Chapter 2

God’s Character

Sections

1. Holy Characteristics
   1. Holiness
      • God is holy
      • There is nothing bad in God – and he cannot tolerate evil
      • There is no one holy like God
      • God shows himself to be holy by what he does
      • Places where God dwells are also holy . . .
      • . . . and God only dwells with those who are holy
      • Things of God are likewise holy
      • Note: God and his ways are perfect
   2. Righteousness and Justice
      • God is righteous
      • God is just
      • God’s righteousness and justice are great – and everlasting
      • God’s ways are right and just . . .
      • . . . Examples of God’s righteous and just ways
      • All God does is right and just . . .
      • . . . God does no wrong
      • God is truthful
      • God does not show favoritism
      • Note: God loves righteousness and justice
   3. Faithfulness
      • God is faithful
      • God’s faithfulness is great
      • God’s faithfulness lasts forever
      • God never forsakes
      • God does not lie nor change his mind – he keeps his promises
   4. Anger
      • God’s anger and its consequences are awesome . . .
      • . . . This has been and will be evident upon all nations and the whole earth
      • God’s anger cannot be quenched
      • God’s anger cannot be withstood
      • God is slow to anger and often holds it back
      • God does not stay angry
      • God’s anger arises in response to sin and disobedience
      • God’s anger arises in response to people forsaking him
      • Other things that arouse God’s anger

2. Loving Characteristics
   1. Love
      • God is love – as epitomized in him giving his only Son, to save us
      • God’s love is great
      • God’s love is steadfast
      • God’s love lasts forever
   2. Mercy
      • God is merciful
      • God’s mercy is great and never ending
      • Along with being merciful, God is gracious
      • God is compassionate
      • Due to his mercy, graciousness and compassion: God is long-suffering; . . .
      • . . . and God is forgiving
      • Note: God is patient – allowing people to repent
   3. Benevolence
      • God is good
      • God shows great goodness
      • God exercises kindness
      • God is generous
      • God gives good gifts . . .
      • . . . God is the ultimate source of all gifts
   4. Jealousy
      • God is a jealous God
      • God’s jealousy arises in response to his people’s sin
      • God’s jealousy arises particularly in response to unfaithfulness
      • God is jealous for his people and their well-being . . .
      • . . . and God is zealous in working for his people’s cause
      • Note: In his jealousy and zeal God punishes his enemies and the ungodly

 ➜Major headings in: 2. God’s Character (and all of Unit A)

Pray for persecuted Christians