Goodness of God
Goodness of God denotes "both the absolute perfection of his own nature, and his kindness manifested to his creatures. Goodness, says Dr. Gill, is essential to God, without which he would not be God (Ex 33:19; Ex 34:6-7). Goodness belongs only to God; he is solely good (Mt 19:17), and all the goodness found in creatures is only an emanation of the divine-goodness. He is the chief good, the sum and substance of all felicity (Ps 144:2,15; Ps 25:7; Ps 73:25; Ps 4:6-7). There is nothing but goodness in God, and nothing but goodness comes from him (1Jo 1:5; Jas 1:13-14). He is infinitely good; finite minds cannot comprehend his goodness (Ro 11:35-36). He is immutably and unchangeably good (Zep 3:17). The goodness of God is communicative and diffusive (Ps 119:68; Ps 33:5). With respect to the objects of it, it may be considered as general and special. His general goodness is seen in all his creatures; yea, in the inanimate creation, the sun, the earth, and all his works; and in the government, support, and protection of the world at large (Ps 36:6; Ps 145). His special goodness relates to angels and saints: to angels, in creating, confirming, and making them what they are; to saints, in election, calling, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, and eternal glorification." See Charnock, Works, 5, 1:574; Paley, Nat. Theol. chapter 26; South, Sermons, volume 8, serm. 3; Tillotson, Sermons, pages 143-146; Watson, Institutes, 1:420. SEE GOD.
