Incommunicable attributes of god Understanding both incommunicable and communicable attributes enriches our theological knowledge and enhances our relationship with God, guiding us in worship and daily living. Pratt, Jr. In our first article we also discussed the two main types of attributes or characteristics of God. Sep 29, 2016 · By teaching the incommunicable attributes, we raise our knowledge of God so that we might be stirred to worship God with more full-throated and frenetic joy. One of God's incommunicable attributes is omniscience, that is, his ability to know everything. These emphasize the absolute distinction Quiz yourself with questions and answers for The incommunicable attributes of God Quiz, so you can be ready for test day. Allison, page 73) “The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. Omniscience I talked with someone after class last period, and he was asking about Molinism, and I mentioned to him Aug 11, 2013 · Last week we began a series on the incommunicable attributes of God. " • Second, establishing a clear and concise difference between communicable and incommunicable attributes of God is challenging. We can define these attributes, but we often do not fully comprehend But nowhere does Scripture command us, “Be omnipresent because God is omnipresent,” or “Be self-existent because God is self-existent. Apr 26, 2022 · Yet, God did not endow humans with all of His attributes, hence why man stands at a lower rank than even the angels (Hebrews 2:7). Sep 2, 2014 · Learn what makes God unique and distinct from His creation, such as His self-existence, infinity, holiness, and sovereignty. Answer I think it's very important to understand what are the communicable attributes of God and what are the incommunicable attributes of God. 10. By contrast, an incommunicable attribute is one that cannot be transferred to his creatures. He offers hope, purpose, and transformation to all who seek Him. Admittedly, this attempt to describe briefly the incommunicable and communicable attributes of God is less than satisfactory. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Incommunicable Attributes, What is the difference between incommunicable versus communicable attributes?, Why is God incomprehensible? What are we not able to do (give examples)? and more. The primary difference between incommunicable and communicable attributes lies in their ability to be shared or "communicated" with God's creation. Another, perhaps more understandable, way of saying it is that these are attributes we have in common with God. 77:13; The attributes of God are the inherent characteristics and qualities that define the nature and essence of God as revealed in the Bible. That's why we call them Communicable (moral) attributes1 The communicable or moral attributes of God are those attributes God shares with us. Understanding God’s incommunicable attributes like His independence and immutability, and His communicable attributes such as holiness and love, reveals His character. For example, it is impossible for God to create another god, for everything created is, by definition, a creature. Reformed theology has historically distinguished between "Incommunicable" and "Communicable" attributes of God. These attributes, revealed in Scripture, provide a comprehensive picture of God’s nature and character, both in terms of His incommunicable attributes (such as omniscience, omnipotence, and immutability) and His communicable attributes (such as love, holiness, and justice). Understanding these attributes is key to recognizing the greatness and uniqueness of our Creator. Jun 16, 2023 · God’s incommunicable attributes are things that only God can have and that make Him distinct from creation. ) In summary, the incommunicable attributes of God emphasize His infinity and perfection, setting Him apart from the world. Incommunicable attributes are those characteristics of God that He cannot and will not share with His creatures. While God’s communicable attributes are those that can be communicated and imitated by his image-bearers (love, justice, goodness, wrath, and so on), we can’t mirror his incommunicable attributes. So, see you then. Like most theological classifications Mar 4, 2025 · Different ways can be used to categorize God’s attributes, but a common approach is to distinguish between communicable and incommunicable attributes. While the incommunicable attributes emphasize the absolute Being of God, the communicable attributes stress the fact that He enters into various relations with His creatures. This term might sound complex, but it simply refers to characteristics of God that He does not share with anyone else. Explore how these attributes reveal God's glory and His relationship with His people. Jan 12, 2017 · God’s incommunicable attributes point to the way in which God is different from us and the way in which He transcends us. In the next lesson, we will continue this exploration of God's attributes by looking at the God of knowledge. I will explain that more once when Sep 26, 2019 · Reading Systematic Theology with Wayne Grudem – How is God like us in attributes of will and in attributes that summarize his excellence? May 10, 2018 · We always need to remember that God is the sum of all perfections. Jan 31, 2024 · God is described in the Bible as having both communicable and incommunicable attributes. Without the authority of the Bible, any attempt to explain God’s attributes (inherent qualities) would be no better