The 10 attributes of God and their meaning are: self-existence, transcendence, immanence, immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, sovereignty, holiness, and goodness. These attributes reveal the character of God.
10 Attributes of God and Their Meaning
When we speak of God’s attributes, we are talking about characteristics that help us understand who He truly is. Here is a deeper exploration of 10 attributes of God, along with theological insights, scriptural connections, and practical applications.
1. Self-Existence (Exodus 3:14)
A. Definition
God’s self-existence means He has no beginning or end. His existence is not dependent on anything outside Himself. He alone exists eternally, needing nothing to sustain Him. Unlike created beings, He was never made and will never cease to be. His nature remains unchanging and independent of time or space.
Human understanding struggles to grasp a being without origin, yet Scripture affirms this truth. Everything in creation depends on something else for existence, but God alone exists by His own power. This attribute distinguishes Him from all that is finite and temporal.
B. Theological Insights
God’s self-existence signifies that He is the uncaused cause of everything. He does not derive life from another source but is life itself. His eternal nature means He is not confined by time, decay, or limitations. Because He always exists, His purposes remain steadfast and unchanging.
This truth also confirms His absolute sovereignty. No external force can alter or limit Him. Since He depends on nothing, His power and authority remain unchallenged. He alone defines reality, for His being is the foundation of all that exists.
C. Scriptural Connections
Exodus 3:14 reveals God’s self-existence when He declares, “I AM WHO I AM.” This name emphasizes His eternal, unchanging nature. Psalm 90:2 affirms that before creation, “from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” His existence is infinite and without origin.
John 1:1-5 proclaims Jesus as the divine Word who existed “in the beginning” and through whom all things were made. His life is self-sustained, just as the Father’s. These passages highlight God’s unchanging and eternal being.
D. Practical Applications
Understanding God’s self-existence fosters deep trust in His promises. Since He is unchanging and eternal, His love and faithfulness never waver. Believers can find security in His unshakable nature, knowing He remains the same yesterday, today, and forever.
This truth also calls us to worship and humility. Since He alone is self-existent, we must depend on Him rather than ourselves. Recognizing our dependence on God leads us to surrender our lives fully to Him.
2. Transcendence (Isaiah 55:8-9)
A. Definition
God’s transcendence means He exists above and beyond all creation. His greatness surpasses human understanding, and nothing in existence can fully compare to His majesty. He remains independent of the universe while sustaining all things by His power.
B. Theological Insights
God’s transcendence highlights His infinite superiority over creation. No boundaries or limitations can contain Him. He is not subject to time, space, or natural laws. His greatness sets Him apart from everything He has made.
This attribute also affirms His absolute authority. He rules over the heavens and the earth, governing all things according to His perfect wisdom. No one can measure His power, and nothing can hinder His will.
C. Scriptural Connections
Isaiah 57:15 declares that God dwells in a high and holy place, yet He remains close to the humble. Psalm 113:5-6 asks, “Who is like the Lord our God, the One who sits enthroned on high?” emphasizing His unmatched supremacy.
John 8:23 records Jesus’ words, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world.” His statement reveals His divine nature and heavenly origin, reinforcing God’s transcendence.
D. Practical Applications
Recognizing God’s transcendence cultivates awe and reverence in worship. His greatness calls for deep humility, reminding us that He alone deserves our devotion. We should not attempt to reduce Him to human limitations.
This truth also provides comfort in trials. Since God exists above and beyond creation, nothing is too great for Him to handle. His power ensures that He is in control, no matter how chaotic life seems.
3. Immanence (Jeremiah 23:23-24)
A. Definition
God’s immanence means He is actively present in His creation. He is not distant or detached but deeply involved in the lives of His people. His presence is personal, and He continually works within the world to sustain, guide, and bless His creation.
B. Theological Insights
God’s immanence affirms that He is near and intimately involved with humanity. Though He is transcendent and far above creation, He also chooses to dwell with His people. His presence permeates every aspect of life, ensuring that He is never far from those who seek Him.
This attribute reveals His love and care. A distant deity might lack compassion, but the God of the Bible draws near to His children. He hears prayers, responds to needs, and strengthens believers in their walk with Him.
C. Scriptural Connections
Acts 17:27-28 states, “He is not far from any one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being.” This passage highlights His nearness and involvement in creation. Isaiah 41:10 reassures, “Do not fear, for I am with you.” God’s presence brings comfort and courage.
