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Attributes Of God - Part Three
by Hilton Rahme
Merciful: Compassionate
 “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (Wuest)
Mercy differs from grace in that grace gives what is not deserved, and mercy does not give what is deserved. Mercy is compassion in action towards those that have no claim or right to receive such treatment. "Deserving mercy" is a contradictory term. Mercy is only for sinners, angels do not experience it as they do not need it. Mercy is God's idea (2 Corinthians 1:3). It is available to everyone, but only through Christ's sacrifice on the Cross. God's mercy is great, tender, abundant and everlasting. Mercy is interwoven with all the other attributes of God; His lovingness initiates mercy; His holiness ensures its integrity; His truth guarantees its reliability (Isaiah 16:5); His power ensures its duration; and His faithfulness demands its constancy. The results of mercy are forgiveness, restoration and praise on the part of those who experience mercy.
Omnipotent: All Powerful
God can do anything, and He gets things done. However, He cannot lie (Titus 1:1-3); He can neither be tempted Himself, nor tempt anyone with evil; He cannot be in fellowship with sin. These are not weaknesses or inadequacies but rather perfections of His power. God is the source of his own power. Who else can create anything by mere words? By wonders viewed only by means of a high powered microscope to those viewed through high powered telescopes. God's power is on display for all to see. God uses His power for His children to conquer death, to provide salvation, to complete their transformation, to equip them for service, to protect, provide and to secure their inheritance. If God were not all-powerful, His mercy would be helpless pity; His justice an empty threat; His knowledge, useless information; and His love, pure frustration. Ultimate power has been coveted by both angels and mankind, but the throne is occupied and there is no danger of dethronement. God reigns without rival.
 “Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord; Nor are there any works like Your works. 9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. 10 For You are great, and do wondrous things; You alone are God. 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth; Unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. 13 For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” Psalm 86:8-13
Omnipresent: Universal
The active presence of God, both in places and in relationships, is one of the chief presuppositions running through Scripture. There is no place without God, no place beyond Him, and He is everywhere simultaneously. Yet God is not bound by, nor dependent upon, any place or anyone. God's presence encompasses all space - extending to every geographical location, all creation, and all human affairs. This in no way suggests that He is immersed in His creation. God is always distinct from His creation because He, as creator, brought all into existence. Only believers experience his relational presence. He indwells His children. In "residing" in us, He establishes ownership, provision, love, workmanship, guidance, teaching, and personal friendship (Psalm 139). God does not come and go in our lives - rather we live and move and have our being in Him.
“For it was in Him that all things were created, in heaven and on earth, things seen and things unseen, whether thrones, dominions, rulers, or authorities; all things were created and exist through Him [by His service, intervention] and in and for Him. 17 And He Himself existed before all things, and in Him all things consist (cohere, are held together).” Colossians 1:16-17 (AMP)
Omniscient: All Knowing
God knows everything from eternity past to eternity future simultaneously. He learns from no one, is never surprised and never forgets (Isaiah 46:9-10). God knows His creation completely. He names the stars, places the clouds, tracks activity in the oceans, clothes the fields, and is aware of every creature and its activities at all times. God knows each person fully - our past, where we go, what we do, think, say (Psalm 33:13-15), and even our motivations.
 “The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men; 14 From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth — 15 He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings.” Psalm 33:13-15 (AMP)
This week, as you go about your life, try to meditate on the Lord’s characteristics and understand how powerful the God is that you serve. He is more than capable of providing for your every need and wants to do so. This is increasingly possible as you get to know him more.
Hilton Rahme
Hilton is Bro. Peter's eldest son and lives in Cape Town, South Africa. He is married to Tanja and they have two beautiful children, Dayna and Luke.
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