Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Chapter 5 (Nature and attributes of God) by reading up to the heading '6. Eternity'.
My summary
Today Hodge begins to teach us about God himself.
Firstly Hodge explains what it means to define something, particularly God. Hodge prefers the Westminster definition.
Secondly Hodge discusses what it means for God to have attributes. Hodge warns us that: 'There is indeed a danger in either extreme; danger of degrading God in our thoughts, by reducing Him to the standard of nature, and danger of denying Him as He is revealed.'
Thirdly Hodge explains the principles of the classification of the divine attributes.
Fourthly Hodge unpacks what it means that God is Spirit. God is:
(i) not matter;
(ii) a person;
(iii) moral.
Fifthly Hodge instructs us on the infinite nature of God. If God is infinite, then 'no limitation can be assigned to his essence'.
What grabbed me
I enjoyed hearing Hodge's appreciation for the Westminster catechism: ''Probably the best definition of God ever penned by man, is that given in the "Westminster Catechism": " God is a Spirit, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable, in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." This is a true definition ; for it states the class of beings to which God is to be referred. He is a Spirit ; and He is distinguished from all other spirits in that He is infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being and perfections. It is also a complete definition, in so far as it is an exhaustive statement of the contents of our idea of God. '
The Westminster Catechism is a precious gift from God worthy of our attention.
Next week's reading
Continue Chapter 5 (Nature and attributes of God) by reading up to the heading '9. The will of God'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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