What is God's supreme attribute? Definition and Scope God’s attributes are the characteristics that describe who He is. They include His holiness, love, omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence, justice, mercy, and more. The term “supreme attribute” refers to the quality that pervades and influences all the other attributes. While Scripture places great emphasis on multiple facets of God’s nature, the close examination of biblical texts and early manuscripts points to one attribute that consistently stands out: His holiness. Yet intertwined with His holiness is a depth of love reflected throughout Scripture, leading many to explore the relationship between these two preeminent traits. Below is a comprehensive exploration of God’s supreme attribute, drawn from Scripture (cited here using the Berean Standard Bible), established doctrinal reflection, and historical-verification studies. 1. The Emphasis on God’s Holiness Throughout the Bible, holiness is not just another divine attribute; it is the quality singled out with profound emphasis. 1.1 Biblical Declaration of Holiness Isaiah 6:3 proclaims, “And they were calling out to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills all the earth.’” This triple repetition uniquely underscores the centrality of holiness. This pattern also appears at Revelation 4:8, where celestial beings cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come!” The threefold repetition, absent for any other divine attribute in Scripture, signifies the holiness of God as deeply foundational. 1.2 Definition of Holiness The Hebrew word often translated as “holy” (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh) conveys the idea of being “set apart” or “other.” It signifies moral perfection, absolute purity, and complete separation from sin. Leviticus 19:2 captures God’s command to His people: “Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” God’s holiness reflects not only His ethical perfection but also His transcendent nature, beyond all creation. 1.3 Confirmation Through Manuscript Evidence Archaeological discoveries, including the Great Isaiah Scroll (part of the Dead Sea Scrolls), attest that the text of Isaiah 6:3 has remained remarkably consistent for millennia. Scholars examining these ancient manuscripts affirm that the emphasis on God’s holiness was present in the earliest-known copies, underscoring the steadfast transmission of this profound doctrine. 2. The Prominence of God’s Love Although holiness holds a central position, Scripture equally reveals God’s identity as love. 2.1 Biblical Proclamation: “God is Love” First John 4:8 states, “Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” This verse highlights that divine love is intrinsic to God’s very essence. It is more than a mere emotion or an occasional benevolent act; rather, it is the enduring posture of God toward His people. 2.2 Reflections in Salvation History The sacrificial work narrated in the Gospels emphasizes the magnitude of God’s love. Romans 5:8 says, “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Such love is inseparable from God’s holiness; in His holiness, He cannot abide sin, yet in His love, He provides the means of reconciliation through Christ’s atoning sacrifice. Early manuscript evidence for texts like John 3:16 and Romans 5:8 consistently conveys the same message of God’s saving love, supported by a wealth of papyri and codices. 2.3 Love in Relation to Holiness Many theologians and biblical commentators observe that God’s holiness and love operate in perfect harmony. God remains entirely pure and separate from sin, yet He lovingly provides a path for humanity to be reconciled to Him. This harmony is seen at the Cross, where holiness and love converge in the person and work of Jesus (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). 3. The Unified and Supreme Nature of God’s Attributes While discussing God’s holiness and love, it is essential to acknowledge that no attribute exists in isolation. They interpenetrate one another without contradiction. 3.1 Holiness Shaping Other Attributes God’s wrath arises because of His holiness in response to sin. Similarly, His justice, mercy, and faithfulness are all informed by His perfectly holy nature. This indicates holiness acts as a lens that defines and focuses every other aspect of His being. 3.2 Love Energizing Divine Actions Simultaneously, love imbues those attributes with compassion and relational depth. God’s omnipotence, for example, is not merely raw power but power exercised for the good of His creation (demonstrated in passages like Psalm 136:4–9 and John 3:17). His knowledge is not detached but is used to guide humanity toward truth (1 Timothy 2:4), motivated by loving intent. 3.3 Historical and Archaeological Corroboration Beyond the text itself, archaeological findings—such as inscriptions that reference the moral and ritual distinctives of ancient Israelites—support the portrayal of a God distinct in holiness and committed in love to His people. Early church writings echo these same convictions. For instance, various patristic sources uphold the belief that the holiness of God is the foundation upon which His redemptive love stands. 4. Perspectives on the Supreme Attribute Scholars and believers have long discussed how to label God’s “supreme attribute,” contemplating whether holiness or love stands foremost. A common consensus sees holiness singled out as absolutely central: It is the only attribute repeated in triplicate. Yet, even this conviction does not overshadow the essential declaration that God’s nature is love. 4.1 Synthesis in Scripture Scripture consistently weaves these attributes together, demonstrating that God’s “otherness” (holiness) and His benevolent self-revelation (love) work in tandem to accomplish salvation and uphold divine justice. Passages that highlight God’s moral purity (Habakkuk 1:13: “Your eyes are too pure to look on evil”) stand side-by-side with passages underscoring God’s steadfast love (Psalm 86:15: “But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God…”). 4.2 Complementary and Indivisible Those who point to holiness as paramount do so because of the special emphasis placed on it in worship scenes (Isaiah 6, Revelation 4). Others point to love because it is stated so explicitly that “God is love” (1 John 4:8). Nevertheless, Scripture suggests these are not in competition. Rather, God’s holiness envelops His love such that He is lovingly holy and holily loving—inseparable attributes that reflect His perfect character. 5. Conclusion: “Holy, Holy, Holy” and “God Is Love” In addressing the question “What is God’s supreme attribute?”, biblical testimony and centuries of reflection show that holiness stands as the primary descriptor signaled by the repeated thrice-holy acclamation. This holiness is not a detached rigor but is intimately bound up with His perfect love. Both attributes are essential and non-negotiable. Holiness underscores that God is unique, righteous, and utterly righteous in all that He does. His love ensures that, in this holiness, He also redeems, comforts, and invites humanity into relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Thus, though holiness has a particular emphasis by virtue of the threefold refrain, love is so bound to God’s nature that one cannot be properly understood without the other. For those exploring this topic, it is worth reading Isaiah 6, Revelation 4, 1 John 4, and associated passages in the earliest manuscripts and comparing them with modern translations. Such studies—backed by archaeological discoveries confirming the reliability of these scriptural texts—demonstrate that the portrayal of God as “holy, holy, holy” and as “love” has remained intact throughout the centuries. Both holiness and love remain pivotal for worship, devotion, and theology. God’s holiness is supreme in His separateness from sin, and His love permeates every act toward the redemption of His people. Taken together, they answer the question fully: His supreme attribute is revealed in that thrice-holy declaration, yet it is never divorced from His perfect love. |
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