Don Stewart :: In What Sense Is God Perfect?

In What Sense Is God Perfect?

The Attributes of God That Belong to Him Alone – Question 4

The God of the Bible is perfect. The Bible speaks of God’s nature as being perfect as well as His ways as perfect. The following conclusions can be drawn about God’s perfections.

1. God Has an Absolutely Perfect Nature

To begin with, we find that God has a nature without any imperfections whatsoever. Moses wrote the following.

The Rock, his work is perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he... (Deuteronomy 32:4 NRSV)

There is nothing lacking in the nature of God. This means that His character or nature is complete. There are no missing attributes.

2. Ways Are Always Perfect

God’s ways are also perfect. The psalmist wrote of them as follows.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield for all who take refuge in him. (Psalm 18:30 NIV)

Therefore, He is never mistaken about anything that He says, or does. Consequently, we cannot second guess any of His decisions.

3. God’s Faithfulness Is Perfect

Isaiah the prophet emphasized that God is perfect in His faithfulness. He testified to this as follows.

Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, for You have accomplished wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. (Isaiah 25:1 HCSB)

His faithfulness is without flaw; it is absolutely perfect. Whatever, He says, He will do. The God of the Bible is faithful.

4. He Is Perfect in All Areas

Thus, God is absolute perfection in His character and in His ways, and in His faithfulness. In other words, there is nothing lacking in His nature or His actions. Human beings, on the other hand, are imperfect in our makeup and behavior.

Because God is perfect in everything, there is nothing lacking in His character, there is no attribute that He needs. He has everything necessary. Again we find the great contrast between the God of the Bible and fallen humanity. He is perfect, we are imperfect.

Summary – Question 4
In What Sense Is God Perfect?

The Bible speaks of God being “perfect.” This refers to complete perfection on His part. There are a number of ways in which the Scripture speaks of the perfection of God.

First, Scripture says that God is perfect in His character. This means that He has every attribute necessary. He lacks nothing, there is no attribute missing.

We are also told that He is perfect in all His ways. This means whatever He does is always right. He never makes wrong decisions. The Bible also says that God is perfect in His faithfulness. What He says, He will do. He always keeps His Word.

Therefore, the God of Bible is complete perfection in every possible area. This is in contrast to humans who are imperfect in our nature, our actions, and our faithfulness.

Since God is perfect in all of these areas we can completely trust who He is, everything which He does as well as every promise He makes. Therefore, the perfection of God instills confidence in the believer toward Him. He is indeed an object worthy of our trust.