Answer Key for Students

The Attributes of God:

Course ATR

Mount Zion Bible Institute

Note: Answers are provided only for the "Response" questions (being more fact-based). Other questions (Reflection and
Making It Personal) require personal ideas and do not have pre-defined answers. 2) When the questions ask for the key point of
scriptures, it is to be in your own words. [Sometimes in this answer key we do actully quote the scripture, as a clear reference.]

Lesson 1
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Personal answer.
(Genesis 1:1) There was a time when God dwelt all alone. There was no heaven, no earth, no angels, and no universe. There
was nothing, no one, but God.
That He chose to create was purely a sovereign act on His part, caused by nothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but
His own mere good pleasure - to show (manifest) His glory.
Ephesians 1:11 all happens only because of His own will.
God is no gainer from anything, because He is in need of nothing - He is completely glorious in Himself.
God chose those to believe out of His own will, a choice He made freely, without obligation or need.
Ephesians 1:5 according to the pleasure of His will.
a. No, because He is altogether above us; His ways are beyond human ability to search out.
b. He can be known only as He is revealed to the heart by the Holy Spirit through the Word.
No, because God is Spirit (John 4:24) and can only be known spiritually. [See 1 Cor. 2:10, John 16:13-14.]
a. Fallen man is not spiritual; he is carnal. He is dead to all that is spiritual. Unless he is born again, supernaturally brought
from death unto life, he cannot even see the things of God.
b. John 3:3
to see, you must be born-again (of the Spirit)
1 Cor. 2:14
the natural man cannot know, because they are spiritually discerned
2 Cor. 4:6
God is the One who gives to us knowledge of Him
2 Peter 3:18 we are commanded to grow in knowledge of Him, via grace.

Lesson 2
1.

2.

3.
4.

The Solitariness of God

The Decrees and Knowledge of God

a.
b.

It is Gods purpose, decision, and intention regarding what will occur in the future.
Because there was only one act of Gods infinite mind about future things. Gods infinite mind does not think in steps, as we
do.
a. Psalm 2:7
Decree
Eph. 3:11
Eternal purpose
Acts 2:23
Determinate counsel and foreknowledge
Eph. 1:9
His will and His good pleasure
Rom. 8:29
He also did predestinate
b. They are called His counsel to signify that they are completely wise. They are called his will to demonstrate that He acted
according to His own pleasure.
To what: all things/events (without exception) whether great or small, whether good or evil.
To whom: to all creatures
a. eternal - past, present, and future
Eph. 1:4
before the foundation of the world
2 Tim. 1:9
according to His own purpose and grace
b. wise - the best possible ends, and the fittest means of accomplishing them
Ps. 104:24
God created everything in His wisdom
Rom. 11:33
Gods wisdom and knowledge are beyond us in scope
c. free - God was not influenced by any other in making His decrees
Is. 40:13-14 No one else helped God or influenced Him; He created as He chose.
d. absolute and unconditional - the decrees will come to pass because they depend upon nothing external to God
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5
6.
7.
8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.
14.
15.

2 Thes. 2:13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit
Is. 46:10
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure
Eph. 1:11
Worketh all things after the counsel of His own will
a. Man is responsible and answerable for his actions.
b. If our thoughts are formed from Gods Word, then our lives will reflect obedience to Him.
Personal answer
Personal answer
God knows everything both actual and possible, all events and all creatures, of the past, the present, and the future. He is fully
knowledgeable about every detail in the life of every being in heaven, in earth, and in hell.
Dan. 2:22
He knows what is in the darkness
Ps. 139.6
His knowledge is beyond ust
Heb. 4:13
He nows all creatures and everything
Ps. 139:2-4
He knows everything about us, even all our words
Ez. 11:5
He knows everything we think.
Because God knows every secret sin about us
Hosea 7:2
He remembers all our wickedness
Ps. 90:8
He has our secret sins in the light of His countenance
In perplexity
Job 23:10
He knows the way that I take
In weariness/weakness Ps. 103:14
He knows that we are dust
In doubt/suspicion
Ps.139:23-24 Ask God to search our hearts for purity
In sad failure
John21:17
Lord, Thou knowest all things
God knows our hearts and our every need, without overlooking anyone, even the deepest longings of the soul that defy
expression.
Is. 65:24
before they call, I will answer
a. Gods knowledge of the future is as complete as His knowledge of the present and past because the future depends entirely
upon Him. If anything could occur apart from the direct agency of God, then God would cease to be Supreme.
b. No. Since God has designed what will be in the future, it will come about exactly as He has ordained - no exceptions!
Dan. 4:35
He does according to His will; none can stay His hand.
c. The wisdom/power of God are infinite, therefore, the accomplishment of whatever He has purposed is absolutely
guaranteed (nothing can stand against it to change it).
In every prophecy recorded in His Word. In the Old Testament: predictions concerning Israels history were completely fulfilled
centuries after they were made, and predictions concerning Christ were also perfectly accomplished.
The cause of all things is the will of God. He has ordained them to be.
The infinite knowledge of God should fill us with:
- amazement
He is so far above us
- awe
He sees everything; nothing in us is missed
- adoration
In spite of what He sees in me, He still chose to love me!

