Biblical Examples of God's Character in Scripture
Biblical Examples of God's Character in Scripture
The Bible portrays God's character through various attributes and actions. One of the primary ways God's character is revealed is through creation, as seen in Genesis 1:27, where it is written that God created humanity in His own image [5]. This establishes a foundational aspect of God's character: His relational nature and the value He places on humanity.
Throughout Scripture, God's character is further revealed through His interactions with humanity. In Psalms, God's word is described as displaying His character and power (Psalms 33:4) [6]. The psalmist also highlights God's justice, love, fairness, and righteousness as qualities of His rule (Psalms 99:4) [7]. Additionally, God's consistent demonstration of His character toward all creation is noted in Psalms 145:8-9 [8].
The character of God is also reflected in His commands to humanity. In Exodus 23:7, God's character serves as a motive for righteous behavior among His people [9]. The biblical emphasis on holiness, as seen in Leviticus 11:45 and 1 Peter 1:15-16, underscores God's holy character and the expectation that His people will reflect this holiness [1].
Christ's life and teachings further illustrate God's character. Jesus is described as an example of humility (Matthew 11:29; Philippians 2:5-8) and devotedness to God (John 4:34; 17:4) [2, 3]. The author of Hebrews points to Jesus as the "author and perfecter of faith" who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2) [4]. This demonstrates God's character through Christ's perseverance and sacrifice.
The biblical portrayal of God's character is multifaceted, encompassing attributes such as holiness, justice, love, and righteousness. Through creation, Scripture, and the life of Christ, God's character is revealed to humanity, providing a foundation for understanding His relationship with the world and His expectations for His people.
In the view of one Reformed tradition, Calvin interprets the creation account in Genesis as foundational to understanding God's character and humanity's role in the world [10]. This interpretation underscores the significance of Genesis 1:27 in establishing the image of God in humanity.
The biblical examples of God's character serve as a basis for the Christian understanding of God's nature and His interaction with humanity. By examining these examples, one can gain insight into the complexities of God's character as presented in Scripture.
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: 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: 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”
- Hebrews “looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. -- Hebrews 12:2”
- Genesis “God created man in his own image. In God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. -- Genesis 1:27”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 33:4: 33:4-7 God’s word displays his character and his power.”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 99:4: 99:4 The qualities of the Lord’s rule include strength, justice, love, fairness, and righteousness (see 93:4; 97:2, 6-7, 12; 98:2-3, 9; 138:6).”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 145:8: 145:8-9 God consistently demonstrates his character toward all his creation (see 136:25).”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 23:7: 23:7 God’s character is the motive for righteous behavior (see 22:22-24, 27).”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 28.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1-6 1:1-31 1:2 1:28 1:29-30 2:1 2:1-25 2:15 2:19 3:1 3:1-24 3:7 3:16 4:1 4:1-26 4:7 5:1 5:1-32 6:1 6:1-22 6:11-16 7:1-24 7:11 8:1-22 9:1 9:1 9:1-29 9:2 9:24 10 10:1 10:1 10:1-32 10:21 11:1 11:1 11:1-32 11:28 12:1 12:1 12:1 12:1-20 12:4 12:4 12:6 13:1 13:1-20 14:1-24 15:1-21 15:7 16:1-16 16:2 16:8 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1-27 18:1 18:1 18:1-33 18:19 19:1-38 20:1 20:1 20:1-18 21:1-34 21:15 22:1-24 22:18 23:1-20 24:31 25:1 25:13-16 35:7 48:1 Exodus 6:3 12:40 Leviticus 7:18 17:4 18:25 Numbers 6:2”