Haggai 2:5 declares, “My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear!” This verse confirms that God’s presence does not waver. He actively sustains His people, guiding them through challenges and triumphs alike.
D. Practical Applications
Recognizing God’s immanence fosters deep trust and intimacy. Since He is personally involved in our lives, we can approach Him with confidence. Prayer becomes more meaningful when we know that God hears and answers.
This truth also calls us to reflect His presence. As God is near to us, we should draw near to others, offering love, support, and encouragement. Knowing that He walks with us daily strengthens our faith and brings peace in times of uncertainty.
4. Immutability (Malachi 3:6)
A. Definition
God’s immutability means He does not change in His nature, character, or promises. His plans remain firm, and His word stands forever. Unlike creation, which shifts and evolves, God remains constant and unchanging in all circumstances.
B. Theological Insights
God’s immutability provides stability and certainty. His love, justice, and mercy never waver. He remains the same throughout eternity, ensuring that His promises and purposes never fail. This truth brings confidence in salvation, as He remains faithful to His covenant.
C. Scriptural Connections
Hebrews 13:8 states, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” James 1:17 affirms, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father… who does not change.”
D. Practical Applications
Recognizing God’s immutability strengthens faith. Believers can rely on His unchanging nature, knowing that His promises remain true. This truth also inspires steadfastness, encouraging believers to reflect God’s unwavering character in their daily lives.
5. Omnipotence (Romans 11:36)
A. Definition
God’s omnipotence means He possesses unlimited power. Nothing can challenge His strength, and no force can oppose His sovereign will. He alone holds absolute authority over all creation, demonstrating His almighty nature in everything He accomplishes. His power is neither constrained by external forces nor diminished by time or circumstances. He can accomplish all things that are in harmony with His nature and perfect will.
B. Theological Insights
God’s omnipotence affirms that He can accomplish whatever He wills. He created the universe by His word, demonstrating unmatched power. The vastness of the cosmos, the complexity of life, and the forces of nature all testify to His limitless strength. His power upholds and sustains creation, ensuring that everything remains in order according to His divine plan.
This attribute also guarantees His victory over evil. No force, whether human or spiritual, can thwart His plans. Satan and all forces of darkness remain under His sovereign rule. His omnipotence ensures that His promises will come to pass, His justice will be executed, and His mercy will triumph. Since God’s power is absolute, nothing occurs outside of His control, and all things ultimately serve His divine purpose.
C. Scriptural Connections
- Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” This verse highlights God’s limitless ability to create and sustain all things.
- Psalm 115:3 – “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him.” His will is supreme, and no external force can hinder His purposes.
- Ephesians 1:11 – “In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will.” God’s omnipotence ensures that all things unfold according to His perfect wisdom and plan.
- Hebrews 1:3 – “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.” This verse confirms that God’s power not only created the universe but also upholds and sustains it moment by moment.
D. Practical Applications
Recognizing God’s omnipotence strengthens faith. Believers can trust Him to provide, protect, and fulfill His promises. His unlimited power assures that nothing can prevent His plans from unfolding. When facing trials, difficulties, or seemingly impossible situations, we can rely on His power rather than our limited strength.
This truth also calls for surrender. Since God alone is almighty, we should rely on Him rather than ourselves. Worshiping an all-powerful God leads to confidence, peace, and unwavering hope in His ability to accomplish all things. Understanding His omnipotence encourages believers to pray boldly, knowing that nothing is beyond His reach. It also brings assurance that no struggle, enemy, or hardship is greater than God’s power to redeem, restore, and deliver.
6. Omnipresence (Psalm 139:7-10)
A. Definition
God’s omnipresence means He is everywhere at all times. He exists fully in every place without being limited by space or time. No part of creation is beyond His reach or outside His presence. He is present in the highest heavens, the deepest seas, and the most hidden places of the earth. His presence is not divided or spread thin; rather, He is fully present in all places at all times.
B. Theological Insights
God’s omnipresence affirms that He is not confined to a single location. He dwells in the heavens, on earth, and beyond. He is not like created beings who are limited to one place at a time. Because He is infinite, His presence is equally full in every part of the universe.
This attribute reassures believers that they are never alone. He remains close whether in times of joy or suffering. His omnipresence means He sees all, hears all, and knows all that happens in creation. He is not distant or detached but near to His people, offering comfort, guidance, and protection.
C. Scriptural Connections
- Psalm 139:7-10 declares, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” emphasizing God’s inescapable presence. Whether in heaven or the depths of the sea, He is there.
