FROM THE PULPIT; THE ATTRIBUTES OF GOD -- ARTICLE #11: THE GOODNESS OF GOD

The goodness of God refers to the perfection of His nature; there is nothing wanting or defective in God's character or in any of His attributes. Webster defines "goodness" as morally excellent, beneficial and virtuous, this is most certainly true of the God of the Bible, yet the thought means much more. God is essentially good and originally good which nothing else is. Therefore every act or aspect of His dealings with all the creatures He has created is totally good.

Psalms 119:68 declares that "God is good and does good." He is eternally good, infinitely good and derives His goodness from no one outside of Himself. All that emanates from Jehovah is the highest good and cannot be otherwise or else He would cease to be God.

God's decrees, creation, laws, and providential dealings with the son's of men are perfect in all aspects, truly, "the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord" (Ps. 33:5). Marg, are the passages which point to lids great attribute of the Holy Sovereign of the universe: (2 Chr. 5:13; Ps. 25:8; Nahum 1:7; James 1: 17; Rom. 2; 2 Thess. 1; Titus 3:4).

Our Lord's goodness is seen: In not immediately condennmnig sinners for their vile acts of rebellion towards Him; For His sending His son into this world to save His lost sheep (elect); In His sovereign will as He does with us as He so chooses; In all the miracles, proverbs and teachings in the written word.

We close this study with the words of David found in Psalms 107:8. "0 that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men." This is one of those 'strongholds' in the day of trouble for the children of the Most High, we ought to think regularly upon this attribute. When others behave badly towards us we should give thanks that our Lord will never do so towards His people and this we know from His everlasting promises Aund in Jesus Christ the 'Good Shepherd'. Next lesson: The Patience of God.