched. We hear the Voice . . . and ignore it. And so while we all carry around some sense of his grandeur, we've modified and molded our image of him until the gap between who we perceive him to be and who he really is becomes uncrossable. Sin—our deliberate attempts to expel him from the throne of the universe as well as our passive indifference to his rule—not only messes up our lives, it messes up our view of God.
But our condition is not hopeless. God doesn't just do—he speaks. He talks to us. He sends messages. He tells us the truth through prophets and leaders. The Bible is the written record of his love. We learn from this book things we couldn't know otherwise.
For one thing, we learn that the sense of awe we get from his creation needs to be cultivated and expanded. Every notion we have of his power is true—and then some. But we learn also that his power is restrained. He isn't an angry father about to blow his cool. He's a loving Father desiring to be close.
In the earliest parts of the Bible we see God calling out a single man, Abraham, for a
special purpose: to make a nation that would represent him to the world. That group of people was intended to be a tangible picture of his love, power, justice, and holiness. They'd be different from the rest of the world—because he is different.
They'd be holy—because he is holy. They'd show compassion— because he is compassionate. They'd avoid sin—because he has no sin. They'd be blessed—because it's his nature to bless. Next to the picture of God painted in creation would be this picture painted through a unique group of people. He would talk to them, and talk through them.
But God didn't just do and didn't just speak. He became. His work ordered the nothingness and made it a world for all to see. His word came to the prophets and made a book for all to read.
The pinnacle of his communication was his Word coming to dwell among us in Jesus for all to receive. We see his handiwork; we read his book; we meet his Son. Jesus is the ultimate picture of God—the work and Word of God incarnate. What he does, God does. What he loves, God loves. What he hates, God hates. What he says, God says. How he acts, God acts. Look no further for clarification of what God is like: the only begotten Son has fully explained him (John 1:18).
He showed God's awesome power by stilling the storm, healing the sick, and raising the dead—creation was subject to him. He showed God's desire to speak to us by unsurpassed
teaching—truth was fully represented by him. And he lived out God's compassion without compromising his righteousness—God's nature was completely embodied in him.
Nowhere was this more forcefully demonstrated than through his death on our behalf. By hating sin, God shows justice. By forgiving sin, he shows mercy. But by being the payment for that sin himself, he shows matchless, marvelous, magnificent grace.
This, then, is what God is like. Theologians have come up with words that summarize these qualities, or "attributes," as they're known. Once we get past the somewhat formal feel of these terms, they can be useful tools to encapsulate what we know about God. Here's a list of the main attributes.
What God IN — Ways We Can't Be Like Him
Omnipresent: God is always near; no place is farther from him than any other place; he is not limited to any spatial dimensions.
Omnipotent: God can do anything that doesn't violate his nature; he's nil-powerful; nothing is impossible for him; his power is unlimited and unrestricted except by his own choice.
Omniscient: God knows everything; nothing is hidden; nothing goes unnoticed; no situation is beyond his ability to grasp; all mysteries are clear to him; no one can tell him something he doesn't already know.
Sovereign: God is the ultimate ruler of the universe; no one is greater in authority or power than he; no sin or disobedience can thwart the purposes he desires to bring to pass.
Eternal: God has always been; he will always be; he had no beginning; he'll have no end; he is the creator of time; he is not subject to time but rules over it.
Immutable: God doesn't change; he isn't getting better; his beauty can't be diminished; he doesn't grow or increase; he's perfect the way he is, and we can rest assured he will continue that way.
Infinite: God is unlimited; whatever he is, he is to an infinite degree; you can't measure any part of him or his attributes; he is inexhaustible in every aspect of his being.
Omnipotent: God can do anything that doesn't violate his nature; he's nil-powerful; nothing is impossible for him; his power is unlimited and unrestricted except by his own choice.
Omniscient: God knows everything; nothing is hidden; nothing goes unnoticed; no situation is beyond his ability to grasp; all mysteries are clear to him; no one can tell him something he doesn't already know.
Sovereign: God is the ultimate ruler of the universe; no one is greater in authority or power than he; no sin or disobedience can thwart the purposes he desires to bring to pass.
Eternal: God has always been; he will always be; he had no beginning; he'll have no end; he is the creator of time; he is not subject to time but rules over it.
Immutable: God doesn't change; he isn't getting better; his beauty can't be diminished; he doesn't grow or increase; he's perfect the way he is, and we can rest assured he will continue that way.
Infinite: God is unlimited; whatever he is, he is to an infinite degree; you can't measure any part of him or his attributes; he is inexhaustible in every aspect of his being.
Who God Is — Ways We Should Imitate Him
Holy: God is pure; he's without fault; he can't be compared to anyone or anything because he's so different from all we've known or experienced.
Wise: God uses his knowledge skillfully; he makes sense; he is no fool; his counsel can be trusted.
Good: God has no evil and can do no evil; he works for the benefit of his creatures; he can be trusted with our well-being.
Just: God is fair; he doesn't tolerate unrighteousness; he will make sure every wrong will be made right; he is impartial.
Loving: Sacrifice is in God's very nature; he cares; he gives; he serves; he works to bring about what we need; he's compassionate; he's sensitive; he chooses to let us matter to him.
We can come up with many other words that describe him as well: merciful, kind, pure, righteous, patient, faithful, trustworthy, generous, awesome, majestic, etc. These qualities will all be, to some degree, aspects of the main attributes we've listed. The more you get to know the Bible, the more you'll discover the manifold descriptions of his nature. Look for new ways of describing him. Worship him for the many and varied facets of his being. Learn who he really is, so you can gradually replace the shadows in your mind with the substance of his true nature.
What is God like? Maybe this song says it best: "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so . . ."
Wise: God uses his knowledge skillfully; he makes sense; he is no fool; his counsel can be trusted.
Good: God has no evil and can do no evil; he works for the benefit of his creatures; he can be trusted with our well-being.
Just: God is fair; he doesn't tolerate unrighteousness; he will make sure every wrong will be made right; he is impartial.
Loving: Sacrifice is in God's very nature; he cares; he gives; he serves; he works to bring about what we need; he's compassionate; he's sensitive; he chooses to let us matter to him.
We can come up with many other words that describe him as well: merciful, kind, pure, righteous, patient, faithful, trustworthy, generous, awesome, majestic, etc. These qualities will all be, to some degree, aspects of the main attributes we've listed. The more you get to know the Bible, the more you'll discover the manifold descriptions of his nature. Look for new ways of describing him. Worship him for the many and varied facets of his being. Learn who he really is, so you can gradually replace the shadows in your mind with the substance of his true nature.
What is God like? Maybe this song says it best: "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so . . ."
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