Biblical Descriptions of God's Character and Actions
The biblical understanding of God's character and actions is foundational to Christian theology, with the Bible consistently portraying God as a powerful, holy, just, and loving being who actively engages with creation and humanity. The very name for God in Hebrew, 'El, derives from a word signifying strength, while 'Elohim, a plural form, is commonly used throughout the Bible to denote the Supreme Being [1]. Another significant name, Jehovah, is often rendered as "LORD" in English translations [1]. The Bible does not argue for God's existence but rather assumes it as a given [1].
God's character is revealed through both his creative acts and his interactions with humanity. The creation narrative in Genesis highlights God as the ultimate Creator, bringing forth all living creatures, including animals and humans [4]. Psalm 104:26 notes that even the Leviathan was created by God [3]. This act of creation demonstrates God's immense power [4]. Furthermore, humanity is uniquely created "in his own image," reflecting a special relationship and purpose [5]. The works of God are described as "awesome in his dealings with the children of humankind" [6], and his word itself displays his character and power [7].
A central attribute of God's character is holiness. This is not merely an abstract concept but a standard for human behavior, as seen in commands like "You shall be holy, for I am holy" (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15-16) [2]. Holiness is necessary for worship and for seeing God [2]. Christ's character is also presented as a standard of holiness, and believers are called to be conformed to his image [2]. God's character serves as the motive for righteous behavior among his people [9].
God's perfections also include love, mercy, goodness, and truth, which are manifested in his willingness to pardon sin [8]. These attributes are consistently demonstrated towards all of creation [13]. The Lord's rule is characterized by strength, justice, love, fairness, and righteousness [14]. These qualities are not merely abstract but are evident in his actions and his covenant relationship with his people.
Divine revelation, particularly through the Scriptures, provides a deeper understanding of God's glory and goodness than what can be gleaned from creation alone [12]. While creation reveals God's power, the written word is essential for understanding his plan for humanity's recovery from a fallen state [12]. The Bible describes God's actions as consistently demonstrating his character [13].
The concept of God's character is also intertwined with the character expected of his people. True Christian commitment is characterized by acts of love and good works [10]. The righteous are described by the elements of their character, including their thoughts, words, and actions [11]. This reflects the idea that as God's people, they are to embody aspects of his character in their lives.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: God — (A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew 'El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of 'Eloah_, plural _'Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by "LORD," printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argume”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Holiness — Commanded -- Le 11:45; 20:7; Eph 5:8; Col 3:12; Ro 12:1. Christ Desires for his people. -- Joh 17:17. Effects, in his people. -- Eph 5:25-27. An example of. -- Heb 7:26; 1Pe 2:21,22. The character of God, the standard of -- Le 19:2; 1Pe 1:15,16; Eph 5:1. The character of Christ, the standard of -- Ro 8:29; 1Jo 2:6; Php 2:5. The gospel the way of -- Isa 35:8. Necessary to God's worship -- Ps 24:3,4. None shall see God without -- Eph 5:5; Heb 12:14. Saints Elected to. -- Ro 8:29; Eph 1:4. Called to. -- 1Th 4:7; 2Ti 1:9. New created in. -- Eph 4:24. Possess. ”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Leviathan — Created by God -- Ps 104:26. Nature and habits of -- Job 41:1-34. God's power, exhibited in destroying -- Ps 74:14. Illustrative of Powerful and cruel kings. -- Isa 27:1. Power and severity of God. -- Job 41:10.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: B — Created by God -- Ge 1:24,25; 2:19. Creation of, exhibits God's power -- Jer 27:5. Made for the praise and glory of God -- Ps 148:10. Differ in flesh from birds and fishes -- 1Co 15:39. Herb of the field given to, for food -- Ge 1:30. Power over, given to man -- Ge 1:26,28; Ps 8:7. Instinctively fear man -- Ge 9:2. Received their names from Adam -- Ge 2:19,20. Given to man for food after the flood -- Ge 9:3. Not to be eaten alive or with blood -- Ge 9:4; De 12:16,23. That died naturally or were torn, not to be eaten -- Ex 22:31; Le 17:15; 22:8. Supply clothing to”
- Genesis “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. -- Genesis 1:27”
- Psalms “Psalms 66:5 (LEB) — Come and ⌞consider⌟ the works of God; he is awesome in his dealings with the children of humankind.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 33:4: 33:4-7 God’s word displays his character and his power.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 25:11: God's perfections of love, mercy, goodness, and truth are manifested (his name, compare Psa 9:10) in pardoning sin, and the greatness of sin renders pardon more needed.”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 23:7: 23:7 God’s character is the motive for righteous behavior (see 22:22-24, 27).”
- Hebrews (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Hebrews 10:24: 10:24 Acts of love and good works characterize true Christian commitment (6:10; 10:32-34; Gal 5:13; 1 Thes 1:3; Rev 2:19).”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 37:30: The righteous described as to the elements of character, thought, word, and action.”
- Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 19:7: God's glory, (that is, his goodness to man) appears much in the works of creation, but much more in and by divine revelation. The holy scripture, as it is a rule both of our duty to God and of our expectation from him, is of much greater use and benefit to us than day or night, than the air we breathe in, or the light of the sun. The discoveries made of God by his works might have served if man had retained his integrity; but, to recover him out of his fallen state, another course must be taken; that must be done by the word of God. And here, 1. The psalmist gives”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 145:8: 145:8-9 God consistently demonstrates his character toward all his creation (see 136:25).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 99:4: 99:4 The qualities of the Lord’s rule include strength, justice, love, fairness, and righteousness (see 93:4; 97:2, 6-7, 12; 98:2-3, 9; 138:6).”