Is God Good or is He Great?

“For thou, Lord, art GOOD, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. … But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” Psalms 86:5, 15

The divine intent towards His people was expressed to us by the Holy Spirit via the prophet Jeremiah:

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” Jeremiah 29:11 

Jesus Christ is “the GREAT Shepherd of the sheep” for whom He died:

“Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,” Hebrews 13:20

This redemption truth expresses just how GREAT God’s GOODNESS is to us!

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17

No greater greater love, kindness, and goodness could ever be expressed than that which was displayed by our heavenly Father when He crucified on Calvary’s cruel cross His only begotten Son for the sins of the whole world.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17  For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” John 3:16-17

“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” John 15:13

He Found Us in Our Sin and Saved Us to Himself by His Sheer Mercy and the Blood of His Only Begotten Son

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commendeth (displayed) his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.” Romans 5:6-9

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, 5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; 7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” Titus 3:3-7 

Repeatedly the LORD tells His people that He is good and that His desire is “to do you good.”

“And it shall come to pass, that as the LORD rejoiced over you to do you good, …” Deuteronomy 28:63

Is God really good “all the time”? Yes, even and perhaps especially when He’s convicting, purging, chastening, and rebuking you.

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19

It’s important for us to see God for who He really is – GOOD. The LORD reflects back to us as we choose to see Him (Numbers 13-14; Psalms 18:24-26).

God is not only GOOD and GREAT, He is also HOLY and JUST and will punish for eternity (in hell) those who behold His GOODNESS and don’t obey Him. Hear this severe warning. Using the example of His judgment on the Jews, the LORD warns us Gentiles to fear and obey Him lest we also be “cut off” (judged):

“Well; because of unbelief they (the Jews) were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear: 21 For if God spared not the natural branches (Jews), take heed lest he also spare not thee (Gentile believer). 22 Behold therefore the GOODNESS and SEVERITY of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, IFFFF thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.” Romans 11:20-22

FEEDBACK:

MESSAGE RECEIVED:

“I read the new post titled ‘Is God Good or is He Great?’ So good. Love Ps. 86:5 & 15! Like the statement too, of Him showing us how GREAT is His GOODNESS. And that Scripture calls Jesus the GREAT shepherd. Thanks for pointing that out. Hadn’t paid attention to that adjective — will now! Will be looking for it throughout the Word.” Debbie Lord

REPLY:

Ahhhhh yes amen.

This type stuff which simply underscores what GOD says in His Word of Himself (divine attributes)…. This is what greatly enhances our reading of Scripture from that point on….. Things begin to come together in our understanding. Jesus is so GREAT and GOOD!

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