The unchanging attributes of God form the foundation of my faith. For me, there are five-fold character attributes that help me remain steadfast in my faith, and they are that God is good, loving, faithful, just, and holy. When I consider each of these attributes and believe that this is who God is and is 100% perfect in them, I know that I am in good hand no matter what happens to me. They are the lens through which I choose to interpret my life’s circumstances and decisions. Furthermore, if these attributes of God are completely true, then His words are also true and reliable. Additionally, these attributes are illustrated through significant events that highlight qualities such as goodness, love, faithfulness, justness, and holiness in acts of redemption. To me, when I think about who God is based on these unchanging attributes, I know that He will not let me down and He will cause all things to work together for good.

1. God is Good

The goodness of God is the cornerstone of my understanding of His character. It reminds me that God’s intentions toward His creation are always good. The Bible says that when He created the world, He saw that they were “good,” and after He finished His work with the creation of mankind, He said that it was “very good.” Psalm 34:8 says, “O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!” Although life may present us with trials, the goodness of God assures us that He is working all things for our good (Rom.8:28). This truth has taught me to trust Him no matter what, even when the path I am walking is unclear and confusing.

2. God is Love

God’s love is unmatched and unconditional. His love is not earned but freely given, as evidenced in John 3:16. It says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.” Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, God’s love was demonstrated in its fullest measure. It is this love that defines my relationship with Him. No matter how unworthy I feel or how far I stray, His love assures me that I am never beyond the reach of grace. No matter what difficult and evil circumstances come my way, His love demonstrated on the cross serves as a backdrop.

3. God is Faithful

Our world is full of uncertainties and inconsistencies, but God’s faithfulness is a steadfast anchor for my soul. Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us, “Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments.” Lamentations 3:23 says, “The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Thy faithfulness.” 2 Timothy 2:13 says, “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.” God’s faithfulness means that He will always fulfill His promises, and His Word will never return void. Reflecting on His faithfulness throughout history—and in my own life—gives me the confidence to trust Him with my future, knowing that He will never let me down.

4. God is Just and Righteous

The word “just” in Hebrew is “mishpat,” which means “a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree, including the act, the place, the suit, the crime, and the penalty. I have discovered that it is used in the court setting where a judge pronounces judgment. In other words, God being just means that His judgment, decisions, and actions are always righteous. God may not always appear fair, but I can be certain that His judgment is right. Romans 3:26 declares Him as both “just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” This truth challenges me to surrender all things, even my desire for vengeance, and trust that God will make all things right in His time.

5. God is Holy and Sovereign

Finally, God’s holiness and sovereignty remind me of His majesty and absolute authority over all creation. Isaiah 6:3 paints a picture of God’s holiness: “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts, The whole earth is full of His glory.” In the future, when God’s people and angelic beings gather together for worship, the Bible says that the four living creatures will not cease to say day and night, “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come” (Rev.4:8). His holiness or His sovereignty assures me that nothing happens outside His control or purpose. This attribute is the foundation of my worship, inspiring fear and reverence in His presence. It gives me confidence that, even in circumstances I cannot understand, God is sovereign, and His plans are for His ultimate good and His glory.

To me, the cross of Jesus Christ is where all five attributes of God were manifested in their fullness. At Calvary, God’s goodness was displayed as He provided salvation for sinners. His love was evident in the sacrificial death of His Son. His faithfulness shone in the fulfillment of His promises throughout Scripture. His justice was satisfied as the penalty for sin was paid by His Son. Finally, His holiness and sovereignty were demonstrated as He accomplished His eternal plan of redemption, a predestined purpose before the creation of the world. To me, the cross is the ultimate reminder that God’s character is unchanging and trustworthy, even in the face of life’s uncertainties. I will always see, interpret, and seek to understand my life, ministry, and circumstances, whether they appear good or evil.