Practical Assignment 1 - Divine Blueprint: Reflecting on God’s Attributes to Better
Understand His Will
Submitted to Dr Garry Graves
Douglas Kuhl
THEO 525 Systematic Theology
April 13, 2024
Contents
Divine Blueprint: Reflecting on God’s Attributes to Better Understand His Will..................1
Introduction....................................................................................................................................1
Handout 1: The Holiness of God..................................................................................................3
Introduction..........................................................................................................................3
The Significance of God's Holiness.....................................................................................3
Theological Principles.........................................................................................................4
Handout 2: The Sovereignty of God............................................................................................6
Introduction..........................................................................................................................6
Understanding God's Sovereignty Brings Comfort and Trust.............................................6
God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Freedom..............................................................................7
Handout 3: The Love of God........................................................................................................9
Introduction..........................................................................................................................9
The Importance of God's Love in Counseling and Personal Growth..................................9
The Impact of God's Love.................................................................................................10
Conclusion.........................................................................................................................10
Handout 4: The Goodness of God..............................................................................................12
Introduction........................................................................................................................12
The Importance of God’s Goodness..................................................................................12
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................14
ii
1
Divine Blueprint: Reflecting on God’s Attributes to Better Understand His Will
Introduction
As Pastoral Counselors, we serve on the staff of a Conservative Church in the Pacific
Northwest. We firmly anchor this counseling ministry in the conviction that God's Word
provides the ultimate guidance for life's challenges. We wholeheartedly believe that the truths
found in Scripture, combined with the work of the Holy Spirit, can facilitate profound
transformation and development.
Reflecting the church's commitment to care for and support individuals in their journey
toward wholeness, we are privileged to provide our services free of charge. We have the honor of
walking alongside those who come seeking guidance, whether they are facing relational
struggles, spiritual questions, or personal crises. Through an examination of God's holiness,
sovereignty, and love, we pray you will gain a clearer understanding of His nature and His
intentions for humanity, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. In this matter it is important to
study the divine attributes of God.
Louis Berkhof, explains God's will is not just a guiding principle but the foundational
pillar upon which the universe and our lives rest. The divine blueprint orchestrates all aspects of
existence, from the grandeur of creation to the intricacies of daily life. Berkhof explains the
attributes of God serve as a foundational framework for understanding His will and purpose for
humanity, offering hope and direction in a world filled with uncertainty1. As we delve into God's
attributes—His holiness, sovereignty, and love—we are humbled by the profound truths we
uncover about His will and its awe-inspiring, pervasive influence.
1 L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 76.
2
Louis Berkhof, states: “Christian theology has always recognized the will of God as the
ultimate cause of all things.”2 God's will, as depicted in the Scriptures, serves as the powerful
driving force behind every aspect of existence. According to Psalm 135:6, it is not only the
wellspring of creation and preservation but also the guiding hand in government, as mentioned in
Proverbs 21:1. The foundation of God's will, as mentioned in Romans 9:15, 16, lies in the
principles of election and reprobation argues Berkhof. Luke 22:42 reminds us that God's will
encompasses even the sufferings of Christ and believers. According to Berkhof, scripture
presents God's will as a complex tapestry with many interconnected threads. It encompasses
various aspects, including His moral nature, self-determination, predetermined plan, power of
execution, and the rule of life for His creatures. In essence, God's will originates from His
absolute delight in Himself as the highest good and His intentional interaction with His creation
states Berkhof.3
For those reading these pages, you may be attending church but perhaps not yet know
Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord; understanding God's will is transformative. It reveals
His character, His intentions toward us, and His unchanging nature. It beckons us to trust in His
sovereignty, rest in His love, and marvel at His omnipotence. It is our hope that as you explore
these foundational truths about God's nature, His will, and His plan for your life, you will find
comfort, direction, and hope. The study of God's attributes reveals His perfect character and His
unwavering commitment to His creation, inspiring us to live in accordance with His will.4
2 L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 76.
3 Ibid., 76.
4 Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling; The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry.
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2016), 105.
