Earlier this month, we began to examine the attributes of God. Attributes are those characteristics or qualities that are an inherent part of someone. Previously we focused on the absolute attributes of God. In this article, let’s investigate God’s comparative attributes. Comparative attributes are distinguished from absolute as those characteristics that we as finite creatures can relate to or comprehend.

Omnipotence

God is all-powerful. There are some who object to the idea of omnipotence by saying that God has limited His power by His will. We must realize that God can do anything He wills to do, but He does not will to do everything.

“But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)

Omnipresence

God is all-present; everywhere at the same time. Certain individuals point to references of God “dwelling in the heavens” to refute the principle of omnipresence. These statements in Scripture are references to God’s self-manifestation as well as anthropomorphic (having human characteristics) speech.

“Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?” (Isaiah 66:1)

“Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. (Psalm 139:7,8)

Omniscience

God has all knowledge, which is a perfect knowledge in all things.

“He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.” (Psalm 147:4, 5)

We can clearly see in God’s Word that the comparative attributes of God belong not only to the Father but to God the Son and God the Holy Spirit as well. (Matthew 28:18, 20; John 21:17; Psalm 139:7)

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Lankford Oxendine

Lankford Oxendine, GSBC Vice President

Bro. Oxendine serves as the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Golden State Baptist College. He has been teaching at GSBC since 2001. He also teaches the College Sunday school class at NVBC.