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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