than an opinion, which by itself is often incorrect, especially in understanding God (Job 42:7). This classification of God's attributes into two major categories is helpful, and V. God’s incommunicable attributes show us that He is not a projection of ourselves but a being of infinite majesty and mystery. Incomprehensible: Because God is God, He is beyond the understanding of humans. God’s eternality means He has no beginning or end. Jan 12, 2017 · Theologians often like to use fancy words to describe biblical teaching and categories. His ways, character, and acts are higher than ours. Communicable Attributes are ways which we share with God are love, ability to have knowledge, mercy, or justice. The first article is on the incommunicable attributes of God which is a fancy way of saying the attributes that only God possesses. This form of worship transforms our hearts and minds, shifting our focus from ourselves to the Communicable (moral) attributes1 The communicable or moral attributes of God are those attributes God shares with us. God who is transcendent, this self-sufficient God who exist in and of Himself complete sufficient, full, rich, infinitely possessing of every quality by Richard L. Mar 27, 2019 · For Bavinck, the incommunicable attributes of God (independence, immutability, infinity, unity) guard the Godness of God by articulating the “ way in which all that is in God exists in him” (Bavinck, Our Reasonable Faith, 137). Mercy Jan 20, 2020 · In his theological summary of Christian doctrine, Our Reasonable Faith, Herman Bavinck provides a number of illuminating points about the attributes of God---namely, their incommunicable and communicable attributes. Incommunicable Attributes C. These truths don’t push us away from Him—they draw us closer in wonder and worship. Incommunicable May 15, 2024 · Explore the distinction between communicable and incommunicable attributes in this insightful article. The Bible provides a comprehensive picture of God's attributes, which can be categorized into communicable and incommunicable attributes. In our search to see how God bestowed Himself in us, we’ll discover what He shared with mankind (communicable attributes) and what qualities belong to Him and Him alone (incommunicable attributes). A few examples are “God is self-existent,” “God is infinite,” and “God is immutable. The mystery of God as triune (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) is wedded to the conviction that God is personal and displays his character in all of his actions. The document examines each attribute and how believers should respond to learning about God's perfect May 15, 2018 · God's communicable attributes show us how to reflect God as Christ did. He neither needs nor depends on us for his divine life. May 9, 2016 · God's incommunicable attributes belong to him alone. 1. Read: Chapter 11: The Character of God: "Incommunicable" Attributes Q4: What is the difference between the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God? Q5: In your own words, define the following incommunicable attributes: independence, unchangeableness, eternity, and omnipresence. Jun 5, 2019 · The classical categories of God’s attributes are his communicable and incommunicable attributes. The Attributes of God by Louis Berkhof God reveals Himself not only in His names, but also in His attributes, that is, in the perfections of the divine Being. Aseity refers to God's self-existence. God has some basic attributes that make Him different from angels, human beings and all others created beings. 77:13; cf. Why knowing God’s character, as revealed in the Bible, is vital for a mature faith. We need some way to decide which aspect of God’s character to discuss first, which aspect to discuss second, and so forth. Studying these incommunicable attributes of God is a first step toward understanding the communicable attributes of God. In this lesson, Dr. As we meditate on these divine qualities, our hearts are naturally drawn to praise and adoration. Oct 8, 2025 · The terms, communicable and incommunicable express those attributes of God which are distinct to God alone (Incommunicable) and those which can be found in man albeit in an imperfect and finite resemblance (Communicable). May 7, 2019 · The incommunicable attributes of God are true of God and God alone. Incommunicable Attributes – These are attributes that belong to God alone and are not shared with His creation. ” Like Isaiah, we respond to a vision of God high and lifted up with confession and repentance. For example, God is omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient, sovereign, transcendent, immutable, and self-existent. These ways include God's eternity, unchangeableness, omnipresence, etc. Scholars call the ones on the left are “communicable attributes because God transferred these attributes to mankind when he made us in his image. ” And so most have understood that God has “communicable” and “incommunicable” attributes – attributes that he shares with his creatures and attributes that are unique to him. According to his divine nature, Jesus is infinite, simple, eternal, omnipotent, omniscient, impassable, immutable, and omnipresent. Sproul distinguishes between the communicable and the incommunicable attributes of God and the practical ramifications they have for our lives. Here one finds help in understanding unconditional (agape) love, a God-reality that transcends common human nature and experience but that God makes possible in