3
Handout 1: The Holiness of God
Introduction
Describing God as holy means acknowledging His complete separateness from sin and
moral imperfection. Charles Hodges, an American Presbyterian theologian from the nineteenth
century, states that: “Holiness, on the one hand, implies entire freedom from moral evil; and,
upon the other, absolute moral perfection.”5 God is good, but God is also holy. His holiness is
intrinsic to His nature and is the standard of His moral perfection. The essential aspect of God’s
nature is described as being holy. God's holiness helps us discover profound truths about His
nature and relationship with us in several ways. Hodges explains that holiness implies both the
absence of moral evil and the presence of absolute moral perfection. God's holiness is
exemplified by the absence of impurity, highlighting flawlessness and purity. To sanctify is to
cleanse, and to be holy is to be clean. This concept of God’s Holiness places infinite purity as the
highest object of reverence, even more so than infinite knowledge or power. To be deemed holy
means to be set apart and dedicated solely to God and His service.6
The Significance of God's Holiness
Berkhof clarifies that the holiness of God, as depicted in the Bible, carries a two-part
interpretation. First and foremost, it signifies His unmatched superiority and elevation above all
His creations, underscoring His boundless grandeur and transcendence. This particular element
of holiness is regarded as one of God's primary and ultimate perfections. Furthermore, holiness
possesses an ethical aspect, highlighting the divine detachment from moral evil or sin. God's
majestic purity is closely connected to the concept of ethical holiness, representing His flawless
5 Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, vol. 1 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997), 413.
6 Ibid., 413
4
moral perfection and righteousness. The ethical dimension of holiness emerged from the initial
concept of God's transcendent holiness, emphasizing His distinction from anything that is impure
or sinful. The ethical holiness of God emphasizes His absolute moral perfection and His
complete separation from sin. Berkhof states: “He eternally wills and maintains His own moral
excellence, abhors sin, and demands purity in his moral creatures.” 7
Theological Principles
James Leo Garrett Jr. explains that “The “thoughts” and “ways” of “the Holy One of
Israel” are on a plane far above the “thoughts” and “ways” of human beings (Isa. 55:5, 8, 9).”8
Isaiah's experience in Isaiah 6, where he witnesses Yahweh's holiness, not only exposes his and
Judah's sins but also highlights Yahweh's forgiveness and commissioning of Isaiah. This
underscores the idea that holiness surpasses mere transcendence and divinity, incorporating a
unique association with sin and evil. According to Garrett, it highlights the profound disparity
between God's ways and human ways.9
Wayne Grudem highlights the concept of holiness as a pattern for God's people to
emulate. This pattern includes both separation from evil and sin, as well as devotion to God. In
Leviticus 19:2, God commands His people to be holy because He is holy, indicating a standard
of moral purity and righteousness that reflects God's own character. This call to holiness is
reiterated in Leviticus 11:44-45 and 20:26, emphasizing the importance of living in a manner
that is set apart from sin and dedicated to God.10
7 L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 74.
8 James Leo Garrett Jr., Systematic Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Evangelical, Fourth Edition., vol. 1
(Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2014), 241.
9 Ibid., 241.
10 Wayne, Grudem, Systematic Theology : An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Second edition. (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 1994), 202.
5
Additionally, Grudem makes a reference to 1 Peter 1:16 in which Peter quotes from
Leviticus. Peter is thereby emphasizing the continued significance of this command for followers
of Christ in the era of the New Testament. This illustrates that holiness is not limited to
ceremonies or the Old Testament. Holiness is a fundamental principle that God expects His
people to uphold throughout history.11
Furthermore, Grudem points to Exodus 19:4-6, where God, after delivering Israel from
Egypt, declares His intention for them to be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. This
demonstrates that holiness is not just an individual pursuit but also a corporate one, as God
desires His people as a whole to reflect His holiness to the world. When we speak of God's
holiness, we are referring to His absolute separation from anything that is impure, common, or
sinful. Understanding and revering God's holiness is paramount in our lives, as it not only
reflects His character but also sets the standard for our own moral purity and devotion to Him.12
Handout 2: The Sovereignty of God
Introduction
Louis Berkhof argues that God's sovereignty is a fundamental aspect of His nature,
referring to His complete control and authority over the universe. As the sovereign ruler and king
over all of creation, God exercises His power in accordance with His perfect will and plan.
