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Conveying God's Character Through Accurate Examples and Allegories

The character of God is revealed throughout the biblical narrative, often through direct statements, but also through examples and allegories that illustrate divine attributes and expectations for humanity. These methods of communication help believers understand God's nature and how they are to respond to it [12, 14, 16].

Direct Revelation of God's Character

The Bible explicitly describes God's character in numerous passages. For instance, Psalm 111 portrays God as righteous, gracious, compassionate, faithful, just, trustworthy, upright, holy, and awe-inspiring [12]. This psalm emphasizes God's character as the foundation for hope within the covenant relationship, highlighting His actions in rescuing Israel from Egypt, providing them land, and sustaining His people [12]. Similarly, Psalm 8 reflects on the "transcendent excellency of God's name," particularly through His goodness to humanity [14]. The introduction to 1 John also speaks of evidence given concerning Christ's person and excellency, which leads to communion with God and Christ [17].

God's glory and goodness are not only seen in creation but are "much more in and by divine revelation" [16]. While creation reveals aspects of God, the written Word is essential for understanding God's plan for humanity's recovery from a fallen state [16].

Christ as the Ultimate Example

A primary way God's character is conveyed is through the person of Jesus Christ. The New Testament consistently presents Christ as the perfect embodiment and example of divine attributes.

The excellency and glory of Christ are described in various ways: as God (John 1:1-5; Philippians 2:6, 9-10), the Son of God (Matthew 3:17; Hebrews 1:6, 8), one with the Father (John 10:30, 38), the First-born and First-begotten (Colossians 1:15, 18; Hebrews 1:6), Lord of lords (Revelation 17:14), the image of God (Colossians 1:15; Hebrews 1:3), Creator (John 1:3; Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2), Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 8:6), Prophet (Deuteronomy 18:15-16; Acts 3:22), Priest (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 4:15), King (Isaiah 6:1-5; John 12:41), Judge (Matthew 16:27; 25:31, 33), and Shepherd (Isaiah 40:10-11; John 10:11) [6]. These descriptions collectively paint a comprehensive picture of God's character as revealed in Christ. As the "image" and "exact likeness and perfect Representative" of God, Christ reveals God's nature both as Creator and Sustainer of the natural world, and as the source of the "new moral creation" [18]. The mystery of godliness is great because "God was revealed in the flesh" (1 Timothy 3:16) [9].

Matthew Henry notes that pious individuals should "imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them" [11]. This imitation is rooted in God's forgiveness through Christ, leading believers to be "followers of God" [11].

Allegories and Parables

Beyond direct examples, the Bible frequently employs allegories and parables to convey spiritual truths and aspects of God's character. An allegory is defined as "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing" [2]. It possesses a "twofold sense—the immediate or historic, which is understood from the words, and the ultimate, which is concerned with the things signified by the words" [2]. A parable is a short allegory with a definite moral [2].

Jesus himself frequently used parables to explain the kingdom of God (Mark 4:30) [10]. These stories, drawn from everyday life, allowed listeners to grasp complex spiritual realities through relatable scenarios. For example, the parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates God's forgiving and loving nature, while the parable of the Good Samaritan reveals the breadth of God's command to love one's neighbor.

Paul's sermon in Athens (Acts 17:22-31) demonstrates how he adapted his communication to his audience, using their existing intellectual heritage to explain God's nature [15]. He started with an Athenian inscription to an "Unknown God" and then explained God as the Creator and Redeemer, revealing aspects of His character to those unfamiliar with Jewish monotheism [15]. This approach highlights the flexibility in conveying God's character through relatable concepts.

The opening of the Epistle to the Hebrews also exemplifies a dignified and elevated presentation of God, not merely in His essential attributes but in "the manifestations of his love to the world" through revelation and the introduction of His Son [13]. This demonstrates how the biblical authors carefully crafted their messages to convey the profound character of God.