Lesson 3
1.
2.

a.
b.
a.
b.

3.

a.

b.
4.

a.
b.

The Foreknowledge and Supremacy of God

For a person to be established in the faith.

Through prayerful and diligent study, receiving with meekness the engrafted Word of God.
False: That God foresaw that certain people would respond more readily to the Holy Spirit, and because God knew they
would believe, He accordingly predestined them unto salvation.
Wrong because it indicates that there is something good in some men, which takes away the independence of God, for it
makes His decrees rest upon what He discovers in man.
God, in His high sovereignty, singled out certain ones to be recipients of His distinguishing favors and therefore He
determined to bestow upon them the gift of faith.
Acts 13:48
the Gentiles who believed were ordained by God to eternal life.
A false theology makes Gods foreknowledge of our believing the cause of His election to salvation; whereas the Bible
says that Gods election is the cause, and our believing in Christ is the resulting effect.
To regard with favor and affection.
Ex. 33:17
I know thee by name
Deut. 9:24
Ye have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you
Jer. 1:5
Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee
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Hosea 8:4
They have made princes, and I knew it not
Amos 3:2
You only have I known of all the families of the earth
c. Matt. 7:23
Then will I profess unto them, I never knew you.
John 10:14
I am the good shepherd and know My sheep and am known of Mine
I Cor. 8:3
If any man love God, the same is known of Him
II Tim.2:19
The Lord knoweth them that are His
5. a. Events or actions.
b. Persons.
c. Acts 2:23
Christ was delivered and crucified by the foreknowledge of God
Rom. 8:29-30 Whom God did foreknow, He predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son
Rom. 11:2
God has not cast away His people which He foreknew
1 Peter 1:2
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father
6. a. Because He has elected.
b. Solely out of His own mere pleasure.
7. That before the foundation of the world, God singled out certain sinners and appointed them unto salvation.
8. No. No sinner ever does believe until God gives him faith.
9 Personal answer
10. Personal answer
11. Supremacy:
I Chr. 29:11-12 All in heaven and earth is Gods; His kingdom is over all
II Chr. 20:6
He rules over all kingdoms, no one can resist Him
Job 23:13
He does what He wants, no one can stop Him
Job 42:2
He does everything He pleases
Ps. 115:3
But our God is in the heavens: He hath done whatsoever He hath pleased
Prov. 21:30
There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the Lord
12.
Exod.14
At His pleasure the Red Sea divided
Num. 16
At Gods command the earth opened and the rebels went down alive into the pit
Josh. 10
When He so ordered, the sun stood still
Is. 38:8
The sun went backward ten degrees on the dial of Ahaz
I Kings 17
He made ravens carry food to Elijah
II Kings 6:5 He made iron to swim on top of the waters
Ps. 135:6
Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the seas, and all deep places.
Prov. 21:1
God can change the mind/emotions of kings as He wills
Eph. 1:11
He works all things after the counsel of His own will
Rom. 11:36
For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things
Ja. 4:13,15
We do things only if the Lord wills.

Lesson 4
1.

2.

3.

4.

