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August 01, 2005

Ch.VII. Q.43. Divine Attributes

DIVINE ATTRIBUTES are certain true and distinct predicates, which our knowledge of God, however derived, enables us to apply to Him.1

2. To discuss the Divine Attributes in detail is to analyze the contents of our knowledge of the Divine nature.

3. The Divine Attributes are true predicates, and not simply "man's modes of apprehending God." They are "objective determinations in His revelation, and as such are rooted in His inmost essence."2

4. The Divine Attributes express distinct perfections in the Divine essence. They do not indeed differ in re, as if the essence of God could be divided, but in ratione, which means that the Divine attributes are logical distinctions rather than ontological, although necessary and grounded in the eternal and immutable essence of God.3

5. The Divine attributes are not adequate expressions of the Divine nature, but such as can be framed in human language. They are true as far as they go, and are sufficient for the correct guidance of our apprehensions. But they indicate lines of truth, to the end of which our minds are unable to travel.4

6. The Divine attributes are ascertained in three ways: (a) by analyzing the idea of infinity and absolute perfection; (b) by inference from the character of those Divine operations which are observable in the physical and moral world; (c) by studying the indications given in supernatural revelation. This last method secures the most complete and trustworthy results, and it must be employed to correct and supplement the results of other methods.

7. There are many ways of dividing and arranging the Divine attributes.5 We shall consider the nature of God (a) according to His essence, as self-existent, living, perfect, sole and incommunicable: (b) according to His substance, as spiritual and immense: (c) according to His life, as eternal, immutable, and eternally active: (d) according to His action, as omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, wise, and morally perfect. The first three of these divisions are often treated under the heading "the Nature of God," the last under the heading, "the Active Attributes of God." This usage is followed here.


1 Owen, Dogmatics, ch. iv. § 2; Pearson, De Deo, IV., pp. 37-41; Schouppe, Elementa, Tr. V. § 61-84; Stone, Outlines, ch. ii.; Mortimer, Cath. Faith, Vol. I., pp. 3-12; Lacey, Elem, of Doctrine, pp. 85-92; Clarke, Outline of Theol., pp. 75-77.

2 Martensen, Dogmatics, § 46.

3 Hodge, Syst. Theol., Vol. I., pp. 373, 374; Forbes, Creed, pp. 38, 39; Pearson, pp. 39, 40.

4 Mozley, Predestination, pp. 15-21.

5 Hodge, Outlines, pp. 137, 138.

Posted by Debra Bullock at August 1, 2005 09:13 PM

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