11 Ibid., 202
12 Ibid., 202
6
Berkhof continues that everything that happens in the world is ultimately subject to His control,
whether it be the movement of the stars, the actions of human beings, or the course of history
itself. Despite the apparent chaos and randomness of life, God's sovereignty assures us that there
is a higher purpose and meaning to it all and that everything is ultimately working towards His
divine plan.13 Wayne Grudem succinctly captures this concept, stating, "God’s exercise of power
over his creation is also called God’s sovereignty. God’s sovereignty is his exercise of rule (as
'sovereign' or 'king') over all his creation."14
Understanding God's Sovereignty Brings Comfort and Trust.
The very concept of God implies that every existence is within His dominion, leaving
nothing outside. Heath Lambert, who earned his Ph.D. in systematic theology, teaches: “Any
power we have is derived from the sovereign God, the source of all power… He is able to bring
about what we need.”15 Lamber believe it is a misconception that God has the ability to do
everything. There are certain boundaries to what God is capable of argues Lambert. In no
uncertain terms, the Bible declares that God is forever truthful and completely incapable of
deceit. God is completely independent and requires nothing or no one else to exist, continues
Lambert. God's limitless existence knows no boundaries. No matter where we are, God is always
with us. God is powerful but He is gentle. Lambert concludes that God possesses infinite
wisdom, knowing all things.16
13 L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 76.
14 Wayne, Grudem, Systematic Theology : An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Second edition. (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 1994), 217.
15 Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling; The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry.
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2016), 122.
16 Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling; The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry.
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2016), 129.
7
God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Freedom.
It is important that we reconcile God’s sovereignty with man’s freedom. Malcolm
Yarnell describes how in the Genesis narrative (Gen 1:26-28; 2:19), God shares a measure of His
own freedom with humanity, granting us limited authority to be freely creative. However, this
freedom is not absolute, as God retains ultimate sovereignty and choice. Despite the Fall
affecting our exercise of this gift of freedom, true human freedom is restored only in union with
Christ, obedience to God, and empowerment by the Spirit.17
In his explanation, Charles Hodge emphasizes that God's sovereignty is universal and
absolute, distinguished by wisdom, holiness, and love. Although God's authority is not
constrained by anything external to Himself, it is guided by His limitless perfections. Just as
humans find true freedom and happiness in being guided by enlightened reason and a pure
conscience, Hodge argues that believers can experience deep joy by surrendering to God's
infinite wisdom and holiness. God's people find peace and confidence in the sovereignty that
serves as the bedrock for their faith. According to Hodge, humans can find joy in recognizing
God's complete control over all events and outcomes and appreciating His infinite wisdom, love,
and active power.18
17 Malcolm B. Yarnell III, God, vol. 1, Theology for Every Person (Brentwood, TN: B&H Publishing,
2024), 123.
18 Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology, vol. 1 (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997),
441.
8
Handout 3: The Love of God
Introduction
According to Malcolm Yarnell, love, as understood in the apostolic writings, originates from the
triune God and is expressed through selfless grace. This love is demonstrated through the Father
sending the Son to die for us while we were still sinners, as stated in Romans 5:8. Furthermore,
this love intimately engages with human hearts through the Holy Spirit, as described in Romans
5:5, where God's love is poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. Yarnell answers why
we need to study theology. He answers this by arguing that it shows us how God’s love is so
perfect that we are drawn to his truth.19 He states that: “First, let’s study God so we can better
understand our Creator. Second, let’s study God because he loves us enough to reconcile us
despite our failures.”20
The Importance of God's Love in Counseling and Personal Growth
According to Heath Lambert, God's love is manifested through his selfless giving to
benefit others. Theologians frequently explore the concept of God's love within the context of
God's goodness. The concepts of God's love and goodness have some similarities, which is why
they are often mentioned together in the Bible (e.g., Ps 100:5; 106:1; 107:1). However, it is
evident that there is still a clear differentiation. Lambert makes the point that the inherent
goodness of God indicates that He is deserving of praise in every way. God's love is intertwined
with the vastness of his virtuous nature and his unwavering commitment to benefiting others.21
19 Malcolm B. Yarnell III, God, vol. 1, Theology for Every Person (Brentwood, TN: B&H Publishing,
2024), 16.
20 Ibid., 16
21 Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling; The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry.
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2016), 129.
9
The Impact of God's Love
The New Testament illustrates the profound and expansive effect of God's love.
