The nature of God

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There are a number of ways to describe the nature of God from a Christian perspective.

• Monotheism - Christians believe that there is only one God. They are monotheists.

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• Trinity - most Christians believe that there are three distinct parts (usually referred to as Persons) to this one God and that these three aspects form a unity. This belief is called the doctrine of the Trinity. 

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• Trinity:

• • God the Father - the creator and sustainer of all things.

  • God the Son - the incarnation of God as a human being, Jesus Christ, on Earth.

  • God the Holy Spirit - the aspect of God which is active in the world, drawing people towards God.

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• Holy - God is 'other', different from anything else - separate and sacred.

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• Omnipotent - God is all-powerful. Everything consistent with God's nature is possible.

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• Omniscient - God is all-knowing, of past, present and future.

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• Omnibenevolent - God is all-good.

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• Omnipresent - God is present everywhere.

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• Immanent - God is active and 'in the world' today.

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• Transcendent - God is also 'outside the world'. God is not active in human affairs. It is up to humans to act in the world on God's behalf.

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• Personal - individuals can have a personal relationship with God. The Bible often talks of God in human terms, eg as friend, king, parent, and judge.

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• Impersonal - many Christians think of God in impersonal terms. The Bible sometimes talks of God in this way, eg as a power, goodness, truth, justice and love.