Required reading
Systematic Theology Volume 1 by Charles Hodge (Available from Amazon or free here) - Conclude Chapter 5 (Nature and attributes of God).
My summary
This week we finish Hodge's chapter on the divine attributes of God.
Firstly Hodge speaks about the goodness of God which he says includes benevolence, love, mercy, and grace.
Secondly Hodge teaches us about the truth of God. Truth is that which is:
(i) not concealed;
(ii) does not fail or disappoint our expectations.
Thirdly Hodge discusses the sovereignty of God which he asserts is:
(i) universal;
(ii) absolute;
(iii) immutable.
What grabbed me
I liked Hodge's statement of the purpose of God in creating this world: 'The older theologians almost unanimously make the glory of God the ultimate, and the good of the creature the subordinate end of all things. Twesten, indeed, says it makes no difference whether we say God proposes his own glory as the ultimate end, and, for that purpose, determined to produce the highest degree of good ; or that He purposed the highest good of his creatures, whence the manifestation of his glory flows as a consequence. It, however, makes all the difference in the world, whether the Creator be subordinate to the creature, or the creature to the Creator ; whether the end be the means, or the means the end. There is a great difference whether the earth or the sun be assumed as the centre of our solar system. If we make the earth the centre, our astronomy will be in confusion. And if we make the creature, and not God, the end of all things, our theology and religion will in like manner be perverted. It may, in conclusion, be safely asserted that a universe constructed for the purpose of making God known, is a far better universe than one designed for the production of happiness. '
God's glory is the ultimate purpose of all things.
Next week's reading
Commence Chapter 6 (The trinity) by reading up to the heading '4. The church doctrine as presented by the Council of Nice'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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