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Bible Encyclopedias
Goodness of God
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature
or 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 (Exodus 33:19; Exodus 34:6-7). Goodness belongs only to God; he is solely good (Matthew 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 (Psalms 144:2; Psalms 144:15; Psalms 25:7; Psalms 73:25; Psalms 4:6-7). There is nothing but goodness in God, and nothing but goodness comes from him (1 John 1:5; James 1:13-14). He is infinitely good; finite minds cannot comprehend his goodness (Romans 11:35-36). He is immutably and unchangeably good (Zephaniah 3:17). The goodness of God is communicative and diffusive (Psalms 119:68; Psalms 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 (Psalms 36:6; Psalms 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).
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McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Goodness of God'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/encyclopedias/eng/tce/g/goodness-of-god.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.
