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Study Section 4: Character of God: Communicable Attributes -

continued

4.1 Connect.

Are there other attributes remaining that we did not cover in the previous section? Did we
cover the attribute of will, freedom, omnipresence, perfection, blessedness, beauty, and
glory? What about the category under which they belong? Do you want together with me
learn those attributes? In this section, we will cover those attributes and the category in
which they belong. As we cover the last part on God’s communicable attributes, I am
praying that God would be able to continue to reveal Himself to us through our learning of those
attributes.

4.2 Objectives.

1. We should be able to define each communicable attribute.

2. We should be able to explain how we can imitate those sharable attributes.

3. We should be able to identify and categorize each communicable attribute in its suitable group.

4.3 Communicable Attributes - continued

In the previous section, we discussed attributes describing God’s being (spirituality and
invisibility), mental attributes (knowledge [or Omniscience], wisdom, and truthfulness [and
faithfulness]), and moral attributes (goodness, love, mercy [grace, patience], holiness, peace
[or order], righteousness [or justice], jealousy, and wrath). In this section, we will discuss
attributes of purpose (will, freedom, omnipotence [or power, and sovereignty]) and summary
attributes (perfection, blessedness, beauty, glory).

Communicable Attributes that Describe Purpose.

Will
This is that attribute whereby God “approves and determines to bring about every action necessary for
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the existence and activity of himself and all creation.”

In general, Scripture often indicates to us that the will of God is the final or most final reason behind
everything that happens. Paul notes in Ephesians 1:11 that “ In him we have also received an
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inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in
agreement with the purpose of his will” (CSB). “Everything” refers to all things that exists or everything
in creation (see for example, Eph. 1:10, 23; 3:9; 4:10; Col. 1:16, 17; Rom. 11:36; 1 Cor. 8:6). “Working
out” from energeo means that God continues to work out all things according the counsel of His will.

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More clearly, apostle John says that “ Our Lord and God, you are worthy to receive glory and honor
and power, because you have created all things, and by your will they exist and were created” (Rev. 4:11

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