Every field of study includes specialized vocabulary or terms that students learn, in order to function in that realm.
In economics, you need to know arbitrage, equilibrium price, and store of value.
Those in the field of education learn about asynchronous learning, constructivism, and heutagogy.
An engineer becomes familiar with Bernoulli’s Theorem, fixture units, and porosity.
(Give yourself a pat on the back for each of those terms you can actually define!)
The study of God, theology, is no different. Sit among a group of seminary students and you’re likely to hear terms that don’t come up in our daily conversations, such as immutability, omniciency, and transcendency.
But maybe those words (and others that describe God’s attributes) should become familiar, everyday terms, because:
- What we think about God influences what we think about everything else—our values and possessions, other people, the world, etc.
- to fully appreciate our God, we must know him well
- the better we know him, the greater his impact upon our lives
- the more we know him, the more we can trust him
Take, for example, that fancy, six-syllable word, immutability. It refers to God’s insusceptibility to change (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). It is not in his nature to change—ever. God is always the same. He is consistent in all his attributes, all the time.
Isn’t that glorious news? When we come to him, we don’t have to worry that maybe he’s decided we’re not worthy to enter his presence anymore. We don’t have to worry about whether he’s in a good mood or not. And we don’t have to worry that he might go back on his promises. God’s character never changes, and he doesn’t change his mind either.
How about omniciency? That’s only four syllables, but just as profound as immutability. It refers to God’s ability to know all things—perfectly.
“Stop and consider God’s wonders,” Elihu said to Job. “Do you know how God controls the clouds and makes his lightning flash? Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:14-16, italics added)?
Again, what stunning news! He knows all things. He knows the past and the future, therefore he can guide me—perfectly. He knows my personality, my innermost thoughts, my motivations. Therefore, he understands me–perfectly. He knows my needs, therefore, he can provide for me—perfectly.
And then, last but not least (for today, that is): transcendency, which means God is above all of his creation. He existed before the first glimmer of light appeared in the universe (Genesis 1:1-3). And his existence is not dependent upon creation as we are. In addition, the way God thinks and works is far beyond our limited capacities (Isaiah 55:9).
Under the heading of God’s transcendence we find his infallible wisdom, incomprehensible power, self-existence (because no one made him), righteousness, justice, mercy, and more.
And all of these wonderful attributes he graciously exerts upon us who believe in him, who seek to know him.
Think of it. The immutable, omniscient, transcendent God who oversees the universe, is also Overseer of each of our lives. He is caring for us, living in us, and participating with us each and every day.
* * * * * * * * * *
I praise you, oh God, for the magnificence of your attributes. You are immutable, never responding out of character. You are omniscient, always responding in our best interest, because you know all. And you are transcendent. From you, through you, and to you are all things (Romans 11:36). Oh, that we may worship you as you deserve!
(Art & photo credits: stagecraft.co.uk; http://www.teachtought.com; http://www.hengineers.com; http://www.shareaverse.wordpress.com; http://www.environment.nationalgeographic.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)
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From the Inside Out 