According to James Garrett, God's love is exemplified as personal, sacrificial, and all-
encompassing, embracing both the Son and humanity in its scope. His argument is centered
around the idea that love can select, redeem, and bring about transformation. The love of God is
manifested through the selfless act of giving His Son for the redemption of mankind, illustrating
the profound level of His love and care (John 3:16). Garrett demonstrates that God's love is not
stagnant but active, constantly shown and felt by those who believe. Love is the transformative
force that gives believers a new identity as children of God and assures them that nothing can
separate them from God's love in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39). He makes the point that
ultimately, the impact of God's love is seen in the transformation of individuals and
communities, drawing them into a deeper relationship with God and with one another.22
Conclusion
In conclusion, our exploration of God's love reveals it to be a foundational attribute of
His nature, expressed within the Trinity and towards humanity. God's love is personal,
sacrificial, and transformative, demonstrated through the sending of His Son and the work of the
Holy Spirit. This love is unbreakable and extends to all aspects of our lives, providing assurance,
identity, and transformation. As Millard J. Erickson aptly summarizes, "God loves us for what he
can give to us or make of us, both in the original creative act and in his continued relationship
with us. His love is a disposition of affection toward us, a feeling of unselfish concern, and a
22 James Leo Garrett Jr., Systematic Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Evangelical, Fourth Edition., vol. 1
(Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2014), 277.
11
Handout 4: The Goodness of God
Introduction
According to Loius Berkhof, God's goodness is an intrinsic part of His character and can
be interpreted in various ways based on the situation or the specific object being considered.
Berkhof stress that it is important to distinguish this goodness from kindness, as it represents
God perfectly embodying the ideal of what He should be. God's goodness transcends the
physical realm, representing absolute perfection and pure bliss within His essence. Berkhof
makes the argument that God is regarded as the ultimate source of all things good, specifically
mentioned as the "fountain of life" in Psalms. The source of all good things is God, and He is
also the highest form of goodness for His creatures, whose experience of this goodness varies
depending on how well they align with their purpose. In this discourse, the ethical virtue of God
and its diverse aspects are emphasized, which are determined by the nature of the objects24
The Importance of God’s Goodness
Heath Lambert writes “God’s goodness means that everything God is and does is the
standard in the universe for what is best”25. Wayne Grudem says “But if God is himself good and
therefore the ultimate standard of good, then we have a definition of the meaning of “good” that
will greatly help us in the study of ethics and aesthetics. What is “good”? “Good” is what God
approves.”26 God is the fountain of all good says Berkhof.27 According to the Evangelical
24 L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 70.
25 Heath Lambert, A Theology of Biblical Counseling; The Doctrinal Foundations of Counseling Ministry.
(Grand Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 2016), 128.
26 Wayne, Grudem, Systematic Theology : An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Second edition. (Grand
Rapids: Zondervan Academic, 1994), 198.
27 L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing co., 1938), 70.
12
Dictionary of Theology, “For the Christian, the meaning and unity of the good rests completely
and absolutely in God as revealed by the Word.”28 Walter Elwell goes on to present that the term
"good" is versatile, used to praise excellence in various contexts, including nonmoral ones like
books or food. However, Elwell argues it carries a moral sense when describing someone as
"good" or commending a deed or work. He goes on to say that this moral goodness encompasses
aspects of personhood such as deeds, character traits, motives, and intentions.29
“Good and upright is Yahweh; Therefore He instructs sinners in the way.” (Ps 25:8, LSB)
28 Walter A. Elwell, Evangelical Dictionary of Theology: Second Edition (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker
Academic, 2001), 510.
29 Ibid., 510.
13
Bibliography
Berkhof, Louis. Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans publishing
co., 1938.
Elwell, Walter. A. Evangelical Dictionary of Theology: Second Edition. Grand Rapids,
MI: Baker Academic, 2001.
Erickson, Millard J. Christian Theology, 3rd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic,
2013.
Garrett, James Leo Jr., Systematic Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Evangelical,
Fourth Edition., vol. 1. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2014.
Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology : An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. Second
edition. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 1994.
Hodge, Charles. Systematic Theology, vol. 1. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems,
Inc., 1997.
Lambert, Heath. A Theology of Biblical Counseling; The Doctrinal Foundations of
Counseling Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2016.
Yarnell, Malcolm B. III, God, vol. 1, Theology for Every Person. Brentwood, TN: B&H
Publishing, 2024.
