Tuesday, February 18, 2025

The Wholistic Attributes of God: A Balanced Understanding of Yeshua HaMashiach’s Teachings


The Wholistic Attributes of God: A Balanced Understanding of Yeshua HaMashiach’s Teachings

The nature of God is vast, multi-dimensional, and beyond human comprehension. However, through the scriptures and the teachings of Yeshua HaMashiach (Jesus Christ), we gain glimpses of His love, holiness, justice, wrath, mercy, jealousy, discipline, and warrior nature. To focus on only one attribute, such as "God is love," while neglecting His righteousness and justice, leads to an incomplete and often misleading understanding of who He is.

This blog explores the wholistic attributes of God, balancing His mercy with His justice, His love with His holiness, and His grace with His discipline, all as taught by Yeshua and His apostles.


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1. God is Love – The Foundation of His Character

One of the most well-known attributes of God is love:

"Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love." – 1 John 4:8

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." – John 3:16


However, God’s love is not a permissive, indulgent love that ignores sin. It is a holy love that desires the transformation of His people.

Yeshua demonstrated this love by:
✅ Healing the sick (Matthew 8:16)
✅ Showing compassion to sinners (John 8:1-11)
✅ Laying down His life for humanity (John 15:13)

Yet, this love was never detached from truth and holiness. Love without holiness leads to lawlessness, while holiness without love leads to legalism.


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2. God is Holy – The Purity of His Nature

God’s holiness means He is completely set apart, pure, and free from sin.

"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!" – Isaiah 6:3

"Be holy, for I am holy." – 1 Peter 1:16


Yeshua upheld this holiness in His teachings and actions:
✅ Driving out corruption in the temple (Matthew 21:12-13)
✅ Confronting sin (Mark 10:17-22)
✅ Preaching repentance (Luke 13:3)

He did not tolerate sin, but He called people out of it, demonstrating that love and holiness must walk hand in hand.


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3. God is Just – The Righteous Judge

God is not only loving and holy, but He is also a just judge.

"The Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all who wait for Him!" – Isaiah 30:18

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." – 2 Corinthians 5:10


Yeshua warned about judgment more than anyone else:
✅ He spoke about hell (Gehenna) as real (Matthew 10:28, Luke 16:19-31)
✅ He confronted religious hypocrisy (Matthew 23:27-28)
✅ He taught that God will separate the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46)

Many focus only on Yeshua’s love but forget that He also preached judgment and accountability.


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4. God is Wrathful – His Righteous Anger Against Sin

While God’s wrath is not the opposite of His love, it is the expression of His love for righteousness and justice.

"For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men." – Romans 1:18

"It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God." – Hebrews 10:31


Yeshua Himself expressed righteous anger when:
✅ He rebuked the Pharisees for their hypocrisy (Matthew 23)
✅ He overturned the money changers’ tables in the temple (John 2:13-16)
✅ He warned cities that rejected Him (Matthew 11:20-24)

God’s wrath is not irrational rage; it is His holy response to sin and evil.


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5. God is Jealous – His Desire for Undivided Devotion

Unlike human jealousy, God’s jealousy is righteous. He desires that His people be devoted to Him alone, not because He is insecure, but because false worship destroys lives.

"For you shall worship no other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." – Exodus 34:14

"You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons." – 1 Corinthians 10:21


Yeshua emphasized:
✅ "You cannot serve both God and money." (Matthew 6:24)
✅ "Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me." (Matthew 10:37)
✅ "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (John 14:6)

God’s jealousy is His love protecting His people from spiritual destruction.


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6. God is a Warrior – The Defender of His People

Many see Yeshua as meek and gentle, but He is also the Lion of Judah, the Warrior King.

