Theology
I. The Existence of God
The existence of God strongly suggests itself as a "first truth" (Strong, Systematic Theology, p. 56). Its universality, necessity and logical independence and priority establish it so. Further arguments can be mustered (cosmological, teleological, anthropological, christological) however it would be impractical to explore them in this paper. Suffice it to say that Scripture assumes the existence of God (Gen. 1:1).
II. The Attributes of God
In disclosing himself to man through revelation God has shown us what He is like.
A. Absolute or immanent attributes are those which respect the inner being of God, independent from His creation.
God is spirit (Jn. 4:24; cf. Rm. 1:20), consisting of both life (Jr. 10:10; Jn. 5:26) and person (Ex. 3:14) but not matter. Further, he has no necessary relation to matter. God is also infinite (Ps. 145:3; cf. Rom. 11:33). This involves self-existence that is implied in the divine name (Ex. 3:14). Since all change must be better or worse and God is perfect, He is also immutable, unchanging (Mi. 3: 6; Js 1:17). This divine nature of God is undivided and indivisible. God exists as a unit (Deut. 6:4). Related to infinity, God is perfect. In truth, love and holiness there is not the slightest smear of imperfection in God. Hence, He is the source, support and the end of all things.
B. Relative or transitive attributes are those which respect the outward relations of God to His creation.
Relating to time and space, God is eternal, without beginning or end, and free from all succession of time (Rom. 1:20; 1 Tim. 1:17; cf. Gen. 21:33). Also attributed to God in relation to time and space is the quality of immensity. In other words, God's nature is without extension and subject to no limitations of space (I Kings. 8:27).
C. Relating to creation, God is omnipresent, penetrating the universe without diffusion or expansion (Ps. 139:7-10; Acts 17:27ff.).
He is omniscient, possessing perfect and eternal knowledge of all things, whether real or potential, past, present or future (Ps. 147:4; Is. 46:90. He is omnipotent, able to do all things which are objects of power, whether with or without the instrumentality of means (Gen. 17:1 and elsewhere, "God Almighty").
D. Relating to moral beings, God possesses veracity (Matt. 5:18; cf. Is. 40:8) and faithfulness (I Jn. 1:9).
Strong calls this "transitive truth". The expression of the loving nature of God to His creation is "transitive love", and is seen in mercy and goodness (I Tim. 1:16). "Transitive holiness" is revealed in justice and righteousness. God's righteousness demands moral perfection from all men and His justice visits imperfection with penal loss (Gen. 18:25; Ps. 5:5; Matt. 5:48; I Pet. 1: 1 6).
III. The Trinity
God has chosen to reveal Himself to man in three distinct persons existing in perfect unity. God the Father (Ps. 68:5 f.), God the Son (Matt. 27:43) and God the Holy Spirit (Jn. 14:26). The persons are equal in essence, though distinct in function (Jn. 16:8; Phil. 2:5 ff.). Each is spoken of as God (Jn. 6:27; Jn. 1:1; Acts 5: 3,4).