this limited, human realm. This study walks through God's incommunicable attributes (characteristics that are only true of Him) as well as His communicable attributes (attributes that we are called to reflect). Categorizing God Incommunicable Attributes of God Incommunicable attributes of God are those that He alone possesses and cannot be shared or communicated to His creation. John 4:24). The communicable attributes of God are those attributes of God which are reflected in us who are made in his image and are restored progressively by God's work of grace through his saving work in our life. Pratt Jr. Jan 18, 2021 · Again, what is God answers the One Being of God while who is God refers to the God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Incommunicable Attributes We are in the section on the communicable attributes of God, which are to some measure, to some finite measure, true of us as well, true to at least a portion of the moral creation of God. Nov 13, 2025 · Understanding God’s nature as described in the Bible shapes our faith and daily lives. Apr 30, 2025 · The incommunicable and communicable attributes of God, and why it’s crucial for Christians to understand these essential aspects of His nature. Incommunicable attributes are unique to God and cannot be shared, while communicable attributes can be shared to some extent with his creation. Communicable Attributes (Belong to God & can be reflected in us via the Holy Spirit):HOLINESS: “Your ways, O God, are holy” (Ps. Examples of the communicable attributes would be love, knowledge, mercy or justice. However, it should be noted that the incommunicable attributes also constitute the way in which God possesses the communicable attributes. “God’s incommunicable attributes are those characteristics that cannot be shared with His creatures. For example, holy, for the most part, refers to human beings, created in the image of God, and they Feb 3, 2025 · Incommunicable Attributes A Broadcast with R. In this study we will look very briefly at ten attributes of God. Sep 28, 2022 · Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley discuss and define the incommunicable attributes of God. While fully comprehending who God is impossible for us as limited beings, God does make himself known in a variety of ways, and through what he reveals about himself in his Word When we study the doctrine of God, one of the most important things we’re concerned with is an understanding of His attributes. We gain perspective on what it means that our sin causes us to “fall short of the glory of God. Wayne Grudem [25] Mar 26, 2025 · Knowing that God possesses both incommunicable and communicable attributes protects us from the idea that he is merely a bigger, slightly better version of ourselves. In this article, we’ll start with the communicable attributes of God. It is customary to distinguish between incommunicable and communicable attributes. . It invites us into a relationship with a God who is both transcendent and immanent. It should be remembered, however, that the difference between these two groups of attributes is relative. Studying God’s attributes isn’t just an academic exercise. Jun 16, 2005 · Session Overview What makes God, God? What is the definition of God? What characteristics does God have that make Him worthy of the title God? Having now defined God philosophically as “that which above the arch,” this lesson will further examine what it means to be above the arch. The Incommunicable Attributes of God Introduction: The God Who Is Not Like Us When we think of God, it’s easy to imagine him as simply a stronger, wiser, or more loving version of ourselves. Jul 18, 2025 · At a later time I will provide the scripture references that are associated with each God-trait. Theology for our teens is how we get them to worship in spirit and in truth. ,) where the communicable attributes of God are those that we can also possess (knowledge, love, mercy, etc. This article is going to focus on the communicable attributes which are those characteristics that are shared, partially, with us. In two articles in this issue of Theology for Life Magazine, I’m going to explain what the communicable and incommunicable attributes of God are. God is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable. Examples include His omnipotence, omnipresence, and immutability. There are two categories of attributes of God, and they are communicable and incommunicable attributes. 6:3; 57:15; 1 Peter 1:15-16; Rev. Communicable Attributes This term refers to attributes that are true of God, but are also true in some respect or in some finite measure of at least a portion of his creation. Unlike creatures, God does not depend on anything outside of Himself for His existence. They are true of him and no other. Incommunicable has been understood as attributes that only God has, while Communicable attributes are those that humans possess to a degree. The communicable attributes of God, such as love, wisdom, and justice, are characteristics that people can also possess in a limited way. They tell us who He is and what He is like. Jul 16, 2007 · Learn how God's self-existence, self-sufficiency, immutability, and aseity are revealed in Scripture and contrasted with human nature. God loves and we also love. It’s a life-transforming journey that draws us closer to our Creator. ” (Gregg R. The Language of incommunicable and communicable is most effective in holding together God's transcendence and Aug 4, 2013 · The Incommunicable Attributes of God: Independence Exodus 3:11-14; Acts 17:24-25 Preached by Minister Jason Tarn to HCC on August 4, 2013 God’s attributes do not add anything to God; they simply reveal His nature. Methodology and the Doctrine of God Last time we took a look at two attributes to illustrate the importance of understanding God holistically, that is, this kind of balance of both his transcendence and immanence. This truth provides comfort and security in an ever-changing world. Some of God’s attributes are called “incommunicable attributes,” and others are called “communicable attributes. Understanding Theology - Lesson 2 Attributes of God In this lesson, Dr. Worship becomes an act of acknowledging His greatness and our humble position before Him. He is the uncaused Cause, the Being from Jan 22, 2025 · Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Incommunicable Attributes are ways in which we are not like God. Explore the biblical basis and theological significance of these incommunicable attributes of God. a. How the Church historically addressed false teaching about God. Incommunicable attributes are those that belong to God alone and make Him distinct from His creation. Reeder III (video: 1:53): How Should We Distinguish Between God’s Incommunicable and Communicable Attributes? Matt Slick: What Are The Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes of God? Richard L. God possesses all his communicable attributes in an incommunicable way. Jul 24, 2025 · Theologians sometimes classify God’s attributes as either communicable or incommunicable. Sep 6, 2025 · In this episode of Awakening Destiny, we explore the twelve incommunicable attributes of God—the qualities that belong to Him alone and set Him apart as holy, infinite, and unchanging. Jan 12, 2025 · Behold Your God: The Incommunicable Attributes of God A class by Pastor Stephen Duwe on 1. But Scripture reveals something much greater—and far more humbling. In a previous post, we introduced the attributes of God and those attributes’ division into the categories of “Incommunicable” (qualities possessed by God alone, such as omnipotence, omniscience, and transcendence) and “Communicable” (qualities that both God and we possess Mar 4, 2025 · And that’s because God has what theologians call communicable attributes but also incommunicable attributes. Incommunicable Attributes 1. God’s communicable attributes are those that can be transferred to his creatures, which means they can also be attributes of human beings (such as goodness and love). Righteousness in man is always derivative. Jun 14, 2022 · Incommunicable attributes are those that God doesn’t share with us. However love, to pick another example, is a communicable attribute. Strong, Systematic Theology, 244 Sep 15, 2019 · Blue Letter Bible: The Attributes of God (Overview) Harry L. The difference between God’s communicable and incommunicable attributes. Aseity: God's self-existence and independence from His creation. ” (Núñez, What are the incommunicable attributes of God? 2018) Nyenhuis says, some theologians use the expression of the “unity of God”, that is to say that God cannot be divided among many beings, or otherwise, it is not possible for several beings to share His nature. V. Sproul studies the unique attributes of God that we do not share, characteristics that spur us to worship the Lord in all His holiness and glory. Examples of the incommunicable attributes would be God’s eternity, unchangeableness, or omnipresence. Introduction: The Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes The Attributes of God refers to the character traits of God as they are revealed to us in the Scriptures. God is not. Explore quizzes and practice tests created by teachers and students or create one from your course material. Any change, addition, or subtraction to God is impossible since God is perfect as He is. These include omniscience (the ability to know everything), omnipotence (the ability to do anything), and omnipresence (the ability to be present everywhere), which emphasize the infinite and transcendent nature of God. In the following sections, we’ll explore His timelessness, immutability, omnipresence, INCOMMUNICABLE ATTRIBUTES Infinite: God has no limits or bounds whatsoever in His person or dominion (1 Kings 8:27; Ps. But God is forever the same. Nov 19, 2018 · Why are the communicable and Incommunicable attributes of God important? Because on the one hand, we need to understand that God is unique and greater than we are, yet, on the other hand, God desired to create beings that share aspects of his nature. They teach us to love our May 17, 2018 · The two general categories of God’s attributes The most common way to classify God’s attributes divides them into incommunicable attributes (traits that God doesn’t share or “communicate” to others) and communicable attributes (traits that God shares or “communicates” with us). To study God's attributes is to study his character, to answer questions like, Who is God? and What is God like? This theological infographic classifies God's attributes and divides them into those that are incommunicable (those that he does not share or "communicate" to anyone or anything else) and communicable (those that he shares with other beings). Dec 12, 2024 · Explore the communicable attributes of God, including love, mercy, justice, and wisdom, and their significance in our lives. ” These Systematic Theology I - Lesson 17 Attributes of God: Incommunicable (Part 2) Completes the discussion of God's incommunicable attributes by discussing immutability, the doctrine that God does not change. Transcript Psalm 139. Three compelling reasons to study the attributes of God. Jul 20, 2014 · In Christian theology, there are communicable and incommunicable attributes of God. Communicable Attributes (Belong to God & can be reflected in us via the Holy Spirit): HOLINESS: “Your ways, O God, are holy” (Ps. The result of this study shows that God is present everywhere in His creation. All of these things are simply human ways to understand God’s single nature. Mar 21, 2025 · The incommunicable attributes of God are qualities he possesses that we do not share. There are some ways in which we can never be like God—and we should not try to be. When we know and love God, He changes everything. The communicable attributes are attributes God shares with those who follow Christ and have been born again when He cleanses them from sin. There are communicable attributes, like love and mercy, that humans share to a limited degree, and incommunicable attributes, like omnipresence and eternity, that are unique to God. Oct 22, 2024 · Incommunicable attributes are unique to God. The 139th Psalm could be considered an extended meditation on the Mar 7, 2025 · Incommunicable Attributes – These are attributes that belong only to God and are not shared with His creation. To say that it is important for us to try to understand what God is like is a huge understatement Jun 17, 2025 · What are God’s attributes? When we talk about the attributes of God, we are trying to answer questions like, Who is God, What is God like, and What kind of God is he? An attribute of God is something true about him. 2 of 5) – Dr. How can God's communicable attributes be This 6-week digital Bible study walks through God's incommunicable attributes (characteristics that are only true of Him) as well as His communicable attributes (attributes that we are called to reflect). Sproul As mutable creatures, we are always changing. Jun 5, 2015 · The communicable attributes of God are those God shares or “communicates” with us. His immeasurability, incomprehensibility, self-existence, self-sufficiency, eternality, immutability, omnipresence, omniscience, omnipotence, and sovereignty should elicit from us, “Who is like you, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness Understanding Theology - Lesson 2 Attributes of God In this lesson, Dr. His incommunicable attributes belong to him alone. Nov 5, 2014 · In this series about Christian doctrine, we’ve been surveying the core biblical teachings of Christian faith. The incommunicable attributes of God highlight His infinity and perfection, setting Him apart from the finite world. : Communicable & Incommunicable Attributes of God Mar 6, 2022 · His attributes are distributed throughout His whole being. Attributes of God A. Classifying God’s Attributes. (Full Message Title - The Sovereign Authority) Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What are the two categories of the attributes of God?, What are communicable attributes?, What are incommunicable attributes of God? and more. God’s eternity is an incommunicable attribute but we will inherit eternal life and dwell with God in eternity, for eternity and will have some participation in His eternal nature though not completely, so this incommunicable attribute can, to some extent be communicated. The Bible teaches us that there are many tensions in the character of God. The Categories of the Attributes of God. The importance of understanding God’s attributes, and the dangers of neglecting this foundational teaching. That could include angels. The Attributes of God study will: • Break down the communicable and Focuses on what theologians have often called God's incommunicable attributes, how gloriously unlike his creation God is. John Frame helpfully explains these terms for us when he notes: “Theologians have Apr 21, 2025 · Today we will talk about the incommunicable attributes of God. May 1, 2024 · Apple Podcasts | SpotifyEpisode Summary:“To whom will you liken Me, and make Me equal, And compare Me, that we should be alike?”—Isaiah 46:5 Discover the majesty of the one true God in His incommunicable attributes with pastor Terry Johnson on this week’s episode of All of Life for God. The Attributes of God: Incommunicable and Communicable The Attributes of God refers to the essence of God’s nature and being as they are revealed to us in the Scriptures. Discover the Attributes of God: Communicable and Incommunicable. Discover how these characteristics shape our identities and relationships. The students will learn that God has attributes that necessarily are a part of “godness. Three such attributes include His aseity, immutability, and omnipresence. (Full Message Title - The Sovereign Authority) Jan 19, 2023 · God has both incommunicable attributes (attributes that belong to Him alone) and communicable attributes (attributes of God that we can reflect, although imperfectly, to others. As we come to know God in and through his actions and words as recorded across the breadth of Scripture, we find that God is described as possessing certain characteristics or attributes. “The attributes of God are those distinguishing characteristics of the divine nature which are inseparable from the idea of God and which constitute the basis and ground for his various manifestation to his creatures” ~ A. Reflecting on God's incommunicable attributes