Category: Theology 101
Divine Attributes
Definition and Distinction.
An attribute is a quality, characteristic or property which is ascribed to a person or a thing. When we attribute a property to something we mean that the property properly belongs to it. The sun is hot. The lion is ferocious. The child is foolish. Therefore, divine attributes are those qualities which may be properly ascribed to God.
Historically, theologians have distinguished two classifications of divine attributes: Incommunicable and Communicable. Incommunicable attributes (self-existence, immutability, infinity and unity) are properties which belong only to Deity, and cannot be transferred or communicated to creatures. Communicable attributes (goodness, knowledge, righteousness, holiness, etc.) are properties which belong to Deity, but which may be transferred or communicated to creatures. This distinction aids the finite human mind in its thinking about God. However, it must be understood that although the attributes may be distinguished, they must never be separated. We must not pit one against another, nor subordinate one to another. God’s justice does not compete with His mercy, and His love is not superior to His holiness. God is equally all of His attributes.