SPSA Church Giving (opens in a new tab)

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty · Catechism · 149

Faith Q&A › Catechism › 3. Faith in God and Our Knowledge of Him

Does the Holy Bible avoid discussion of the characteristics of the essence of God?

The answer

It is said of God that He is a Spirit: “God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:24). The Holy Bible does describe characteristics of God, for God is:

Eternal (everlasting, without beginning or end): “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God” (Ps. 90:2; cf. Rev. 4:8; Rom. 16:26).

Good: “No one is good but One, that is, God” (Matt. 19:17); “The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works” (Ps. 145:8–9).

All-knowing: “God is greater than our heart, and knows all things” (1 John 3:20); “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out!” (Rom. 11:33).

Just: “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; His countenance beholds the upright” (Ps. 11:7); “For there is no partiality with God” (Rom. 2:11).

Almighty: “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37).

Everywhere present: “Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there” (Ps. 139:7–8).

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Volume 1, Books 1–3. First English Edition, 2023. Published by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, Sporting, Alexandria, and Queen St. Mary & Prince Tadros Coptic Orthodox Church, South Brunswick, NJ. Copyright © 2023. Translation and Editing: Youth of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Arabian Gulf, and Egypt.