leads us to worship Him not for what we can gain but for who He is. C. These attributes are foundational to understanding who God is and how He interacts with His creation. They are part of our dual nature—biological creatures capable of living on this planet and Jan 4, 2022 · The Bible, God’s Word, tells us what God is like and what He is not like. When we come to talk about the character of God, we realize that we cannot say everything the Bible teaches us about God’s character at once. Some of God’s incommunicable attributes include his: Eternal nature (he is infinite, but we are The communicable attributes of God are those which find some reflection or analogy in man who was created in God’s image, while the incommunicable attributes of God find little or no analogy in man. God’s incommunicable attributes are things that only God can have and that make Him distinct from creation. Use in your small group or as part of your personal Bible study time. 12. If you’re in Greenville, SC, learn how this provides a foundation for life. 3 days ago · Incommunicable Attributes of God - Apostle Michael Orokpo, Ph. There are six divine attributes which belong to God Himself and cannot be communicable to other being. ” The final 12 lessons focus on the communicable attributes of God — the attributes that God invites us to reflect. Today, R. They are: Omnipresence, Omniscience, Omnipotence, Immutability, Self existence, and Eternal. Isa. The Bible clearly teaches that Jesus, as God the Son, is all these divine attributes. Of the former there are no traces in the creature; of the latter there are. For example, omnipresence is an incommunicable attribute. Though we bear these attributes imperfectly and finitely, they are part of how we are called to imitate God in our lives. But the incommunicable attributes of God belong to Him alone, and we cannot participate in them. 4:8). Here's why this matters. They teach us to hate sin. God’s righteousness is not derivative. A free PDF printable that list 18 attributes of God. His incommunicable attributes reveal why we owe Him glory, honor, and praise. God is not just a better human; He is altogether different. The terms, communicable and incommunicable express those attributes of God which are distinct to God alone (Incommunicable) and those which can be found in man albeit in an imperfect and finite resemblance (Communicable). Only God is present everywhere (Psalm 139:7-10), while we can only be present at one place at one time. Some of God’s communicable attributes include: Love – God is loving, and He shares His love with us (1 John 4:8). Incommunicable Attributes: These are attributes that belong to God exclusively. Communicable attributes are those that we can participate in, like love, hate, thinking, showing compassion, etc. The Incommunicable Attributes of God Exploring God’s nature requires delving into His unique qualities. Incommunicable attributes Incommunicable attributes belong to God alone. When God created human beings, he endowed us with these attributes. Jul 23, 2020 · On today’s episode, a listener writes in and asks Dave, “What are the incommunicable attributes of God? Classifying the attributes of God has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. 145:3). Insofar as we come to know God in and through his actions and words as Jul 24, 2014 · These Incommunicable Attributes of God give us a biblical notion of the divine Being we worship as Christians and help us discern between the biblical God and the idols of this world. 25 Bavinck - Attributes of God - page 2 God’s Incommunicable Attributes by Herman Bavinck Scripture itself reveals the general attributes of God’s nature before, and more clearly than, it Such distinctions, however necessary or helpful, are only ways whereby the rich, single, and inscrutable will of God relates to the accomplishment of God's purposes for all creation and every creature. Communicable attributes are those that God shares or “communicates” with us. And we explained that an incommunicable attribute is one that is unique to God alone and largely foreign to us. ,). Feb 6, 2015 · God’s incommunicable attributes are most often criticized as being a philosophical or metaphysical corruption of the biblical understanding of God. This is so important because we need to have a solid understanding of how God is NOT like us. Methodology and the Doctrine of God B. Some of these attributes are unique Classifying the attributes of God has been a topic of discussion for quite some time. However, the Lord also has communicable attributes, or attributes that He does share with human beings to at least some degree. Throughout Christian theology, these attributes are often divided into two categories: communicable and incommunicable. They describe how God is not like us. When we speak of God’s incommunicable attributes we may think of things such as divine simplicity (God is an infinite spirit and not the sum of different parts–cf. The first 13 lessons focus on the incommunicable attributes of God — the attributes that only God possesses. The ones on the right are called “incommunicable attributes” because they are true of God, but not true of men. Thematic threads of divine attributes throughout the Bible. Jul 16, 2017 · 1. Now the being of God is a Spirit (John 4:24) This was revealed to us by Jesus himself when he was talking to the Samaritan woman near the well. D. ” God’s incommunicable attributes, such as immutability and omniscience, belong to Him alone. 