The Sovereignty and Immutability of God

Sovereignty of God is the exercise of Gods supremacy. No one can oppose or hinder Him.
Is. 46:10
My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure.
Dan 4:35
He doeth according to His will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can
stay His hand .
Eph. 1:11
God is on the Throne of the universe, directing and working all things after the counsel of His own will.
a. Unrivaled in majesty
b. Unlimited in power
c. Unaffected by anything outside of Himself
Ps. 135:6
Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did He in heaven, and in earth, in the sea, and all deep places.
1) When God created angels, He placed some on conditional footing and others He gave an unchangeable standing before Him.
2) God placed Adam in the Garden of Eden on the conditional basis of creature responsibility so that he stood or fell
according to his obedience or non-obedience to the laws which were given to him by God. 3) Israel was placed upon a
conditional footing. God gave them certain laws and made national blessing for them contingent upon their observance of
Gods laws.
a. In the sovereignty of the Creator.
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There is not and never will be any end to Gods sovereignty.

Unconditional footing. It is a standing that a does not change, is not predicated on any condition.
In the Everlasting Covenant, Jesus Christ was appointed their Head, took their responsibilities upon Himself, and wrought
out a righteousness for them which is perfect, indefeasible [cannot be undone or made void], and eternal.
c. No; it is unconditional, based solely on the finished work of Christ at the cross.
6-7.
Personal answers.
8. God is always the same: His being, attributes and decisions do not change. He can know no change.
Deut. 32:4
God is like a rock, without iniquity, filled with justice.
James 1:17
God is light and does not change
9. God is immutable in His essence. He is infinite; there never was a time when He was not; He will never cease to be. All He is
today, He has always been and will be forever.
Mal 3:6
I am the Lord, I change not.
Ex. 3:14
I am that I am
God is immutable in His attributes. Gods attributes are the same now as before the universe was called into existence, and they
will remain so for ever
Ps. 119:89
For ever, O Lord, Thy word is settled in heaven
Jer. 31:3
I have loved thee with an everlasting love
John 13:1
Having loved His own which were in the world, He loved them unto the end
Ps. 100:5
For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations
God is immutable in His counsel. His will never varies. He does not revise His decrees.
Rom. 11:29
The gifts and calling of God are without repentance
Job 23:13
He is in one mind, and who can turn from Him? and what His soul desireth, even that He doeth
Ps. 33:11
The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations
Heb 6:17
The immutability of His counsel
10.
Jude 13
Wandering stars, out of proper orbit
Is. 57:20
The wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest
Gen. 49:4
Unstable as water
Is. 2:22
Cease ye from man
Ps. 146:3
Put not your trust in men, in whom there is no help
11. Human nature cannot be relied upon, but God can. His purpose is fixed; His will is stable; His Word is sure. Here is where we
fix our feet when we are under pressure.
Is. 54:10
No matter what, God will not abandon us..
12. We pray because He requires it and we ask according to His will.
13. Those who defy God, break His laws, have no concern for His glory, and live their lives as though He doesnt exist must not
expect that He will alter His will, revoke His Word, and rescind His awful threatenings - even if they have an outward
profession to be Christians.
Ez. 8:18
Therefore will I also deal in fury: Mine eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: and though they cry in
Mine ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.
5.

b.
a.
b.

Lesson 5
1.

2.

3.

The Holiness of God

Rev. 15:4
Who shall not fear Thee, O Lord, and glorify Thy name? for Thou only art holy
I John 1:5
God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all
Ex. 15:11
Glorious in holiness
Hab. 1:13
Thou art of purer eyes than to behold evil, and canst not look on iniquity.
II Chr. 20:21 Praise the beauty of holiness
a. God, Himself, singles out His perfection of holiness and He swears by His holiness because that is a more full expression of
Himself than anything else.
Ps. 89:35
Once have I sworn by My holiness
b. The saints are exhorted to sing and give thanks unto the Lord.
Ps. 30:4
Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness.
In His works
Ps. 145:17
The Lord is righteous in all His ways, and holy in all His works
Gen. 1:31
God pronounced all that He made to be very good
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Ecc. 7:29
In His law
Rom. 7:12
Ps. 19:8,9

