Informing Our Understanding of God's Character with Biblical Examples
Understanding God's Character through Biblical Examples
The Bible provides numerous examples that inform our understanding of God's character. One key aspect is God's holiness, which is presented as a standard for humanity [1]. The biblical text commands believers to be holy, just as God is holy (Leviticus 11:45; 1 Peter 1:15-16). This call to holiness is grounded in the character of God and is exemplified in Jesus Christ, who is described as an example of holiness (Hebrews 7:26; 1 Peter 2:21-22) [1].
The biblical account also highlights God's love and compassion. The apostle John writes that God's love is demonstrated through the gift of Jesus Christ, making believers children of God (1 John 3:1) [4]. This love is not limited to humanity's relationship with God but is also reflected in how believers are to treat one another. For instance, James notes the inconsistency of cursing humans, who are made in God's image, with the tongue that blesses God (James 3:9) [3].
The character of God is further illuminated through the concept of devotedness. Believers are called to be devoted to God, following the example set by Christ (John 4:34; 17:4). This devotedness is grounded in the mercies of God, the goodness of God, and the call of God (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:12) [2]. The biblical text emphasizes that this devotion should be comprehensive, involving not just the spirit but also the body and material possessions (1 Corinthians 6:20; Romans 12:1).
The understanding of God's character is also shaped by the biblical portrayal of God's relationship with humanity. The Old Testament describes God's interactions with Israel, where He tests their character to reveal what is in their hearts (Deuteronomy 8:2). This anthropomorphic language, assigning human characteristics to God, helps humans grasp God's ways, even though God is not limited in the same manner [5].
In Christian tradition, the understanding of God's character has been further developed through the interpretation of biblical texts. For example, Calvin's commentary on Isaiah highlights the certainty of God's revelation to believers through the gospel [6]. Similarly, the Puritan tradition, as represented by Matthew Henry's commentary on 1 John, emphasizes the importance of understanding Christ's person and excellency for communion with God and Christ [7].
The biblical examples and the interpretations of these examples across different Christian traditions contribute to a rich understanding of God's character. They emphasize God's holiness, love, and the call to devotedness, providing a foundation for the Christian life.
The biblical portrayal of God's character continues to shape Christian thought and practice, with various traditions offering insights into the nature and attributes of God. As such, the study of biblical examples remains essential for deepening one's understanding of God's character.
Sources
- 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: Devotedness to God — A characteristic of saints -- Job 23:12. Christ, an example of -- Joh 4:34; 17:4. Grounded upon The mercies of God. -- Ro 12:1. The goodness of God. -- 1Sa 12:24. The call of God. -- 1Th 2:12. The death of Christ. -- 2Co 5:15. Our creation. -- Ps 86:9. Our preservation. -- Isa 46:4. Our redemption. -- 1Co 6:19,20. Should be With our spirit. -- 1Co 6:20; 1Pe 4:6. With our bodies. -- Ro 12:1; 1Co 6:20. With our members. -- Ro 6:12,13; 1Pe 4:2. With our substance. -- Ex 22:29; Pr 3:9. Unreserved. -- Mt 6:24; Lu 14:33. Abounding. -- 1Th 4:1. Persever”
- James “With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in the image of God. -- James 3:9”
- I John “I John 3:1 (BSB) — Behold what manner of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God. And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know Him.”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 8:2: 8:2 to prove your character (literally to know what is in your heart): God already knew the Israelites’ innermost thoughts (Pss 51:6; 139:1, 4, 23); he wanted their character to come out in their actions. • to find out whether: The Old Testament often describes God in human terms, even in ways that appear to limit God. Anthropomorphism (assigning human characteristics to God) and anthropopathism (assigning human feelings or emotions to God) are ways of representing God on a human level so the human mind can better grasp his ways, but God is not limited in his ”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 2, section 13.15: to the kingdom of Christ, we derive from them this valuable fruit, that Christians, unless they are wanting to themselves, and reject the grace of God, have undoubted truth on which they may safely rely. God has removed all ground of doubt, and has revealed himself to them in such a manner, that they may venture freely to declare that they know with certainty what is his will, and may say with truth what Christ said to the Samaritan woman, “We worship what we know.” ( John 4:22 .) Having been informed by the gospel as to the grace offered th”
- 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).”