1 Aug 17, 2022 · This article describes seven attributes that are unique to God and how they work together to give us a better understanding of who God is. H. When we understand God’s character in all its glory, we see our sin in a new light. This is the definition of the Creator/creature distinction. • First, when speaking of the words communicable and incommunicable, we need to not think of the normal way we use the word "communicate. They are part of our dual nature—biological creatures capable of living on this planet and The attributes of God are specific characteristics of God discussed in Christian theology. Jun 22, 2016 · God’s incommunicable attributes are important for us to understand because they’re the ones that tell us how God is not like us. May 10, 2025 · God is not a composite of Father and Son and Holy Spirit and incommunicable attributes and communicable attributes. Sep 30, 2013 · The incommunicable attributes of God are those that belong to God alone (omniscience, transcendence, etc. He is the uncaused cause, existing eternally without dependence on anything outside Himself. But whenever such metaphysical claims have been r… Jun 8, 2025 · INTRO “ The incommunicable attributes are God’s characteristics or perfections, as revealed by Scripture, that God does not communicate, or share, with human beings. Mar 5, 2025 · Explore the attributes of God to understand His nature and how He relates to us through Scripture and creation. The attributes of God are often categorized into two groups: incommunicable attributes and communicable attributes. This attribute of God will be the focus for now, and we’ll look at a communicable attribute next week. In other words, we need some way to May 1, 2024 · God's attributes are His characteristics. He is also omniscient (all knowing), omnipresent (everywhere present), and omnipotent (all powerful). Thus we say that God is omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (present everywhere), and omnipotent (all-powerful Incommunicable Attributes of God - Apostle Michael Orokpo, Ph. Communicable attributes are those He shares with us, though in a limited way. Sep 3, 2014 · Omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, infinity, self-existence (aseity)—these are some of the incommunicable attributes of God, those attributes of our Creator that He does not share with His creatures. Ware discusses the Doctrine of God proper: why we need to know God, his incommunicable attributes, and those attributes that in some sense are communicable to humans. The Incommunicable Attributes. By understanding these attributes, believers can cultivate a more profound relationship with God, recognizing His greatness and striving to reflect His communicable attributes in their lives. We are limited as to place, power and personal knowledge. Here are some of Bavinck's observations listed under ten points. May 27, 2025 · Communicable Attributes of God While God's incommunicable attributes describe what makes Him utterly unique, His communicable attributes are those aspects of His nature that He chooses to reflect, in limited measure, in human beings made in His image (Genesis 1:26–27). Introduction to the Study of God’s Character 1. That’s why when we study the attributes of God, we must be careful not to emphasize one attribute of his at the expense of the others. Professor of Theology and Biblical StudiesChapter 11: The Character of God – “Incommunicable” Attributes (Pt. 9. Which are God's incommunicable attributes? His oneness, simplicity, independency, infinity, and immutability. Jun 10, 2020 · In theology, we can speak of both God's "incommunicable" attributes and his "communicable" attributes. Apr 28, 2025 · How historical theology reveals God’s character and attributes. So unlike the attributes of love, wisdom, goodness, or mercy – we're talking about the ones he does not communicate to us. Feb 3, 2010 · One of God’s incommunicable attributes is His immutability, or unchangeableness. Dr. This document discusses the attributes of God, which are His essential properties that define His character. So as we study his attributes, remember there's no consensus as to how many exist or how we should divide them. Aug 28, 2025 · Theology proper—the study of God himself—centers on his attributes, the perfections of his being revealed in Scripture. Aug 14, 2025 · Ray Pritchard in his sermon series on the "omni" attributes of God writes that… these attributes are difficult to grasp because they describe truths about God that have no analog in human experience. The A. These are known as incommunicable attributes, traits Nov 25, 2012 · Grudem's two part approach to defining God's attributes is also perfectly acceptable. Here's a look at various characteristics of God involving Incommunicable attributes of God and communicable attributes that are shared with us. Grudem is much to be commended for his sense that our talk of God involves a hefty dose of anthropomorphism (or perhaps more accurately, anthropopathism, describing God by way of features of human psyche--anthropomorphism technically has to do with human shape). Click to purchase today. I will explain what these are, describe the meanings of each attribute and give two Scriptures that you can read right now about that attribute. Sep 6, 2025 · The Incommunicable Attributes of God —His eternal nature, self-existence, unchanging character, infinite greatness, and sovereign rule—are not abstract doctrines but anchors for our faith.