Distinguishing Between God's Actions and Attributes in Theology
Distinguishing Between God's Actions and Attributes in Theology
The distinction between God's actions and attributes is a crucial aspect of Christian theology, as it helps to understand the nature of God and His interactions with humanity. According to Reformed theologian John Calvin, this distinction is essential in understanding the relationship between God's sovereignty and human responsibility [5].
In the biblical account, God's actions are often described in terms of His creation, providence, and redemption. For instance, the creation narrative in Genesis 1 highlights God's action of creating the world through His word [1]. Similarly, the Psalmist attributes the creation of the world to God's power and wisdom (Psalm 104:24). God's attributes, on the other hand, are the characteristics that define His nature, such as His power, wisdom, and love [3].
The Bible often describes God's actions as a manifestation of His attributes. For example, God's power is demonstrated through His creation and deliverance of His people (Psalm 62:11; Jeremiah 27:5). However, the Bible also emphasizes that God's attributes are not limited to His actions. Job 11:7 asks, "Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?" This suggests that God's nature is complex and multifaceted, and that His attributes cannot be fully comprehended by human understanding [2].
Theologians have long grappled with the relationship between God's actions and attributes. Some traditions, such as the Reformed tradition, emphasize the distinction between God's actions and attributes, arguing that God's actions are a manifestation of His attributes, but not identical with them [5]. Other traditions, such as the Baptist/Reformed tradition represented by John Gill, emphasize the unity of God's nature and actions, arguing that God's actions are a reflection of His character [6].
In understanding the distinction between God's actions and attributes, it is essential to consider the biblical teaching on God's nature. Proverbs 25:2 states, "The honour of God is to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter" [4]. This suggests that God's nature is mysterious and that His actions and attributes are not always fully comprehensible to humanity.
The distinction between God's actions and attributes has significant implications for Christian theology and practice. It highlights the importance of understanding God's nature and character, and of recognizing the limitations of human understanding. As John Gill notes, "Behold, God is great... in his power and might, in his wisdom and knowledge, in his truth and faithfulness, in his love, grace, and mercy" [7].
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Creation — The formation of things which had no previous existence -- Ro 4:17; Heb 11:3. Effected By God. -- Ge 1:1; 2:4,5; Pr 26:10. By Christ. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. By the Holy Spirit. -- Job 26:13; Ps 104:30. By the command of God. -- Ps 33:9; Heb 11:3. In the beginning. -- Ge 1:1; Mt 24:21. In six normal days. -- Ex 20:11; 31:17. According to God's purpose. -- Ps 135:6. For God's pleasure. -- Pr 16:4; Re 4:11. For Christ. -- Col 1:16. By faith we believe, to be God's work -- Heb 11:3. Order of First day, making light and dividing it from darkness. -- Ge 1:3-5;”
- Job “Job 11:7 (BSB) — Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Power of God, The — Is one of his attributes -- Ps 62:11. Expressed by the Voice of God. -- Ps 29:3,5; 68:33. Finger of God. -- Ex 8:19; Ps 8:3. Hand of God. -- Ex 9:3,15; Isa 48:13. Arm of God. -- Job 40:9; Isa 52:10. Thunder of his power. -- Job 26:14. Described as Great. -- Ps 79:11; Na 1:3. Strong. -- Ps 89:13; 136:12. Glorious. -- Ex 15:6; Isa 63:12. Mighty. -- Job 9:4; Ps 89:13. Everlasting. -- Isa 26:4; Ro 1:20. Sovereign. -- Ro 9:21. Effectual. -- Isa 43:13; Eph 3:7. Irresistible. -- De 32:39; Da 4:35. Incomparable. -- Ex 15:11,12; De 3:24; Job 40:9; Ps 89:8.”
- Proverbs “Proverbs 25:2 (YLT) — The honour of God <FI>is<Fi> to hide a thing, And the honour of kings to search out a matter.”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 16.6: stand together. Hence there are two things that are to be observed here. In the first place, that the righteousness of the law must be given up and renounced, that you may be righteous through faith; and secondly, that the righteousness of faith comes forth from God, and does not belong to the individual. As to both of these we have in the present day a great controversy with Papists; for on the one hand, they do not allow that the righteousness of faith is altogether from God, but ascribe it partly to man; and, on”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 10:37: But if I do,.... Works, which none but God can do: though ye believe not me; what Christ said in his doctrine and ministry, though they paid no regard to that, and did not receive his testimony, on the credit of him the testifier, as they ought to have done: believe the works; not only that they are true and real, and not imaginary and delusory; but for the sake of them believe the above assertion, that Christ is the Son of God, he and his Father being one; or take such notice of these works and miracles, consider the nature, evidence, and importance of them, and t”
- Job (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Job 36:26: Behold, God is great,.... In his power and might, in his wisdom and knowledge, in his truth and faithfulness, in his love, grace, and mercy, and that to admiration; and it is worthy of notice and attention, which the word "behold", prefixed hereunto, is expressive of: or is "much" or "many" (f); as he is in his persons: for though his essence is one, his persons are more, they are three, Father, Son, and Spirit; in his perfections, of which there is a fulness; in his thoughts, counsels, purposes? and decrees, which respect other persons and things; in his works of creat”