Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of motive ascribed to God is foundational to understanding His actions and interactions with humanity. God's motives are often revealed through His words and deeds, providing insight into His character and purposes. The Bible presents God's motives as pure, righteous, and driven by His divine attributes, including love, justice, holiness, and sovereignty.Love and Compassion One of the primary motives ascribed to God is His love for His creation. This is most clearly demonstrated in the sending of His Son, Jesus Christ, for the salvation of humanity. John 3:16 states, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse encapsulates the motive of divine love as the driving force behind the redemptive plan. God's compassion is also evident in His dealings with Israel. In Exodus 34:6-7 , God proclaims His nature to Moses: "The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." Here, God's motive of compassion is linked to His covenantal faithfulness and mercy. Justice and Righteousness God's motives are also rooted in His justice and righteousness. Throughout the Scriptures, God is portrayed as a righteous judge who acts with fairness and equity. In Deuteronomy 32:4 , Moses declares, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." God's motive of justice ensures that He upholds moral order and holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions. The prophetic literature often highlights God's motive of justice, particularly in His dealings with Israel and the surrounding nations. In Isaiah 61:8 , God states, "For I, the LORD, love justice; I hate robbery and wrongdoing; in My faithfulness, I will give them their recompense and make an everlasting covenant with them." This underscores God's commitment to justice as a motive for His actions. Holiness and Sovereignty God's holiness is another key motive that influences His actions. His holiness sets Him apart from His creation and demands purity and righteousness. In Leviticus 11:44 , God commands, "For I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, because I am holy." God's motive of holiness is reflected in His desire for His people to live in accordance with His standards. Furthermore, God's sovereignty is a motive that underscores His ultimate authority and control over all creation. In Ephesians 1:11 , Paul writes, "In Him we were also chosen as God’s own, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything by the counsel of His will." God's sovereign will is a motive that ensures His purposes are accomplished, even amidst human free will and historical events. Redemption and Restoration The motive of redemption is central to God's interaction with humanity. From the fall of man in Genesis to the promise of a new creation in Revelation, God's redemptive motive is evident. In 2 Corinthians 5:19 , Paul explains, "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them." This motive of reconciliation and restoration is a testament to God's desire to restore broken relationships and bring about spiritual renewal. In summary, the Bible ascribes various motives to God, each reflecting His divine nature and purposes. These motives—love, justice, holiness, sovereignty, and redemption—are interwoven throughout the biblical narrative, providing a comprehensive understanding of God's actions and intentions toward His creation. Nave's Topical Index Psalm 106:8Nevertheless he saved them for his name's sake, that he might make his mighty power to be known. Nave's Topical Index Ezekiel 36:21,22,32 Library Whether the Temptation of God Consists in Certain Deeds, Wherein ... Whether Counsel is an Inquiry? Of the Jews; of their Attempt at Building, and of the Heaven-Sent ... Certainty of Our Justification. The Old Judge and the Young King A General Means for Applying Our Works to God's Service. Whether God Can Move the Created Will? 2 Cor. Iii. 5 Whether the Articles of Faith are Suitably Formulated? The Scheme of Necessity Makes God the Author of Sin. Resources When is the right time to build a new church building? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is seed faith? What is a seed faith offering? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about motives? | GotQuestions.org Motive: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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