The infinite God is beyond our understanding. We can only see a dim reflection of who he is. We describe God in many ways. He is loving, gracious, and merciful. He is righteous, just, and holy. And he in omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, transcendent, immanent, self-existent, and triune. And there are many more attributes that we use in our attempt to describe God.
I believe that our own natures and experiences have an impact on how we view God. Some will focus on God’s love, mercy, and grace, seeing a God who wants to rescue as many people as possible. Others may focus on his righteousness and holiness, seeing a demanding judge.
A Purposeful God
I retired as a computer engineer. It suited the way I think. And that way of thinking, I suppose, also impacts how I view God. If I had to pick a single attribute that best describes how I view God, it would not be one that is listed above. Instead, it would be “purposeful.”
In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Ephesians 1:11 (ESV)
And this verse best illustrates that to me. God has a plan. And he is working out that plan in everything he does. Nothing in all creation happens that is not in support of his plan. No matter how things appear to us, God is in control and accomplishing his will for his creation.
I believe that a purposeful God is continuing the work he began at the beginning. Not looking to restore a fallen world. But actively working to perfect his creation.
Does he love us all? Most definitely. Will he hold us all accountable? I believe he does. But more than that, I see him primarily working to produce Humanity 2.0, the final product.
What about you? What attribute of God best describes how you view God? And how does that impact your theology?