Sources

  1. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Diligence — Christ, an example -- Mr 1:35; Lu 2:49. Required by God in Seeking him. -- 1Ch 22:19; Heb 11:6. Obeying him. -- De 6:17; 11:13. Hearkening to him. -- Isa 55:2. Striving after perfection. -- Php 3:13,14. Cultivating Christian graces. -- 2Pe 1:5. Keeping the souls. -- De 4:9. Keeping the heart. -- Pr 4:23. Labours of love. -- Heb 6:10-12. Following every good work. -- 1Ti 5:10. Guarding against defilement. -- Heb 12:15. Seeking to be found spotless. -- 2Pe 3:14. Making our call, &c, sure. -- 2Pe 1:10. Self-examination. -- Ps 77:6. Lawful business. -- Pr 27:”
  2. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Allegory — a figure of speech, which has been defined by Bishop Marsh, in accordance with its etymology as, "a representation of one thing which is intended to excite the representation of another thing." ("A figurative representation containing a meaning other than and in addition to the literal." "A fable or parable; is a short allegory with one definite moral."--Encyc. Brit.) In every allegory there is a twofold sense--the immediate or historic, which is understood from the words, and the ultimate, which is concerned with the things signified by the words. The alle”
  3. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Humility — Necessary to the service of God -- Mic 6:8. Christ an example of -- Mt 11:29; Joh 13:14,15; Php 2:5-8. A characteristic of saints -- Ps 34:2. The who have Regarded by God. -- Ps 138:6; Isa 66:2. Heard by God. -- Ps 9:12; Isa 10:17. Enjoy the presence of God. -- Isa 57:15. Delivered by God. -- Job 22:29. Lifted up by God. -- Jas 4:10. Exalted by God. -- Lu 14:11; 18:14. Are greatest in Christ's kingdom. -- Mt 18:4; 20:26-28. Receive more grace. -- Pr 3:34; Jas 4:6. Upheld by honour. -- Pr 18:12; 29:23. Is before honour -- Pr 15:33. Leads to riches, honour, ”
  4. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Boldness, Holy — Christ set an example of -- Joh 7:26. Is through faith in Christ -- Eph 3:12; Heb 10:19. A characteristic of saints -- Pr 28:1. Produced by Trust in God. -- Isa 50:7. The fear of God. -- Ac 4:19; 5:29. Faithfulness to God. -- 1Ti 3:13. Express your trust in God with -- Heb 13:6. Have, in prayer -- Eph 3:12; Heb 4:16. Saints shall have, in judgment -- 1Jo 4:17. Exhortations to -- Jos 1:7; 2Ch 19:11; Jer 1:8; Eze 3:9. Pray for -- Ac 4:29; Eph 6:19,20. Ministers should exhibit, in Faithfulness to their people. -- 2Co 7:4; 10:1. Preaching. -- Ac 4:31; Ph”
  5. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Sincerity — Christ was an example of -- 1Pe 2:22. Ministers should be examples of -- Tit 2:7. Opposed to fleshly wisdom -- 2Co 1:12. Should characterise Our love to God. -- 2Co 8:8,24. Our love to Christ. -- Eph 6:24. Our service to God. -- Jos 24:14; Joh 4:23,24. Our faith. -- 1Ti 1:5. Our love to one another. -- Ro 12:9; 1Pe 1:22; 1Jo 3:18. Our whole conduct. -- 2Co 1:12. The preaching of the gospel. -- 2Co 2:17; 1Th 2:3-5. A characteristic of the doctrines of the gospel -- 1Pe 2:2. The gospel sometimes preached without -- Php 1:16. The wicked devoid of -- Ps 5:9; ”
  6. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Excellency and Glory of Christ, The — As God -- Joh 1:1-5; Php 2:6,9,10. As the Son of God -- Mt 3:17; Heb 1:6,8. As one with the Father -- Joh 10:30,38. As the First-born -- Col 1:15,18. As the First-begotten -- Heb 1:6. As Lord of lords, &c -- Re 17:14. As the image of God -- Col 1:15; Heb 1:3. As creator -- Joh 1:3; Col 1:16; Heb 1:2. As the Blessed of God -- Ps 45:2. As Mediator -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6. As Prophet -- De 18:15,16; Ac 3:22. As Priest -- Ps 110:4; Heb 4:15. As King -- Isa 6:1-5; Joh 12:41. As Judge -- Mt 16:27; 25:31,33. As Shepherd -- Isa 40:10,11; Joh”
  7. Titus “in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility, -- Titus 2:7”
  8. Acts “Acts 28:31 (LEB) — proclaiming the kingdom of God and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.”
  9. 1 Timothy “Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory. -- 1 Timothy 3:16”
  10. Mark “Mark 4:30 (BBE) — And he said, What picture may we give of the kingdom of God, or with what story may we make it clear?”