Man was made upright in the image and likeness of his Creator

The law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for
ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
At the cross. The atonement demonstrates Gods infinite holiness and abhorrence of sin. Because he is holy, God hates all sin.
Prov. 3:32
The froward is abomination to the Lord
Prov. 15:26
The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord
Heb 9:22
Without shedding of blood is no remission
Nahum 1:2
The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserveth wrath for His enemies.
4. a. No. They hope that Gods mercy will override their sinfulness, and that He will accept their unholiness as OK.
b. The unregenerate think only of a god patterned after their own evil hearts. Consequently, they continue in their course of
sinfulness.
5. To be faced with One who is infinitely and unchangingly holy.
6. As crime or mistakes. If sin is admitted, excuses and justifications are given for it.
7. As an indulgent old man who has no relish for folly, but leniently winks at the indiscretions of youth. They become upset when
they are confronted with Gods hatred of sin.
8.
Ps. 5:5
Thou hatest all workers of iniquity
Ps. 7:11
God is angry with the wicked every day
9. No. The best that sinful man brings forth is still defiled before a holy God.
10. The righteousness of Jesus Christ, Gods Son [who gave Himself as a perfect sin-offering on our behalf].
11. You will be totally accepted by God [without condition or price, because of Christs finished work] (Eph. 1:6).
12. With utmost reverence.
Ps. 89:7
God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are
about Him
Ps. 99:5
Exalt ye the Lord our Lord, and worship at His footstool; He is holy
Ex. 3:5
Put off thy shoes from off thy feet
Ps. 2:11
He is to be served with fear
Lev. 10:3
I will be sanctified in them that come nigh Me, and before all the people I will be glorified

Lesson 6
1.
2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

7.

8.

The Power of God

Gods power: allows Him to bring to pass whatever He pleases; gives life and action to all His perfections; is a reflection of
Him (infinite, eternal, incomprehensible); cannot be restrained by man.
After God has spoken once, nothing more is necessary. His authority does not change. The earth will pass away but His Word
abides forever.
Ps. 62:11
God hath spoken once, twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God
Ps. 18:13-15 When God speaks (decides), then everything happens.
Ps. 89:6
For who in the heaven can be compared unto the Lord?
a. With God.
b. Power exists in God.
c. Man has power only as it is given to him by God.
God is not dependent upon His creation (Job 38:4-6).
Only a small portion of Gods tremendous power is seen in His creation. His power is so inconceivable, immense, and
uncontrollable that the works of nature which we see conceal, rather than reveal, His complete might and power.
Hab. 3:4
And there was the hiding of His power
Job 9:8
Treadeth upon the waves of the sea
Job 22:14
He walketh in the circuit of Heaven
Ps. 104:3
Walketh upon the wings of the wind
Ps 89:11,12
God created all things from nothing
Ps 33:9
Spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast
Ps 89:13
Thou has a mighty arm: strong is Thy hand, and high is Thy right hand.
No creature has power to preserve itself.
Job 8:11
Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
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Ps. 36:6
(Preserver of) man and beast
Heb. 1:3
Upholding all things by the Word of His power
Ps 66:9
Holdeth our soul in life
9. God restrains the malice of Satan, who hates God and the saints. Satan envies the saints pleasure of enjoying Gods blessing. If
Satan had his way, he would treat us as he did Job.
I Peter5:8
The devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.
God restrains the corruption of men due to mans apostasy from his Maker.
Rom. 3:14,15 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness, their feet are swift to shed blood.
10. The flood, the parting of the Red Sea.

Lesson 7
1.

2.
3.
4.

5.

6.

7.
8.

Lesson 8
1.

2.

The Faithfulness of God

Deut. 7:9
Know therefore that the Lord Thy God, He is God, the faithful God
2 Tim 2:13
God is faithful even when we are not, for He cannot betray His character
Ps. 89:8
No one is faithful like the Lord is
Is. 11:5
Righteousness shall be the girdle of His loins, and faithfulness the girdle of His reins
Ps. 36:5
Thy mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens; and Thy faithfulness unto the clouds
Lam. 3:22-23 God does not change like a man does, not even changing of His mind.
His people need to know that faithfulness is an essential part of the divine character. This is the basis of our entire confidence in
Him. If He were not faithful, then we could not trust Him.
Is. 50:10
trust in the name of the Lord, and stay upon God.
a. Cry out, Get thee hence, Satan.
b. Wait on God for His light.
Is. 30:18
The Lord waits to bless us at just the right time, therefore we are wise and will be blessed if we wait on
Him..
a. He has faithfully described the ruin which was caused by the Fall.
b. He has faithfully diagnosed the terrible state which sin has produced.
c. He has faithfully made known his inveterate hatred of evil, and that He must punish evil.
d. He has faithfully warned us that He is a consuming fire.
a. Providing absolute security for His people. God promised His Son a certain people for His inheritance. He certainly will
not allow any of them to perish.
I Cor. 1:9
God is faithful, by Whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son
b. Disciplining His people. His is faithful in sending sorrow as well as in giving joy. When God disciplines His children, it is
Gods faithfulness from which it comes.
Ps. 119:75
I know, O Lord, that Thy judgments are right, and that Thou in faithfulness has afflicted me
Ps. 89:32-33 Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. Nevertheless My
lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer My faithfulness to fail.
Hos. 5:15
In their affliction they will seek Me early
c. In glorifying His people. God calls His elect out of the darkness and into the light. He deals with them not on the grounds
of their lack of merits, but for His own great Names sake.
I Thes. 5:24 Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it
Rom. 8:30
Whom He calledthem He also glorified
2 Tim 2:19
The foundation of God standeth sure
We humble ourselves before Him, admit that we fully deserve His correction, and instead of complaining, we thank Him for it.
God never afflicts without a reason.
a. Preservation from worry (Job 5:19).
b. Silencing of murmurings and complaining
c. Increased confidence in God (I Peter 4:19).