- Job 11:7-9 states that God’s presence is higher than the heavens and deeper than the depths, confirming His limitless reach.
- 1 Kings 8:27 proclaims, “The heavens, even the highest heaven, cannot contain you,” affirming His unbounded nature.
- Jeremiah 23:23-24 reminds us that God fills heaven and earth, and no one can hide from Him.
D. Practical Applications
Understanding God’s omnipresence brings comfort. No situation separates us from His presence. He remains near in every trial and triumph. In moments of loneliness, believers can find peace knowing that God is always with them.
This truth also calls for accountability. Since He sees and knows all, believers must live with integrity. His presence encourages obedience, faithfulness, and deepened fellowship in prayer and worship. Whether in secret or in public, His eyes remain upon His creation, calling His people to holiness and trust in His ever-present care.
7. Omniscience (Hebrews 4:13)
A. Definition
God’s omniscience means He knows all things perfectly—past, present, and future. No event, thought, or action escapes His understanding. His knowledge has no limits because He exists outside of time and sees all of history in a single, eternal moment. No creature is hidden from Him, and no secret remains unknown. Unlike human wisdom, which grows over time, God’s knowledge has always been complete and unchanging.
B. Theological Insights
God’s omniscience affirms that He knows everything in full detail. He does not learn new information, nor does He forget anything. His understanding is perfect, requiring no discovery, reasoning, or investigation. Since He possesses all knowledge, He makes no mistakes and needs no advice or correction.
This attribute also highlights His divine wisdom. He does not simply know facts; He applies His knowledge with perfect judgment. His decisions are always right because He sees every possibility and understands every consequence. This means His plans are flawless and His guidance is trustworthy.
C. Scriptural Connections
- Hebrews 4:13 declares, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before His eyes.”
- 1 John 3:20 states, “God is greater than our hearts, and He knows everything,” confirming His complete knowledge of our thoughts and intentions.
- Psalm 147:5 proclaims, “Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.”
- Romans 11:33 praises God’s wisdom and knowledge, declaring that His judgments are unsearchable and His ways beyond tracing out.
- Matthew 10:29-30 shows God’s intimate knowledge, affirming that He even knows the number of hairs on our heads.
D. Practical Applications
God’s omniscience brings deep comfort to believers. He knows every struggle, pain, and fear, and He understands our needs before we ask. His perfect knowledge means that His plans for His people are always for their good. When life feels uncertain, we can trust that He sees the full picture.
This truth also calls us to live with honesty and integrity. Since nothing is hidden from Him, we cannot deceive God. His complete knowledge encourages genuine repentance, humility, and a desire to align our lives with His will. Knowing that He sees all should lead us to obedience, trust, and a deeper relationship with Him.
8. Sovereignty (Genesis 14:17)
A. Definition
God’s sovereignty means He possesses supreme authority and control over all things. Nothing happens by chance, and no event is beyond His rule. He governs the universe with absolute wisdom, ensuring that His purposes always come to pass. His sovereignty does not negate human responsibility, but it guarantees that His will is ultimately accomplished. Because He reigns supreme, nothing can overpower, surprise, or frustrate His plans.
B. Theological Insights
God’s sovereignty assures that He orchestrates all things according to His perfect plan. Every detail of history unfolds under His control, from the rise of nations to the smallest personal event. He directs all things, not as a distant observer but as an active ruler working for His glory.
His sovereignty extends over human decisions, natural events, and even the plans of the wicked. Though people make choices freely, God still directs outcomes according to His will. Even suffering and evil serve His divine purposes, though He remains unstained by sin. Nothing occurs outside His permission, and all things ultimately serve His good purposes.
C. Scriptural Connections
- Psalm 115:3 declares, “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever pleases Him,” emphasizing His absolute rule over all things.
- Romans 9:15 affirms God’s right to show mercy and justice as He wills, demonstrating His sovereign control over salvation.
- Proverbs 19:21 states, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails,” highlighting His supreme authority.
- Isaiah 46:9-10 proclaims, “I make known the end from the beginning… My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
- Daniel 4:35 declares that no one can stop or question God’s plans, confirming that His sovereignty is absolute.
D. Practical Applications
God’s sovereignty brings great peace. Believers can trust that nothing happens randomly or outside His control. In times of hardship, this truth offers security, reminding us that even our trials serve a divine purpose. Because He reigns supreme, we can rest in His perfect plan, knowing He works all things for good.
