Catechism Question 7
What is God’s character like?
God is perfect in holiness, love, and integrity.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In this question we are discussing the character of God, and also laying the groundwork for the discussion of our sin that will follow.
In the previous questions we have seen that because of God’s Being (Infinite, Eternal, and Sovereign) and His work (Creator) we owe God absolute obedience. He is far superior to us and created us, so it is necessary for us to meet His demands. Here we see that God’s character defines what is expected of us – holiness, love, and integrity. God’s Law is not arbitrary – it is a reflection of His character. Thus, we owe the Infinite, Sovereign Eternal Creator absolute, perfect obedience and conformity to His character – holiness, love, and integrity.
Note the the three words holiness, love, and integrity. While many words could be used to describe God’s character, these three words provide a good summary of the various words used to describe God’s character. For example, justice, righteousness, and wrath are all related to holiness; mercy, grace, forgiveness, and compassion are all related to love; and immutability (unchangeableness), faithfulness, and truthfulness are all related to integrity. For this reason, we will use these three words throughout this section to describe God’s character and what He demands of us as His creatures.
Additional Questions:
How does the Bible describe God’s character?
What is God’s character like?
What three words summarize God’s character?
Scripture References:
Isaiah 6:3
And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Revelation 4:8
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.”
1 John 4:7–10, 16
Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins… 16 And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him.
Malachi 3:6
I the LORD do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.
James 1:17
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Questions for Further Discussion:
What do we mean when we say God is perfect? Is anyone or anything else perfect?
NOTE: When we speak of God’s integrity, we mean both that God does not change, and that He always speaks the truth and does what is in accord with His nature.
What words can you think of to describe God’s character? Which of these words are similar to holy? Which ones are similar to loving? Which ones are similar to integrity?
If God is perfect in holiness, how will He treat sin? If He is perfect in love, how does He respond to His people’s sin? If He is perfect in integrity, will He change either His holiness or love to respond to our sin? Then how can we be saved? (NOTE: We will deal with these questions in more depth in questions 16 and 18).
Additional Information:
This question is based on question 4 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism, and question 2 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Westminster Shorter or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teachings “What Is God’s Character Like?” (September 29, 2019), “A Holy Kingdom” (July 10, 2018), “God Is Holy” (August 3, 2008), “The Path of Authentic Love” (July 26, 2015), “The Fugitive’s Faithful Father” (June 19, 2016), and “God is Faithful” (October 17, 2005).
Suggested Worship Song:
Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise (by Walter C. Smith – 1867, scripture I Tim. 1:17)
This song presents a grand view of God’s Being and His glorious character, which is justice (holiness) and love (verse 2), and also is perfect thus never changes (integrity).
Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious, thy great Name we praise.
Unresting, unhasting, and silent as light,
Nor wanting, nor wasting, thou rulest in might;
Thy justice like mountains high soaring above
Thy clouds which are fountains of goodness and love.
To all life thou givest—to both great and small;
In all life thou livest, the true life of all;
We blossom and flourish as leaves on the tree,
And wither and perish—but naught changeth thee.
Great Father of glory, pure Father of light,
Thine angels adore thee, all veiling their sight;
All laud we would render: O help us to see
’Tis only the splendour of light hideth thee.