The Bible teaches that God is perfect in all His attributes. He is perfectly holy, just, loving, wise, and good. Here is what the Bible says about God’s perfection:
God is Perfect in Holiness
Holiness means to be set apart and completely pure. God’s holiness is emphasized repeatedly in Scripture. 1 Samuel 2:2 states “There is no one holy like the Lord.” In Isaiah 6:3, the seraphim around God’s throne cry out, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.” Revelation 4:8 echoes this praise of God’s supreme holiness. God’s holiness means He is completely separated from sin and evil.
This perfect holiness sets God apart from His creation. In 1 Samuel 2:2, Hannah contrasts God’s holiness with man’s sinful nature. God’s absolute purity also means He cannot tolerate sin. Habakkuk 1:13 says God’s eyes are “too pure to look on evil.” And Psalm 5:4-6 emphasizes that the wicked cannot dwell in God’s presence.
God is Perfect in Justice
The Bible emphasizes God’s justice repeatedly. Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, “All his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.” God is fair and impartial in all His judgments. He cannot be bribed or deceived (Galatians 6:7-8).
God’s justice demands He punish sin. In Exodus 34:7, God says he “will by no means clear the guilty.” But the cross demonstrates God’s perfect balance of justice and mercy. His justice required a penalty for sin. But in love, He paid it Himself through Christ (Romans 3:25-26).
God is Perfect in Love
While God is just, He is also perfectly loving and merciful. 1 John 4:8 tells us straightforwardly, “God is love.” His love is unconditional, impartial, and everlasting. As Psalm 136 repeats, “His steadfast love endures forever.”
God demonstrated His infinite love by giving His Son to pay the penalty for our sins (John 3:16). While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). And nothing can separate us from God’s perfect love (Romans 8:38-39).
God is Perfect in Wisdom
Human wisdom is limited, but God’s wisdom is infinite. Psalm 147:5 exalts, “Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” God sees all things past, present, and future. He knows the right course of action in every situation.
Isaiah 40:13-14 asks rhetorically, “Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD…Who has been his counselor and has taught him?” God does not need any advice or instruction. His ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). He works all things together purposefully for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28).
God is Perfect in Goodness
Psalm 119:68 proclaims about God, “You are good and do good.” All that God is and does is perfectly good. There is no evil or sin in Him (1 John 1:5). His goodness is embodied most fully by His amazing grace and mercy.
In Christ, we have experienced God’s goodness. Romans 2:4 tells us it is God’s kindness meant to lead us to repentance. Titus 3:4 speaks of God’s love, mercy and grace appearing in Christ. Despite mankind’s rebellion, God showed His perfect goodness in redeeming us.
God is Perfect in His Promises
Numbers 23:19 assures us that “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” What God promises, He delivers, without fail.
Scripture gives many examples of God accomplishing His promises: the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age; the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt; Christ’s resurrection from the dead. God is always faithful to His promises.
God is Perfect in His Plans
Psalm 18:30 proclaims, “This God—his way is perfect.” God’s plans are flawless and complete. He never makes mistakes or errors in judgment. God’s purposes are never thwarted. As Isaiah 46:10 says, God will accomplish all that He purposes.
God works out every detail in conformity with the purpose of His will (Ephesians 1:11). He providentially guides all things towards His desired ends. Even evil cannot derail God’s perfect plans, but only further them along.
God is Perfect in His Works
Deuteronomy 32:4 extols, “All his works are right and his ways are just.” Everything God does is perfect. His creation was originally good, until mankind’s sin marred it. Even now, the heavens declare God’s glory (Psalm 19:1).
Most importantly, Christ’s redemptive work for us on the cross was perfect. He proclaimed before dying “It is finished” (John 19:30). That work was so complete it need never be done again. God’s works are flawless.
God is Perfect in His Knowledge
Psalm 147:5 exalts God for understanding beyond measure. 1 John 3:20 assures that “God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything.” Hebrews 4:13 explains that no creature is hidden from God’s sight. His knowledge encompasses all things.
