While researching deeper into the study of the Trinitarian Doctrine, I realized that there was something to be said about establishing the foundational nature of God.
Scientifically speaking, we categorize living beings according to their nature. For example, while we inherently know that trees and animals are living beings, we can definitely say that these two categories of living beings are not the same.
Within each category, we see even more distinct attributes that apply specifically to an individual class of animals. An invertebrate is an animal that lacks a backbone, whereas a vertebrate is are animals that have a backbone. Mammals are inherently different from birds, which are different from reptiles.
In Genesis, we see that God creates plants and animals according to their kind. From this, we understand that foundationally, living things have a nature that makes them what it is. Hence, the reason why scientists are able to classify animals.
Now, back to the trinity: what makes God, ‘God’?
Difference Between Nature and Person
There is only one nature of God; therefore, God is one. However, within that nature, there are three persons.
The ‘nature’ of God refers to who He is and His divine office. The ‘person’ of God refers to the individual being characterized within this nature.
The Nature of God
If I were to define ‘God’, I would need to look at the ‘genetic’ components that make up the attributes of God’s nature.
I think that asking this question is somewhat on par with asking what makes us human. What are the traits, characteristics, and inevitable and visible attributes of a creature that would cause a scientist to classify it as human?
The term ‘nature’ speaks to the driving force or distinct essence, or trait of an individual.
Applying that to God means that we’re looking for attributes found only in God. I’m talking about the exhibition of a quality, something that can be classified by an observer. However, to do this, we need to turn to the Scripture.
The Bible gives us clear indicators of God’s nature. In my study, I’ve counted eleven distinct attributes that apply only to God.
The nature of God is:
- Eternal and Timeless
- Omnipresent
- Ethereal and Non-material
- Immutable and Constant
- Trustworthy
- Sovereign
- Righteous and Good
- Omniscient
- Esoteric and Inexplainable
- Omnipotent
- Holy
Before we could begin to apply any of these traits to the persons of God, we needed to understand what these traits are and how they’re supported by Scripture.
You’ll see, throughout this, how each person in the Godhead is compared to these unique attributes.
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The First Four: Eternal, Omnipresent, Formless, and Immutable
The first and most important defining qualities of God speak specifically to His existence. When God revealed Himself to Moses at the burning bush, He told Moses to tell the Israelites that His name is ‘I AM THAT I AM’.
God told Moses that He simply exists. He was not created nor can He be destroyed. He is timeless and present. He is not made of any substance; He has no beginning.
Eternal/Timeless
Both eternal and timeless can be used interchangeably. Eternal refers to a state of how long something will last. So, eternal can mean everlasting or perpetual (unending).
Timelessness refers to limitation. Thus, something that is timeless rests outside the boundaries of time, not affected by the way time moves.
God being both eternal and timeless signifies His infinite duration. He has no beginning, dwells outside the boundaries of time, and remains unaffected by the movement of time itself. In fact, God is the one who controls time.
In the book of Revelation, three times John heard from God that He was the Alpha and Omega.
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 21:6
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:13
God set Himself as the boundaries of time. He begins time, and He also ends it.
The Psalmist, David, praised God’s eternal nature, saying that before the world was even formed, God was from everlasting to everlasting.
Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.
Psalms 90:2 NIV
God’s timeless nature also means that He extends indefinitely. The prophet Isaiah says that God is the Creator of all, never growing weary. He does not grow old nor does He expire. He cannot be measured or counted, and thus we cannot use earthly tools to measure or ‘prove’ God.
Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; His understanding is unsearchable.
Isaiah 40:28 ESV
Omnipresent
Some people tend to categorize omnipresence with timelessness. However, omnipresence is one of the properties of God’s timeless nature. God, however, attributes His omnipresence as something more than just a nature, but rather His name.
Omnipresent is defined as being present in all places at all times. Because God is not bound to time, He can be with us in the present, existing within all timelines simultaneously.
When Jesus was questioned about His authority and knowledge, He established Himself as being there during both the time of Abraham and Moses.
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 8:58 ESV
God’s immediacy leaves no loss of time, and because He is present and observable, He is the here and the now.
His presence means that He is mindful, observant, and attentive in our daily lives. It also means He is fully involved in our actions and present in our circumstances.
Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
Psalms 139:7-8 ESV
The Lord (YHWH) said to the prophet, Jeremiah:
“Am I only a God nearby,” declares the Lord, “and not a God far away? Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” declares the Lord.
Jeremiah 23:23-24 NIV
Ethereal/Nonmaterial
Both ethereal and nonmaterial refer to the nature of God that is non-created. Lacking any physical form or substance is also a derivative of God’s omnipresence and timelessness.
Most times, we say that God is spirit, but it’s essential to understand that God is formless, not made of any substance that is tangible or observable.
God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever. Amen.
1 Timothy 6:15-16 NIV
When Jesus spoke to the woman at the well, He defined one attribute of God, the Father, in relationship to how we ought to worship Him.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
John 4:24
Jesus Himself also takes part in this attribute. In fact, Paul, when speaking to the churches, explains that Christ left His invisible (formless) nature to take on the nature of man.
The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17 NIV
For His invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20 ESV
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though He was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:5-7 ESV
God is beyond space, time, or matter. He’s not bound to a construct and thus cannot be contained within any vessel.
When Solomon prayed to dedicate the temple and the ark of the covenant, which was brought to the temple, he declared that despite his efforts, he understood that God could not be contained within anything.
But will God really dwell on earth? The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you. How much less this temple I have built!
1 Kings 8:27 NIV
On that note, we should also understand that God’s formlessness is different from that of angels. Angels are not merely spiritual beings. They, like us, are created beings, made of material. From a scientific perspective, I could say that angels are made of a substance that we as humans are unable to observe with our natural eyes unless they choose to reveal themselves.
God, though formless, can choose whom He reveals Himself to. His formless nature allows Him to remain unseen, but to also choose who He wants to reveal Himself to.
No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, He has made Him known.
John 1:18 ESV
Immutable/Constant
Because God is eternal, omnipresent, and formless, He is also unchanging. Immutability refers to one’s incapability to change. Constant refers to someone who is consistently reliable, present, and available.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
Hebrews 13:8 ESV
As a lover of mathematics, I specifically understand the term constant. In algebra, a variable refers to a number that is unknown and interchangeable. However, a constant value is fixed and known. It is dependable.
The Psalmist says that God’s word is firmly fixed.
Forever, O Lord, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.
Psalms 119:89 ESV
God’s nature is secure, reliable, steadfast, and sound. He is the rock, a solid foundation because He is fixed.
So when God desired to show more convincingly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeable character of His purpose, He guaranteed it with an oath.
Hebrews 6:17 ESV
God’s immutable nature covers His creation, and speaks to His adherence and determination. This, in turn, precedes God’s trustworthy nature.
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for He cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 2:13 ESV
Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
Matthew 24:35 ESV
Until Next Time…
As you continue in this series, I hope that clarity and the strengthening of your faith will be at the forefront of your spiritual growth.
Signed,
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