The Goodness and the Patience of God

Gods goodness: Endures continually; Refers to the perfection of His nature; Is not lacking or defective; Is the source of all the
goodness in any creature; Is the essence of His eternal nature; Is eternal.
Ps. 52:1
The goodness of God endureth continually
I John 1:5
God is light, and in Him is no darkness at all
a. In man
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Ps. 139:14
Man is wonderfully made by God
In creatures
Ps. 145:15,16 God constantly takes care of His creations
Ps. 136.:25
Giveth food to all flesh, for His mercy endureth for ever
Ps. 33:5
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord
c. In the variety of natural pleasures
Ps. 145:9
(The tender mercies of the Lord) are over all His works
d. In Gods patience when men sin against His law and Gods wrath does not occur immediately
James 2:13
Mercy rejoiceth against judgment
Rom. 2:4,5
The riches of His goodness and forbearance and longsuffering
e. In His son whom He sent to redeem us.
Gal. 4:4-5
Christ was sent to redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons
a. Our gratitude
b. Because His goodness is so abundant and constant, it is taken lightly. [To withhold gratitude to God is a terrible sin and a
lack of faith.]
Rom. 2:4
Despisest thou the riches of His goodness?
That power of control which God exercises over Himself, causing Him to bear with the wicked and forbear so long in punishing
them.
Nah. 1:3
The Lord is slow to anger and great in power
Slow to anger.
Neh 9:17
But Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness
Ps. 103:8
The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy
a. He is the author and object of patience in the saints
b. Patience is what He is in Himself
c. He is a pattern for us.
Col 3:12
Put on... mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering
Eph. 5:1
Be ye therefore followers [emulators] of God, as dear children
a. In His dealings with sinners during Noahs time, God waited 120 years.
Gen. 6:3
Yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years
2 Peter 2:5
God both saved Noah and judged the ungodly
b. In His dealings with the Gentiles when they worshipped the creature more than the Creator. Instead of drawing His sword
for their extermination, He exercised His patience with them.
Acts 14:16
Suffered all nations to walk in their own ways
Acts 14:17
He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful season.
c. In His dealings with Israel, He suffered their manners for 40 years in the wilderness. When they entered Canaan and
sinned, God chastened them, but did not destroy. Instead, he raised up deliverers for them. Gods patience endured as their
iniquity increased, and He spared them many years before He allowed them to be carried into Babylon. Their rebellion
finally was manifested in the crucifixion of His Son. Forty years later He sent the Romans against them, after they had
judged themselves unworthy of everlasting life.
Acts 13:46
God fist spoke to them His truth, and when they refused to respond, He judged them, showing them their
own responsibility for their own fate.
d. In His dealings with the world today, Gods wondrous patience is exhibited. Sin abounds and Gods work is trampled under
foot. God bears with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction.
a. It means submission to the divine will and continuance in well-doing.
b. Matt. 5:48 - to be perfect, even as our Father in heaven is perfect. [To be perfect is 1) to be washed in the perfection of
Jesus via regeneration, and 2) to become mature in Christ.]
c. Christ exhorts the saints to love their enemies, bless those that curse them, do good to those who hate them.
b.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Lesson 9
1.

2.