God’s knowledge extends even to the future. Isaiah 46:10 declares God knows the end from the beginning. Jesus said no one knows the day or hour of His return except the Father (Matthew 24:36). God’s perfect knowledge is all-encompassing.
God is Perfect in His Power
The Bible describes God as almighty. Revelation 19:6 proclaims, “The Lord our God the Almighty reigns.” God’s power is supreme over all. Job 42:2 says, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Nothing is too difficult for the Lord (Jeremiah 32:17).
This power is delegated to Christ (Matthew 28:18). It will be displayed fully when He returns to judge the earth in righteousness (Revelation 19:15). God’s omnipotence ensures nothing can resist His perfect will.
God is Perfect in His Judgment
Psalm 19:9 states “the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.” God’s judgment is always right. He sees the heart and judges motives and intents (1 Samuel 16:7). His knowledge ensures all facts are considered.
At the final judgment, God will judge the world in righteousness through Christ (Acts 17:31). Since His judgment is perfect, we can trust Him completely. He will deal justly with every person. God’s decisions are unerringly perfect.
God is Perfect in His Wrath
Fallen man tends to view God’s wrath negatively. But God’s anger against sin arises from His perfect holiness and justice. He cannot simply overlook or excuse evil. His wrath is measured, controlled, and purposeful.
Romans 1:18 explains God’s wrath is revealed against the ungodliness of men. Yet God’s anger is tempered by His mercy. Psalm 103:8-10 describes Him as “slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” Even in wrath, God’s perfections are displayed.
God is Perfect in His Grace
Grace is God’s undeserved favor and blessing. Ephesians 2:8-9 explains we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Grace came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). God’s grace is the epitome of His goodness.
This grace is available to the humble (James 4:6) but resists the proud (1 Peter 5:5). By God’s grace, Christ’s perfection is credited to our account (Romans 5:15). Even God’s gracious blessings reflect His perfect character.
God is Perfect in His Mercy
Mercy is God withholding judgment from sinners who deserve it. Ephesians 2:4-5 says God is “rich in mercy.” His mercy is linked closely with His love (Psalm 136). God’s mercy provides a refuge for those who fear Him (Psalm 147:11).
God’s mercy led Him to reveal His Son so that sins could be forgiven (Titus 3:5). His mercy is displayed in His patience toward sinners (1 Peter 3:20). But God’s mercy is always rooted in justice and holiness.
God is Perfect in His Immutability
Immutability means unchangeableness. In Malachi 3:6, God declares “For I the LORD do not change.” Hebrews 13:8 proclaims that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” God’s character, will, purposes, and promises never change.
God’s perfections also never diminish. He cannot become more or less holy, just or merciful. Neither does God improve, since He is already perfect. What He does, He does perfectly. God’s immutability grounds His eternity.
God is Perfect in His Triunity
The Trinity means God is three Persons, yet one Essence. Each Person of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Spirit) is fully divine. The mystery of the Trinity is beyond human comprehension. But it does not represent an imperfection in God.
The divine Persons lovingly commune with one another (John 17:5). Their distinct roles demonstrate the richness of God’s perfections: the Father plans redemption, the Son accomplishes it, the Spirit applies it. The Trinity gloriously displays God’s fullness.
God is Perfect in Majesty and Glory
1 Chronicles 29:11 praises God for the greatness of His glory and majesty. Majestic conveys God’s kingly grandeur and dignity. His glory indicates the shining forth of His divine attributes. Together they display God’s consummate perfection.
God’s majesty far surpasses any earthly ruler (Psalm 93:1). His glory fills all heaven (Revelation 21:23). We fall far short of offering God adequate praise, honor and glory. Our God alone is perfectly majestic and glorious.
In conclusion, the Bible clearly proclaims God’s absolute perfection. From His holiness to His love, wisdom to faithfulness, God lacks no excellency of character. His works and ways are perfect. God alone meets the highest standard of moral purity and greatness. When we exalt God’s flawless perfection, we give Him the honor and glory He deserves.