THE RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITHFULNESS AND MERCIFULNESS OF GOD

THE RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITHFULNESS AND MERCIFULNESS OF GOD

 

 

Strong classifies all the divine attributes under two heads: (1) Absolute or Immanent; and (2) Relative or Transitive. This classification is especially useful for the moral attributes of God arranged under the caption of GOODNESS. 'The attributes of goodness, which may be classified as absolute in the sense that they describe what God is in Himself, that is, attributes of character, have been discussed in the preceding articles, namely, HOLINESS, TRUTH, AND LOVE. In this series of articles the attributes of goodness, which may be classified as relative in the sense that they describe what God is in relation to others, that is, attributes marking expression of character, will be discussed here. They are also three in number, namely, RIGHTEOUSNESS, FAITHFULNESS, and MERCIFULNESS.

There is a logical and vital relationship between these two sets of three attributes. Because God is HOLY, TRUE, and LOVE in Himself, He is therefore RIGHTEOUS, FAITHFUL, and MERCIFUL in relation to others. Out of God's holiness there proceeds RIGHTEOUSNESS toward others. Out of God's truth there proceeds FAITHFULNESS toward others. Out of God's LOVE there proceeds mercifulness toward others. At this point, each one of these attributes, which are expressions of God's character, will be taken up in order.