The Grace and the Mercy of God

a. The elect Gods chosen people.

b. Grace is bestowed on those who do not merit it, and in fact are hell-deserving. Grace cannot be bought, earned, or won.
c. The recipient has no claim upon it, nor was it due him. It is given without request and as charity.
Paul discusses grace in opposition to works and worthiness. If grace could be earned or merited, then it would be a payment
out of obligation from God to us. Grace by definition must be a gift, independent of anything in us.
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Rom. 11:6
Eph. 2:8-9
3.

a.

It is eternal
2 Tim. 1:9

If by grace, then not works; if by works, then not grace..

By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any
man should boast.
Who have saved us, ... according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before
the world began.

b.

4.
5.
6.
7.

8.

9.
10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

It is free
Rom. 3:24
Being justified freely by His grace
c. It is sovereign
Rom. 5:21
Even so might grace reign
Heb. 4:16
The throne of grace
That His gifts to us our dependent only upon His will.
Ex. 33:19
I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious
a. It refers to Gods ability to save those people whom He has sovereignly singled out to be His highly favored ones.
b. Grace discriminates, makes differences, chooses some and passes by others.
Grace is manifested in, by, and through Jesus Christ.
John 1:17
The law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
a. Because there was nothing in grace that gratified their pride.
b. Mans condition, without Gods grace is: desperate, hopeless. The Gospel addresses men as guilty, condemned, perishing
criminals. Further, the most moral individual is in the same terrible plight as the most selfishly sinful individual.
c. Mankinds only hope is Gods grace as proclaimed in the Scriptures.
a. The Holy Spirit. He applies the Gospel in saving power to the soul: quickening the elect while they are spiritually dead,
conquering their rebellious wills, melting their hard hearts, opening their blind eyes, cleansing them from sin.
b. God the Father
c. Jesus Christ, the Son
d. The Gospel - theWord of God
Personal answer.
a. General mercies of God: extended to all men and all creatures.
Ps. 145:9
His tender mercies are over all His works
Acts 17:25
He giveth to all life, and breath, and all things
b. Special mercies of God: extended to all men, which helps and aids them and communicates all the necessities of life.
Matt. 5:45
For He maketh His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and one the unjust
c. Sovereign mercies of God: reserved for the recipients of salvation, which are communicated to them in covenant through
the Mediator
a. Mercies extended to the wicked are of a temporal nature, confined to this present life.
b. Gods mercy is regulated by His sovereign will. Those made righteous in Christ are granted eternal mercies; those who
refuse submission to Christ during their physical lifetimes (during which God is longsuffering toward them) receive their
just judgment.
a. Gods sovereign grace determines when and where He will exercise His mercy.
Rom. 9:15
For He saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy
b. No. If God were influenced by man, He would save all of them. He does not do this because it is not His pleasure and
purpose to do so. The merits of man have no influence on the exercise of His mercy.
Titus 3:5
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us.
a. It is an act of justice when God defends His honor before the wicked.
b. It is an act of equity when the wicked suffer for their sin
c. It is an act of mercy when the wicked are punished, from the standpoint of the redeemed. [To have the unrepentant wicked
present in heaven would remove the blessings from that place.]
God must uphold His laws. If He does not punish sin, He would cease to be just. But His justice is as much a part of His
character as His mercy. Those who continue in sin cannot presume that they will receive Gods mercy.
Luke 13:3
Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish
Rom. 3:8
Let us do evil that good may come. Their damnation is just
Ps. 2:12
(Those who despise and reject God shall) perish from the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little

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Lesson 10 Gods Love

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

a.

