Using Illustrations and Examples to Apply God's Attributes
Illustrating God's Attributes
The Bible uses various illustrations and examples to convey the attributes of God, making the divine character more relatable and understandable to humanity. One of the primary ways this is achieved is through the lives and actions of biblical figures, particularly Jesus Christ, who is often cited as the ultimate example of God's attributes in action [1, 2].
Christ's humility, for instance, is highlighted as a key attribute that believers should emulate. The biblical account of Jesus washing his disciples' feet (John 13:14-15) is a powerful illustration of humility in action [1]. Similarly, the apostle Paul encourages believers to adopt the same mindset as Christ, who humbled himself to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:5-8) [1].
The Psalms also provide rich illustrations of God's attributes. Psalm 8, for example, marvels at God's glory and greatness, highlighting his condescension towards humanity [7]. The Psalmist's reflection on God's character serves as a reminder of the divine attributes that are worthy of praise and adoration.
In addition to biblical figures and poetic reflections, the Bible uses everyday experiences and natural phenomena to illustrate God's attributes. The parables of Jesus, such as the mustard seed (Matthew 13:31-33), are classic examples of this approach [5]. These illustrations help to convey complex theological concepts in a more accessible and memorable way.
The Reformed tradition, as represented by Calvin, emphasizes the importance of understanding God's attributes in relation to his nature and character. Calvin's commentary on Isaiah highlights the infinite power of God and the futility of attempting to represent him through images or likenesses [6]. This underscores the need for careful consideration and reverence when exploring the attributes of God.
The use of illustrations and examples to convey God's attributes is not limited to the biblical text itself. Christian interpreters and theologians have long employed a range of literary and rhetorical devices to elucidate the divine character. The works of Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, for instance, provide detailed explanations of biblical passages that illustrate God's attributes, such as his holiness and faithfulness [3, 4].
Sources
- 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, ”
- 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:”
- Proverbs (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Proverbs 30:8: vanity--all sorts of sinful acts (Job 11:11; Isa 5:18).”
- Genesis (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Genesis 3:13: beguiled--cajoled by flattering lies. This sin of the first pair was heinous and aggravated--it was not simply eating an apple, but a love of self, dishonor to God, ingratitude to a benefactor, disobedience to the best of Masters--a preference of the creature to the Creator.”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 13:31: 13:31-33 Jesus used surprising, evocative imagery in these parables, either to emphasize the inevitable growth of the Kingdom through proclamation of the gospel or, more probably, to emphasize the contrast between insignificant beginnings and glorious consummation, and to exhort the disciples to patience (see also 16:24–17:13).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Isaiah, Vol. 3, section 8.30: in guarding the Jews against distrust, at the same time condemns the superstitions of the Gentiles, and declares that it is inconsistent with the nature of God to be represented by painting or by any kind of likeness. This shews clearly that Paul’s doctrine fully agrees with it; for the Prophet, after having shewn that the power of God is infinite, since he holds all things in his fist, at length concludes, “To whom then will ye liken me? for no image that is formed will have any likeness or resemblance to me.” Or, what resemblance will you a”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 8:3: The allusion to the magnificence of the visible heavens is introduced for the purpose of illustrating God's condescension, who, though the mighty Creator of these glorious worlds of light, makes man the object of regard and recipient of favor.”