This truth also calls for humility and surrender. Since God is sovereign, we must submit to His will rather than resist His plans. Pride leads people to question His authority, but faith leads to trust. Accepting His sovereignty encourages obedience, prayer, and a deepened reliance on His wisdom rather than our own understanding.
9. Holiness (Exodus 3:5-6)
A. Definition
Holiness refers to God’s moral perfection and complete purity. He is set apart, utterly distinct from His creation, and untainted by sin. God’s holiness is the foundation of His character, making Him worthy of worship and reverence. His holiness reveals His absolute moral integrity and His separateness from anything impure or defiled.
B. Theological Insights
God’s holiness distinguishes Him from everything else. Unlike humans, who struggle with sin, He remains untouched by corruption. His holiness sets Him apart from creation, making Him worthy of worship. This attribute encompasses both His moral purity and His supreme greatness.
God’s holiness demands justice. He does not overlook sin but judges it according to His perfect righteousness. At the same time, His holiness provides the foundation for His grace. Though humanity falls short, He extends mercy through Jesus Christ, who makes people holy through His sacrifice. Holiness, therefore, is both a reason for reverence and a source of hope.
C. Scriptural Connections
- 1 Samuel 2:2 proclaims, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you,” affirming His uniqueness.
- Isaiah 6:3 describes angels crying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty,” emphasizing the infinite depth of His holiness.
- Revelation 4:8 echoes this eternal declaration, showing that His holiness remains unchanging.
- Psalm 99:9 calls people to worship, saying, “Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain, for the Lord our God is holy.”
- Leviticus 19:2 commands, “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy,” revealing that His holiness sets the standard for His people.
D. Practical Applications
God’s holiness calls believers to live in righteousness. Since He is morally perfect, His people must strive for purity in their thoughts, actions, and words. Pursuing holiness means turning away from sin and drawing closer to Him through obedience and faith.
Holiness also fosters deep reverence in worship. Recognizing God’s absolute purity should lead to awe and humility. True worship acknowledges His greatness and responds with gratitude and devotion. Because He is holy, believers should approach Him with both confidence and deep respect, knowing that He is both just and merciful.
10. Goodness (Psalm 25:8)
A. Definition
God’s goodness means He is kind, generous, and forgiving in all He does. He is the source of all that is good. His goodness is not dependent on circumstances or human actions; it remains constant and unchanging. Unlike people, whose goodness may waver, God always acts with perfect love and justice. His goodness extends to all creation, providing life, sustenance, and redemption. Because He is good, His mercy and grace flow freely to those who seek Him.
B. Theological Insights
God’s goodness is foundational to His character. Every action He takes stems from His perfect moral nature. He does not simply do good things—He is good by nature. His goodness ensures that He is always just, merciful, and loving in His dealings with humanity.
His goodness also reveals His patience and grace. Though humanity sins against Him, He continues to offer forgiveness and redemption. His goodness draws people to repentance, leading them to trust in His steadfast love. Because He is good, His plans for His people are always for their ultimate benefit, even when difficulties arise.
C. Scriptural Connections
- Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.”
- James 1:17 declares, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.”
- Exodus 34:6 describes God as “abounding in goodness and truth,” highlighting His merciful nature.
- Romans 2:4 states that “God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance,” showing how His goodness calls sinners to Him.
- Nahum 1:7 reassures, “The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble; He cares for those who trust in Him.”
D. Practical Applications
God’s goodness provides comfort in times of trouble. Since He is good, believers can trust that He works all things for their good, even when situations seem difficult. His kindness assures that He never abandons His children.
His goodness also calls believers to reflect His character. Just as God is kind, generous, and forgiving, His people should extend the same love to others. Living in His goodness means practicing compassion, showing mercy, and offering grace to those in need. His goodness should inspire gratitude, leading to a life of joyful worship and trust in His perfect plan.
Conclusion
The attributes of God reveal His infinite greatness and unique character, setting Him apart as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The 10 attributes of God—self-existence, transcendence, immanence, immutability, omnipotence, omnipresence, omniscience, sovereignty, holiness, and goodness—provide a deeper understanding of who God is and how He interacts with creation.
As we reflect on these truths, we are called to respond with awe, trust, and worship. God’s attributes are not abstract concepts but realities that shape our faith and daily lives. By meditating on His character, we find comfort, guidance, and hope in the One who is perfectly faithful and eternally worthy of our devotion.
Resource Material
Biblical Doctrine by John MacArthur and Richard Mayhue
Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem
Christian Theology by Millard J. Erickson