  11. Ephesians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Ephesians 5:1: Here we have the exhortation to mutual love, or to Christian charity. The apostle had been insisting on this in the former chapter, and particularly in the last verses of it, to which the particle therefore refers, and connects what he had said there with what is contained in these verses, thus: "Because God, for Christ's sake, has forgiven you, therefore be you followers of God, or imitators of him;" for so the word signifies. Pious persons should imitate the God whom they worship, as far as he has revealed himself as imitable by them. They must conform themsel”
  12. Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 111:1: Pss 111–117 The refrain Praise the Lord! (Hebrew haleluyah) characterizes this group of psalms. Ps 111 This wisdom psalm contains many references to the works of the Lord that reveal his character. God is righteous, gracious, compassionate, faithful, just, trustworthy, upright, holy, and awe-inspiring (111:3, 4, 7, 8, 9). God’s character gives hope in the covenant relationship (111:5). He rescued Israel from Egypt (111:9), gave them the land (111:6), and provides for his people (111:5). However, God demands that the beneficiaries of this relationship also be peop”
  13. Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 1:1: God, who at sundry times and in divers manners - We can scarcely conceive any thing more dignified than the opening of this epistle; the sentiments are exceedingly elevated, and the language, harmony itself! The infinite God is at once produced to view, not in any of those attributes which are essential to the Divine nature, but in the manifestations of his love to the world, by giving a revelation of his will relative to the salvation of mankind, and thus preparing the way, through a long train of years, for the introduction of that most glorious Being, his own Son”
  14. Psalms (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Psalms 8 (introduction): This psalm is a solemn meditation on, and admiration of, the glory and greatness of God, of which we are all concerned to think highly and honourably. It begins and ends with the same acknowledgment of the transcendent excellency of God's name. It is proposed for proof (Psa 8:1) that God's name is excellent in all the earth, and then it is repeated as proved (with a "quod erat demonstrandum" - which was to be demonstrated) in the last verse. For the proof of God's glory the psalmist gives instances of his goodness to man; for God's goodness is his glor”
  15. Acts (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Acts 17:22: 17:22-31 Paul’s remarkable sermon in Athens reveals his versatility in preaching the Good News (Rom 11:14; 1 Cor 9:19-23; 10:33; cp. Acts 16:3; 17:2-3; 21:20-26). While Paul’s Greek audience did not know the Scriptures or have a tradition of monotheism as the Jews did, they did have a rich intellectual heritage. So Paul established a point of contact on the basis of an Athenian inscription to an Unknown God. He then explained God’s nature as the Creator (17:22-29), followed by God’s purpose as the Redeemer (17:30-31). • As he did elsewhere in his own writings (see ”
  16. 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”
  17. 1 John (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on 1 John 1 (introduction): Evidence given concerning Christ's person and excellency (Jo1 1:1, Jo1 1:2). The knowledge thereof gives us communion with God and Christ (Jo1 1:3), and joy (Jo1 1:4). A description of God (Jo1 1:5). How we are thereupon to walk (Jo1 1:6). The benefit of such walking (Jo1 1:7). The way to forgiveness (Jo1 1:9). The evil of denying our sin (Jo1 1:8-10).”
  18. Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:15: They who have experienced in themselves "redemption" (Col 1:14), know Christ in the glorious character here described, as above the highest angels to whom the false teachers (Col 2:18) taught worship was to be paid. Paul describes Him: (1) in relation to God and creation (Col 1:15-17); (2) in relation to the Church (Col 1:18-20). As the former regards Him as the Creator (Col 1:15-16) and the Sustainer (Col 1:17) of the natural world; so the latter, as the source and stay of the new moral creation. image--exact likeness and perfect Representative.”
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