Reformation Theology Blog

Why, if God is without passions, is He described as jealous, angry, moved with compassion, impatient, and having love?

The descriptions of God as jealous, angry, moved with compassion, impatient, or loving are considered anthropopathic expressions. These expressions use human characteristics to describe God's nature, actions, or attitudes in a manner that we, as humans, can understand and relate to. It is important to remember that our human language and concepts are often inadequate to fully capture the true essence of God's being.

God is Spirit

The assertion that God is "without body, parts, or passions" emphasizes the immaterial, transcendent, and immutable nature of the Almighty.

-- Being "without body" signifies that God is not composed of physical matter or confined by spatial limitations, enabling Him to be omnipresent and free from the constraints of the material world.

--The absence of "parts" highlights the divine simplicity of God, wherein He is not divisible into separate components but rather exists as an entirely unified and indivisible being.

Word and Spirit

“One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.” Acts 16:14

Let us examine the passage and seek to uncover the profound truths embedded within the inspired text:

A Few Comments on Westminster Larger Catechism Q. 28

Q. 28. What are the punishments of sin in this world?

A. The punishments of sin in this world, are either inward, as blindness of mind, a reprobate sense, strong delusions, hardness of heart, horror of conscience, and vile affections: or outward, as the curse of God upon the creatures for our sake; and all other evils that befall us in our bodies, names, estates, relations, and employments; together with death itself.

Eph. 4:18; Rom. 1:28; 2 Thess. 2:11; Rom. 2:5; Isa. 33:14; Gen. 4:13; Matt. 27: 4; Rom. 1:26; Gen. 3:17; Deut. 28:15-68; Rom. 6:21, 23.

God's Desire for All to be Saved in 1 Timothy 2:4 & Ezekiel 18:23

The question of whether God desires all to be saved is a subject of ongoing debate in Christian theology. The question of whether God desires all to be saved is a subject of ongoing debate in Christian theology. On one hand, several biblical passages seem to indicate that God desires the salvation of all people (1 Timothy 2:4; 2 Peter 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23; Matthew 23:37).

A Caution Against Two Things—Carnal Fear and Carnal Policy.

  1. Against carnal fear. Many are troubled when they consider the power and cunning of the enemies of God's people. But you need not be dismayed when you, in the simplicity of your hearts, give yourselves up to the direction of God's word. You need not fear all their craft; when they are confounded and broken to pieces by their own devices, you shall stand firm. It seems to be the greatest folly in the world to keep at a distance from the rising side. In time, it will be found to be the greatest wisdom.

It is With Our Sins that We Go to God

"It is with our sins that we go to God—for we have nothing else to go with that we can call our own. This is one of the lessons that we are so slow to learn; yet without learning this — we cannot take one right step in that which we call a Christian life." - Horatius Bonar

The statement is a profound and thought-provoking assertion that has deep roots in all faithful branches of the Christian faith. At its core, this statement reflects a fundamental understanding of the nature of humanity and our relationship with God.

The Commonwealth of Israel Expanded: Gentiles in Christ Now Citizens of Israel

"Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called "the uncircumcision" by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ." - Eph 2:11-13

The Way of Righteousness: Why We Need It and How to Attain It

"John tried to prevent Him, saying, "I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?" But Jesus answering said to him, "Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he permitted Him." Matt 3:14-15

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