Love was engaged on behalf of the saints before the world came into existence.
Eph. 1:4-5
In love having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself
b. God provided for fallen creatures.
I John 4:9
God sent His Son out of love, so that we might live.
c. Gods winsomeness attracts through the quickening operations of Gods Spirit, by the invincible power of Gods grace, and
by creating in you a deep sense of need.
Jer. 31:3
I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee
d. The Lord enters into an everlasting marriage contract with us, having made us willing through His power to give ourselves
to Him.
Hosea 2:19
God says He will marry us forever!
a. No. The sins of the saints cannot make Gods covenant void, because they are secured in Christ.
b. God will chastise and discipline us, to get our attention that we might repent and be restored to fellowship. But His
lovingkindness proceeds to us by covenant promise; therefore, we should never despair.
Ps. 89:31-34 God will not break His covenant by withdrawing His lovingkindness
Ps. 40:11
Thy lovingkindness and Thy truth continually preserve me
Ps. 138:2
Our response to His lovingkindness is worship!
By the blood of the Mediator (Jesus Christ), which removed the enmity (consequence of sin) that resulted in perfect
reconciliation to God.
Is. 54:10
But My kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of My peace be removed
a. To be more occupied with Gods goodness, which will result in greater carefulness about our obedience
Eph. 5:1,2
Be ye therefore followers [imitators] of God as dear children; and walk in love
Col. 3:12
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness
Ps. 26:3
Thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in Thy truth
b. To be strengthened in faith and confidence, through the sense of Gods perfection.
Ps. 36:7
How excellent is Thy lovingkindness, O God! therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow
of Thy wings
c. To stimulate the spirit of worship.
Ps. 63:3
Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee
Ps. 138:2
Praise Thy name for Thy lovingkindness and for Thy truth
d. To turn to Gods lovingkindness to revive during times of depression, as Christ did in His anguish
Ps. 119:76
LetThy merciful kindness be for my comfort
Ps. 69:17
And hide not Thy face from Thy servant; for I am in trouble: hear me speedily
e. To cry out to God for His lovingkindness in prayer
Ps. 119:159
Quicken me, O Lord, according to Thy lovingkindness
f. To appeal to Gods lovingkindness when we have fallen by the wayside.
Ps. 51:1
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness
g. To petition God for His lovingkindness in our devotions.
Ps. 143:8
Cause me to hear Thy lovingkindness in the morning.
a. God is spirit. He has no visible substance. If God had a tangible body, He would not be omnipresent, i.e. limited to one
place. But because He is spirit He fills heaven and earth.
John 4:24
God is spirit
b. God is light, which is the opposite of darkness. In Scripture, light stands for holiness, goodness, life. God is the sum of all
excellency.
I John 1:5
God is light
c. God is love. He is love itself. Love is not merely one of His attributes, but it is His very nature.
I John 4:8
God is love
There is nothing whatsoever in the creature to attract or prompt Gods love. Gods love is free, spontaneous, uncaused. God
loves on the basis of His own sovereign will.
Deut. 7:7-8
The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people;
for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved you
2 Tim. 1:9
According to His own purpose
Since God is eternal and God is love, His love has no beginning or end.
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Jer. 31:3
Eph. 1:4-5

8.

9.

10.

11.
12.

13.
14.

I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.
According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and
without blame before Him. In love having predestined us.
Since God is sovereign and since He is love, His love is sovereign. Because God is God, He does as He pleases; because God is
love, He loves whom He pleases.
Rom. 9:13
Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
All of these attributes are witness to the fact that God is infinite. His essence fills heaven and earth. His wisdom is unlimited. He
knows everything of the past, present, and future. His power is unbounded, for there is nothing too hard for him. His love is
without limit: there is a depth to it which none can fathom, there is a height to it which none can scale, and there is a length and
breadth to it which defies measurement by any standard.
Eph. 2:4
But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us
James 1:17
No variableness, neither shadow of turning
John 13:1
He loved them unto the end (there will never be an end of Gods love for His children)
Song 8:6-7
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it
Rom. 8:35-39
Nothing can separate from it
God does not wink at sin, even in His own people. His love is pure, unmixed with any sentimentality.
Heb 12:6
Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth
a. It is the supreme demonstration of Gods divine love.
b. The crucifixion death of Christ at Calvary in my place.
John 3:16
For God so loved the word, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should
not perish, but have everlasting life
Personal answer.
a. Election of His chosen ones unto salvation..
2 Thes. 2:13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation
Deut. 7:7
The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people
Eph. 1:4-5,
In love, having predestined us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the
good pleasure of His will
b. In redeeming.
I John 4:10
Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us, and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our
sins
Rom. 8:32
How shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
c. Effectual calling.
Acts 2:33
The Father sends forth the Holy Spirit from the enthroned Savior
Jer.31:3
I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee
I John 3:1
Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God
d. Healing of backslidings.
Hosea 14:4
I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely
Song 8:7
Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it

Lesson 11 The Wrath of God

1.

2.

3.
4.
5.

6.