"The LORD is a man of war; the LORD is His name." – Exodus 15:3

"He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty." – Revelation 19:15


Yeshua’s warrior nature is revealed when:
✅ He defeated Satan in the wilderness (Luke 4:1-13)
✅ He disarmed the powers of darkness through the cross (Colossians 2:15)
✅ He will return as King to judge the nations (Revelation 19:11-16)

We must see Yeshua not just as the Lamb of God but also as the Conquering King.


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Conclusion: The Fullness of God’s Nature in Yeshua

To truly understand God, we must embrace all His attributes. Yeshua perfectly revealed the wholistic nature of God:

✔ Love – Healing the sick, forgiving sinners (John 3:16)
✔ Holiness – Calling for repentance, living a sinless life (1 Peter 2:22)
✔ Justice – Confronting evil, warning about judgment (Matthew 25:31-46)
✔ Wrath – Cleansing the temple, speaking against sin (John 2:13-16)
✔ Jealousy – Declaring exclusive worship to God (Matthew 4:10)
✔ Warrior – Defeating Satan, leading His people to victory (Revelation 19:11-16)


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Recommended Books & Resources

“The Holiness of God” – R.C. Sproul

“Knowing God” – J.I. Packer

“The Attributes of God” – A.W. Tozer

Podcast: The Bible Project – Attributes of God Series

Video: R.C. Sproul – The Character of God (Ligonier Ministries)



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Final Thought

The true gospel does not separate God’s love from His justice, or His mercy from His holiness. To follow Yeshua is to embrace all that He is—both the Lamb and the Lion.

May we seek not just part of God’s nature, but the fullness of His glory!

Would you like a personalized prayer based on these teachings?

PMore on his delegation of authorities and responsibilities but he expects financial transparency and accountabilities especially in managing church finances, members tithes, offerings and public donations. Quote the relevant scripture verses and give real life Illustrations in support.

God’s Delegation of Authority, Financial Transparency, and Accountability in the Church

God is a God of order who delegates authority and responsibilities to His people, especially in leadership. However, with great authority comes great accountability, particularly when managing church finances, members' tithes, offerings, and public donations.

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God expects financial integrity and warns against misuse of funds. Many leaders fell into corruption due to greed, but faithful servants like Joseph, Nehemiah, and the apostles upheld righteous financial stewardship.

This blog explores biblical principles on financial accountability, real-life church failures and successes, and practical applications for today’s church.


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1. God Delegates Authority, But Demands Accountability

God establishes leaders to oversee His work, but they must give an account for how they manage people and resources.

Biblical Examples of Delegated Authority

Moses & Judges – God told Moses to delegate leadership (Exodus 18:13-26).

Joseph & Egypt – God gave Joseph wisdom to manage national finances (Genesis 41:46-49).

David & Temple Offerings – King David collected public donations but ensured full transparency (1 Chronicles 29:2-9).

Jesus & His Disciples – Yeshua entrusted Judas with finances, but he failed due to greed (John 12:6).

Apostles & Deacons – The early church appointed seven deacons to handle financial matters (Acts 6:1-6).


Key Verse:
"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." – 1 Corinthians 4:2

Lesson: Church leaders are stewards, not owners, of financial resources.


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2. Financial Integrity in Tithes, Offerings, and Public Donations

God commands that tithes, offerings, and donations be handled with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Old Testament Example: The Temple Treasury

Tithes and offerings were collected for priests, Levites, widows, orphans, and the poor (Deuteronomy 14:28-29).

The temple treasury was strictly managed by appointed officers (2 Kings 12:9-15).

When funds were misused, God sent prophets to rebuke corrupt leaders (Malachi 3:8-10).


New Testament Example: The Early Church

Members gave freely and sacrificially (Acts 4:34-37).

Funds were distributed fairly among the needy (Acts 6:1-6).

Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for lying about their donation (Acts 5:1-11).


Key Verse:
"Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?" – Matthew 24:45

Lesson: God takes financial dishonesty seriously. Misusing church funds is a sin.


