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40 Predestination
PREDESTINATION Is the decree of God, whereby he hath for his own glory fore-ordained whatever comes to pass. The verb predestinate is of Latin original (praedestino,) and signifies in that tongue to deliberate before-hand with one's self how one shall act, and, in consequence of such deliberation, to constitute, fore-ordain, and predetermine, where, when, how, and by whom any thing shall be done, and to what end it shall be done. So the Greek word whish exactly answers to the English word predestinate, and is rendered by it, signifies to resolve before-hand with one's self what shall be done, and before the thing resolved on is actually effected; to appoint it to some certain use, and direct it to some determinate end. This doctrine has…
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39 Sovereignty Of God
SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD Is his power and right of dominion over his creatures, to dispose and determine them as seemeth him good. This attribute is evidently demonstrated in the systems of creation, providence, and grace; and may be considered as absolute, universal, and everlasting, Dan. 4:35. Eph. 1:11.
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38 Patience Of God
PATIENCE OF GOD Is his long suffering or forbearance. He is called the God of patience, not only because he is the author and object of the grace of patience, but because he is patient or long suffering in himself, and towards his creatures. It is not, indeed, to be considered as a quality, accident, passion, or affection in God as in creatures, but belongs to the very nature and essence of God, and springs from his goodness and mercy, Rom. 2:4. It is said to be exercised towards his chosen people, 2 Peter 3:9. Rom. 3:25. Isa. 30:18. 1 Tim. 1:16. and towards the ungodly, Rom. 2:4. Eccl. 8:11. The end of his forbearance to the wicked, is, that they may be without excuse;…
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37 Goodness Of God
GOODNESS OF GOD Relates to the absolute perfection of his own nature, and his kindness manifested to his creatures. Goodness, says Dr. Gill, is essential to God, without which he would not be God, Exod. 33:19. 34:6,7. Goodness belongs only to God, he is solely good, Matt. 19:17; and all the goodness found in creatures are only emanations of the divine goodness. He is the chief good; the sum and substance of all felicity, Ps. 144:12, 15. 73:25. 4:6,7. There is nothing but goodness in God, and nothing but goodness comes from him, 1 John 1:5. James 1:13,14. He is infinitely good; finite minds cannot comprehend his goodness, Rom. 11:35,36. He is immutably and unchangeably good, Zeph. 3:17. The goodness of God is communicative and…
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36 Care Of God
CARE OF GOD Is his attention to and concern for the promotion of the welfare of his creatures, 1 Pet. 5:7. 1. That God does manifest this care is evident from the blessings we enjoy, the ordinances he has instituted, the promises he has given, and the provision he has made, Ps. 84:11. Matt. 7:12.--2. This care is entirely free, and unmerited on our part. Gen. 32:10. Deut. 7:6. Rom. 3:23.--3. It is every way extensive, reaching to all his creatures and to all cases. Ps. 145.—4. It is superior to all human care and attention. He cares for us when others cannot; when others will not care for us; or when we cannot or will not care for ourselves. Ps. 143:4,5. Jer. 49:11. Ps.…
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35 Compassion Of God
COMPASSION OF GOD Is the infinite greatness of his mercy and love, whereby he relieves the miseries of his people. This perfection of Jehovah is conspicuously displayed in the gift of his Son, John 3:16. the revelation of his will, Hos. 8:12. the bounties of his providence, Ps. 114:9. the exercise of his patience, Rom. 2:4. the promise of his mercy, Ps. 78:38. the manifestation of his presence, Matt. 18:20. and the provision of eternal glory, 1 Pet. 1:4.
