Character of God vs. Law of God

Attribute	Character of God	Law of God
Love	God is love (1 John 4:8)	The law is based on love for God and others (Matthew 22:37-40)
Justice	God is just and fair in all His ways (Deuteronomy 32:4)	The law provides guidelines for justice and fairness (Exodus 21:23-25)
Mercy	God is merciful and compassionate (Psalm 103:8)	The law includes provisions for mercy and forgiveness (Exodus 34:6-7)
Holiness	God is holy and separate from sin (Isaiah 6:3)	The law reflects God's holiness and sets standards for His people (Leviticus 19:2)

Character of God

When we talk about the character of God, we are referring to the qualities and attributes that define who God is. The character of God is often described as loving, just, merciful, and compassionate. These attributes are seen throughout the Bible in stories of God's interactions with humanity. For example, in the story of the prodigal son, we see God's unconditional love and forgiveness towards those who repent.

Another important aspect of God's character is his holiness. God is described as being perfect and without sin. This attribute sets God apart from humanity and emphasizes his purity and righteousness. The holiness of God is often emphasized in the Old Testament, where God's people are called to be holy as he is holy.

God's faithfulness is another key attribute of his character. Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God's faithfulness to his promises and his people. Even when humanity fails, God remains faithful and true to his word. This attribute gives us confidence that we can trust in God's promises and rely on his steadfast love.

Overall, the character of God is one of love, justice, mercy, holiness, and faithfulness. These attributes shape how we understand and relate to God in our lives.

Law of God

When we talk about the law of God, we are referring to the commandments and principles that God has given to guide our lives. The law of God is often seen as a reflection of God's character, as it reveals his standards of righteousness and holiness. The law of God is found throughout the Bible, with the most well-known example being the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mount Sinai.

One of the key aspects of the law of God is its role in revealing sin. The law shows us what is right and wrong in the eyes of God, highlighting our need for forgiveness and redemption. Without the law, we would not fully understand the depth of our sinfulness and our need for a savior.

Another important aspect of the law of God is its role in guiding our behavior. The commandments and principles given by God are meant to help us live in a way that is pleasing to him and beneficial to ourselves and others. Following the law of God leads to a life of obedience and righteousness.

While the law of God is important, it is also important to remember that we are unable to fully keep the law on our own. We are all sinners in need of God's grace and forgiveness. The law points us to our need for a savior and reminds us of God's mercy and love towards us.

Comparison

• The character of God is defined by attributes such as love, justice, mercy, holiness, and faithfulness.
• The law of God reflects God's standards of righteousness and holiness, guiding our behavior and revealing sin.
• Both the character of God and the law of God emphasize the importance of obedience and righteousness in the lives of believers.
• While the character of God reveals who God is, the law of God reveals how we are to live in response to his character.
• Ultimately, both the character of God and the law of God point us towards our need for a savior and God's grace and forgiveness.

In conclusion, the character of God and the law of God are both essential aspects of our faith that work together to guide us in our relationship with God. Understanding and embracing both the character of God and the law of God can lead us to a deeper appreciation of God's love, mercy, and righteousness in our lives.