Читать книгу Mathers Systematic Theology - Norman W. Mathers - Страница 34

These are attributes that are in man to some degree. In God, these are perfections of His Being. “God is love” (1 John 4:8) [author’s translation] (Aland & Black 1968:821). Additional scriptures pointing out the love of God are John 3:16, 1 John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10, and Romans 5:8. Agape love on the human side is an act of the human will for the good of the object that is loved. Love on God’s side is divine choice (Eph. 1:4), self-sacrifice (1 John 4:10), and his love in regenerate hearts (Rom. 5:5). God is holy. The scripture exhorts the child of God to be holy (1 Pet. 1:15). It was the attribute that the Lord Jesus taught his disciples (1 John 1:5). God is light (holy) and there is not any evil in him. The justice or righteousness of God is seen in Psalm 19:9, 116:5, 145:17, Jer. 12:1. The justice of God is related to the meaning of the resurrection of Christ for non-believers. They are under judgment (Acts 17:31). The justice of God is seen in the historical fact of the crucifixion of Christ (Rom. 3:21-26). God is true (Rom 3:4). This is the veracity of God. John 14:6 teaches that Jesus is the truth. The freedom of God means that he is independent of all authority outside of himself. The name Elohim argues for the independence of God. Isaiah 40:13-14 teaches the same truth (Ryrie 1974:19-22). God has foreordained whatever comes to pass. The exegesis of Ephesians 1:11 supports this statement. It is often argued that foreordination that encompasses all events is not consistent with man as a free agent. Charles Hodges (1975:1:545) answers this objection by arguing that man’s responsibility and will are included with the plan. Acts 2:23 confirms the truth of this position. Christ was delivered up “by the predestinated boule” (plan) “and foreknowledge of God” (Acts 2:23) [author’s translation] (Aland & Black 1968:422).