What Old Testament verses affirm God's exclusive goodness? Starting Point: Jesus Affirms God Alone Is Good “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone.” — Luke 18:19 Old Testament Confirmation of God’s Exclusive Goodness “I will cause all My goodness to pass before you and will proclaim the name of the LORD before you.” —God’s very presence is equated with unrivaled goodness. “The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.” —Goodness is inseparable from His character; no parallel is offered. “He is the Rock; His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.” —Perfection and uprightness leave no room for another source of pure goodness. “There is no one holy like the LORD. There is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God.” —Exclusivity language (no one besides) underscores that His holiness—and thereby His goodness—stands alone. “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” —Goodness is intrinsic, eternal, and unmatched. “Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He shows sinners the way.” —His moral perfection guides; no secondary guide is mentioned. “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” —Goodness experienced directly in Him alone. “For You, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in loving devotion to all who call on You.” —Goodness paired with mercy, available only from Him. “For the LORD is good, and His loving devotion endures forever; His faithfulness continues to all generations.” —Goodness is eternal; no other enduring source is named. “Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever.” —Repeated refrain intensifies the exclusivity. “You are good, and You do what is good; teach me Your statutes.” —Goodness both is and does—unique to God. “The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of distress; He cares for those who trust in Him.” —In crisis, only His goodness proves sufficient. “There is none like You, O LORD; You are great, and Your name is mighty in power.” —While highlighting greatness, the “none like You” logic equally seals the claim of solitary goodness. Thread That Runs Through Scripture From the Law (Exodus, Deuteronomy), through the Historical Books, Psalms, and Prophets, every era echoes the same truth Luke records on Jesus’ lips: God’s goodness is absolute, perfect, and exclusive. No text grants comparable goodness to any being apart from Him. Living in the Light of His Goodness Because Scripture anchors goodness in God alone, trust and gratitude naturally flow toward Him. Every command, promise, and act of rescue rests on the certainty that the One behind them is perfectly, uniquely good—and always will be. |
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