God hates sin, and must out of His holiness and justice provide just punishment for sin.
Deu. 32:39-41 I kill, and I make alive; I wound, and I heal; neither is there any that can deliver out of My hand... If I whet
My glittering sword, and My hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to Mine enemies, and
will reward them that hate Me.
Yes. There would be defect in the character of God if wrath were absent. Indifference to sin is a moral blemish. God could not
look upon virtue the same as vice, or wisdom the same as folly. God delights in what is pure; correspondingly, He loathes
what is impure.
Rom. 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness
Displeasure, indignation, and eternal detestation.
Sin is a rebelling against His authority, a wrong done to His inviolable sovereignty. Therefore He has righteous anger toward it.
a. His wrath is revealed from heaven (i.e. it does not originate as emotional outburst against us) (Rom. 1:18).
b. When Gods wrath was displayed in Christs sufferings and death. This occasion of Gods wrath was far beyond any other
displays of His displeasure against sin.
a. To be fully aware of how God detests sin. We are prone to make excuses for it and to take sin lightly.
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b.

To cultivate a true (righteous and holy) fear of God in our souls.

Heb. 12:28-29 Let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: for our God is a
consuming fire.
c. To express fervent praise for our having been delivered from the wrath to come
l Thes. 1:10
Which delivered us from the wrath to come
7. The love of God cannot dwell in us if we do not fully rejoice in all of Gods perfections, including His wrath toward sin.
8. The danger is that we may consider God as being like us rather than as the most holy God.
Ps. 50:21
Thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself
Ps. 97:12
Give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness
9. a. Because God will have righteously judged all sin, including the sins committed against His saints.
Deut. 32:43
Rejoice, O ye nations [Gentiles] with His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will
render vengeance to his adversaries.
Rev. 19:1-3
Alleluia; Salvation, and glory ,and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: For true and righteous are
His judgments: for He hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and
hath avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.
b. The Lord will vindicate His majesty, exercise His awful dominion, magnify His justice, and overthrow the proud rebels who
have dared to defy Him.
10. a. Who shall stand? - in this way we will remain dependent upon Him alone for our salvation and daily existence, i.e.
abiding in Christ.
Ps. 130:3
we have no basis for expecting anything from God because of our sin.
Ps. 1:5
God says in fact we will not stand before His judgment.
b. Personal answer.

Lesson 12 The Contemplation of God

1.

a. God is an incomprehensible being.

b. Job 11:7-9
God is bigger than our understanding.
2. God has graciously revealed Himself in His Word, and its study will mightily enlarge the intellect and magnify the whole soul
of a man.
3. The primary study of the Christian is the Godhead, which includes the name, the nature, the doings, and the existence of God;
and the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
4. The study of the Divinity reveals that man really knows nothing. We begin to think like God thinks: His thoughts, His desires,
His satisfactions.
5. No. In their glorified state, Christians still will be finite creatures and, therefore, never able to fully comprehend the infinite
God.
6. He is an all-sufficient Being. Had God stood in need of anything external He would not have been independent, and therefore
He would not have been God. God derives no benefit from the devotion of His created ones; all the advantage reflects back to
them.
Col. 1:16
All things were created by Him and for Him
Job 22:2-3
Our obedient service is only our duty, bringing no gain to God, nor merit to ourselves (only blessing).
7. True happiness consists only in the enjoyment of God: His love, His grace, and His glory.
Lam. 3:24
Our hope is in Him
Ps. 4:6-7
God has put gladness in my heart.
8.
Hab. 3:17-18 That he will be content and joyful regardless of circumstances.
9. God is the Supreme Sovereign of the universe. Dominion founded upon creation is absolute. God is omnipotent over the world
He created. (Daniel 4:34-35)
10. The creature has no rights. He can demand nothing from his Maker, nor has he a right to complain.
11. He assigns each creature his place; He orders the varied circumstances of each Person; He molds each person; He has mercy
on whom He will, and whom He will He hardens; Wherever we are, His eye is upon us; Whoever we are, our life and everything
is held at His disposal.

Thank you for taking this course. May you be encouraged to continue
your studies of Gods Word. Please download your next course now.

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Mount Zion Bible Institute

2603 W. Wright Street
Pensacola, FL 32505 USA
phone: (850) 438-1037 fax: (850) 438-0227
school@mountzion.org www.mountzion.org
a ministry of Mount Zion Bible Church

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