Studying the Essential Attributes of God፟: His Self-Existence, Eternity, and Goodness - Part I

The essential attributes of God are fundamental qualities that define God's nature and help us understand the divine being in various religious and philosophical beliefs. These attributes shape our understanding of God's power, knowledge, presence, and relationship with the world and are central to worship and spiritual reflection.

By reflecting on these essential attributes, believers seek to deepen their understanding of God's nature and strive to develop a closer relationship with the divine being they worship. These attributes often form the basis of theological discussions, spiritual contemplation, and philosophical reflections on the nature of the divine.

In the upcoming articles, with the grace of God, we will explore these fundamental attributes of God.

1. Aseity (self-existence) (ሉዓላዊነት)፡This attribute means that God exists entirely on His own, without needing anything or anyone else to exist. He is self-sufficient and independent.

Acts 17:25 - "Nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything."
“እርሱም ሕይወትንና እስትንፋስን ሁሉንም ለሁሉ ይሰጣልና አንዳች እንደሚጎድለው በሰው እጅ አይገለገልም።” (ሥራ 17፡25)

2. Eternity (ዘለዓለማዊነት): God has always existed and will always exist. He is not bound by time but exists outside of it, encompassing past, present, and future all at once.

Psalm 90:2 - "Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God."

“ተራሮች ሳይወለዱ፥ ምድርም ዓለምም ሳይሠሩ፥ ከዘላለም እስከ ዘላለም ድረስ አንተ ነህ።” (መዝ 90:2)

3. Goodness (የባሕርይ መልካምነት/ቸርነት)፡ This attribute describes God's caring nature, His perfect moral excellence, and His love for all creation. Everything He does is righteous and for the ultimate good.

Psalm 34:8 - "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." “እግዚአብሔር ቸር እንደ ሆነ ቅመሱ እዩም፤ በእርሱ የሚታመን ሰው ምስጉን ነው” (መዝ 34:8)

Numerous Church Fathers extensively explored these attributes in their teachings, writings, and theological reflections. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) notably underscored God's aseity and eternity in his works, emphasizing God's self-sufficiency and everlasting nature.

In conclusion, the essential attributes of God, including His aseity, eternity, and goodness, serve as foundational pillars that shape believers' understanding of God's nature, guiding them in deepening their relationship with the divine through theological exploration and spiritual reflection.