Biblical Examples and Illustrations of God's Character and Will

Biblical Illustrations of God's Character

The Bible provides numerous examples and illustrations of God's character and will, showcasing His attributes and nature through various narratives, teachings, and poetic expressions. One of the primary ways God's character is revealed is through creation. In Genesis, the account of creation highlights God's goodness, as it is written, "God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:18) ^[6]. This refrain underscores God's approval and satisfaction with His creation, demonstrating His inherent goodness.

God's Goodness and Character in the Psalms

The Psalms further elaborate on God's character, emphasizing His goodness, faithfulness, and righteousness. Psalm 33:4 states, "For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does" ^[7]. This verse highlights God's faithfulness and truthfulness, attributes that are central to understanding His character. The Psalms also illustrate God's goodness through His actions, such as providing for the poor and needy (Psalm 68:10) ^[4]. Psalm 65:6 notes God's great power and goodness, which are grounds for confidence in His control over nature and nations ^[9].

Illustrations of God's Character through Human Actions

The biblical text also illustrates God's character through the actions and behaviors expected of His people. For instance, the concept of holiness is closely tied to God's character, as believers are called to be holy because God is holy (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16) ^[2]. The practice of liberality is another aspect of God's character demonstrated through human actions, as believers are encouraged to be generous and kind, mirroring God's goodness (2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:16) ^[3].

Christ as an Example of God's Character

Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate example of God's character in human form. His life and teachings embody God's will and character, demonstrating attributes such as love, compassion, and righteousness. Christ's example in submission to God's will, even in the face of suffering, is a powerful illustration of God's character (Matthew 26:39-44; John 12:27) ^[1]. The New Testament writers emphasize that believers should follow Christ's example, reflecting God's character in their lives.

Theological Reflections on God's Character

Theological reflections on God's character are also found in the New Testament epistles. The book of Hebrews, for example, highlights the significance of faith and the demonstration of God's power through various works and gifts of the Holy Spirit (Hebrews 2:4) ^[5]. The writer of Hebrews encourages believers to consider Christ's example and to cultivate love and good works, characteristics that reflect God's nature (Hebrews 10:24) ^[8].

The biblical illustrations of God's character and will provide a rich foundation for understanding God's nature and attributes. Through creation, the Psalms, the teachings of Jesus, and the writings of the New Testament, a comprehensive picture of God's character emerges, emphasizing His goodness, faithfulness, and righteousness.

The biblical emphasis on God's character is not merely theoretical but is meant to shape the lives of believers. As Psalm 19:7 notes, the law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul, and the statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple ^[10]. This understanding of God's character and will is foundational to the Christian faith, guiding believers in their relationship with God and their interactions with others.

Sources

Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Resignation — Christ set and example of -- Mt 26:39-44; Joh 12:27; 18:11. Commanded -- Ps 37:7; 46:10. Should be exhibited in Submission to the will of God. -- 2Sa 15:26; Ps 42:5,11; Mt 6:10. Submission to the sovereignty of God in his purposes. -- Ro 9:20,21. The prospect of death. -- Ac 21:13; 2Co 4:16-5:1. Loss of goods. -- Job 1:15,16,21. Loss of children. -- Job 1:18,19,21. Chastisements. -- Heb 12:9. Bodily suffering. -- Job 2:8-10. The wicked are devoid of -- Pr 19:3. Exhortation to -- Ps 37:1-11. Motives to God's greatness. -- Ps 46:10. God's love. -- Heb 12:”
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: Liberality — Pleasing to God -- 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16. God never forgets -- Heb 6:10. Christ set an example of -- 2Co 8:9. Characteristic of saints -- Ps 112:9; Isa 32:8. Unprofitable, without love -- 1Co 13:3. Should be exercised In the service of God. -- Ex 35:21-29. Toward saints. -- Ro 12:13; Ga 6:10. Toward servants. -- De 15:12-14. Toward the poor. -- De 15:11; Isa 58:7. Toward strangers. -- Le 25:35. Toward enemies. -- Pr 25:21. Toward all men. -- Ga 6:10. In leading to those in want. -- Mt 5:42. In giving alms. -- Lu 12:33. In relieving the destitute. -- Isa 58:”
Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Goodness of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ps 25:8; Na 1:7; Mt 19:17. Declared to be Great. -- Ne 9:35; Zec 9:17. Rich. -- Ps 104:24; Ro 2:4. Abundant. -- Ex 34:6; Ps 33:5. Satisfying. -- Ps 65:4; Jer 31:12,14. Enduring. -- Ps 23:6; 52:1. Universal. -- Ps 145:9; Mt 5:45. Manifested To his Church. -- Ps 31:19; La 3:25. In doing good. -- Ps 119:68; 145:9. In supplying temporal wants. -- Ac 14:17. In providing for the poor. -- Ps 68:10. In forgiving sins. -- 2Ch 30:18; Ps 86:5. Leads to repentance. -- Ro 2:4. Recognise, in his dealings. -- Ezr 8:18; Ne 2:18. Pra”
Hebrews “God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to his own will? -- Hebrews 2:4”
Genesis “and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good. -- Genesis 1:18”
Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 33:4: 33:4-7 God’s word displays his character and his power.”
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 65:6: God's great power and goodness are the grounds of this confidence. These are illustrated in His control of the mightiest agencies of nature and nations affecting men with awe and dread (Psa 26:7; Psa 98:1, &c.), and in His fertilizing showers, causing the earth to produce abundantly for man and beast.”
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”

Ask Your Own Question