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Tuesday, November 1, 2016

SCOPE OF ATTRIBUTES - 4

GOD IS GOODNESS
 
 
Now it is time to consider those attributes of greatness which are more aptly described as moral goodness. Whereas the attributes of metaphysical greatness have to do with His being or substances, the attributes of goodness have to do with His character. There are six in all: holy, true, love, righteous, faithful, and merciful. The first three are more spe­cifically in relation to God Himself. The final three grow out of the first three, and have largely to do with His relation to others. In comprehending the meaning of these six attributes, they sum up almost completely what men think of when they conceive the goodness of God.

From Genesis through the entire Bible, there is an increasing testimony that God is good. He approves His own works in creation as good (Gen. 1:4, 31). And it follows that good things must proceed from a source of goodness. Jethro witnessed the goodness of God to Israel and proclaimed it (Exod. 18:9). For the new task Moses would undertake, there was need for a new vision of the Lord. So God promised Moses that He would have all His goodness pass before him (Exod. 33:18-19). He fulfilled the promise (Exod. 34:6). Paul points the finger of indictment at the lost for despising the riches of God's goodness (Rom. 2:4).

In that singular encounter of the rich young ruler with Christ, the Lord

Jesus calls him to witness to his grievous error in addressing Him "good master," or admit that He is God, for "there is none good but One, that is God" (Matt.19:17). In this instance, the positive degree of the adjective carries the untouchable sense. God is good in the supreme sense, and any reference to Him in the area of goodness admits of no degrees. This intrinsic excellence in rela­tion to Himself will ultimately become expressive in grace toward others.

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