The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum Righteousness

I would agree with this qualification: love is the standard for the motive out of which one is to act. But love must be defined by an objective standard; i.e., the duty that love is expressed. If all the Scripture said was, "Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength" and nothing further, then we would be at a loss to know HOW to express that love. Fortunately, God hasn't left us to wonder about these things for He has also included by inspiration His law, which is the guide to loving Him and our neighbor.

Many today want to make "love" a superior attribute of God over all His other attributes. Of course, I have no idea if this is what you are wanting to do too. And since I don't know, I'm not going to assume this at this time. First of all, God is not to be defined by the sum of His attributes, for He is far more than this. Second, God loves in two basic ways: 1) Generally, in that He is benevolent upon all men without discrimination which we can see in that He gives life itself, provides food, shelter, etc. 2) Particularly, in that He acts in a salvific manner, redeeming undeserving sinners by His sovereign grace. In both ways, "love" is an action of God and not a sentiment as men are want to define it. Third, if one were to do a study of all the appearances of God's attributes in Scripture, it is "holiness" that exceeds them all. First and foremost, He has revealed Himself as the "Holy One", in whom there is no unrighteousness and Who is just. All that God does is right, perfect and just. (Gen 18:25; Deut 32:4; Job 8:3; Ps 11:5-7; 98:9; Rom 3:5, 6; et al) Fourth, the Scripture speaks of God hating sinners. Yet this hatred is a perfect hatred. (Ps 139:22).

Both God's love and His hatred is based upon His holiness, for He is perfect.

Lastly, there are things which are reserved only to God and to which we are not able and/or allowed to do, for we are finite and subjects of God and His law. The Lord cannot circumvent nor violate His own holiness, but He is all wise and therefore does all things perfectly and by His infinite and sovereign will.

Isaiah 55:9 (ASV) "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Romans 11:33-36 (ASV) "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him [be] the glory for ever. Amen."

In His Grace,