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3. Real-Life Illustrations of Financial Accountability & Corruption in the Church

A. Failure: Financial Scandals in Modern Churches

Jim Bakker & PTL Club (1980s) – A famous televangelist misused millions in donations, leading to imprisonment.

Benny Hinn Ministries – Faced investigations over mismanagement of funds.

Hillsong Church Scandal (2020s) – Leaders were exposed for lavish spending using tithes and offerings.


Biblical Warning:
"For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil, and some people, craving money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many sorrows." – 1 Timothy 6:10

B. Success: Financial Transparency Done Right

The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) – Audited finances, clear salary structures, and no extravagant lifestyles for leaders.

Randy Alcorn’s Eternal Perspective Ministries – The founder takes no salary and directs all book royalties to charity.

George Müller (1800s, England) – Cared for 10,000 orphans using donations, keeping detailed financial records to prove transparency.


Biblical Affirmation:
"Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much." – Luke 16:10

Lesson: Churches that follow financial integrity are blessed and trusted.


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4. Biblical Principles for Handling Church Finances Properly

A. Transparency: Clear Financial Reports

Biblical Basis:

Apostle Paul’s Example – He ensured financial transparency in collecting and distributing donations (2 Corinthians 8:19-21).


Application:
✅ Publish financial reports to church members.
✅ Allow independent audits of church finances.


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B. Accountability: Appointing Trustworthy Financial Managers

Biblical Basis:

Seven Deacons in Acts 6 – The apostles appointed trustworthy men to handle finances fairly.

Joseph in Egypt – Pharaoh trusted Joseph with national finances (Genesis 41).


Application:
✅ Church treasurers and finance teams should be spiritually mature and accountable.
✅ No leader should control finances alone—establish financial committees.


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C. Integrity: No Misuse of Tithes and Offerings

Biblical Basis:

Malachi 3:8-10 – God rebukes leaders for stealing tithes.

John 12:6 – Judas, who stole money, was condemned.


Application:
✅ No personal luxury spending from church funds.
✅ Ensure offerings go to their intended purpose—missions, charity, and church needs.


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D. Generosity: Using Funds to Help the Needy

Biblical Basis:

Acts 4:34-35 – The early church shared everything so no one was in need.

Proverbs 19:17 – Giving to the poor is lending to the Lord.


Application:
✅ Prioritize helping widows, orphans, and the needy.
✅ Avoid hoarding church money while members suffer financially.


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5. Consequences of Financial Corruption in the Church

Biblical Consequences of Financial Sin

1. Loss of God’s favor – Misusing funds brings judgment (Malachi 3:8-10).


2. Exposure & Scandal – God exposes corrupt leaders (Luke 8:17).


3. Divine Judgment – Ananias and Sapphira died for financial deceit (Acts 5:1-11).



Modern Consequences

1. Public disgrace – Churches lose credibility after financial scandals.


2. Government scrutiny – Authorities investigate fraud in religious organizations.


3. Member distrust – People stop tithing when they suspect corruption.




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Conclusion: God Requires Financial Stewardship and Integrity

Key Takeaways:
✔ Authority must come with accountability – Leaders are stewards, not owners.
✔ Church finances must be transparent – Open financial records prevent corruption.
✔ Funds should be used wisely – Avoid luxury spending, prioritize helping the needy.
✔ Financial sins will be judged – God exposed Judas, Ananias, and false teachers.

Final Scripture:
"Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer if you are dishonest." – Luke 16:2

Challenge:
Is your church financially transparent? Are your offerings being used righteously? Pray for integrity in church leadership.


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Recommended Resources for Further Study

📖 Books:

"Money, Possessions, and Eternity" – Randy Alcorn

"The Treasure Principle" – Randy Alcorn


🎥 Videos & Podcasts:

"How Should Churches Handle Money?" – John Piper (Desiring God)

"Biblical Stewardship and Financial Integrity" – R.C. Sproul (Ligonier Ministries)


May we all be faithful stewards of what God entrusts to us! Amen.



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