Doctrine Matters with Kevin DeYoung: What Are Divine Attributes?

In the February 11, 2025 episode of Doctrine Matters, host Kevin DeYoung delves into the intricate topic of divine attributes, exploring the nature and characteristics that define God. Drawing from historical confessions, theological distinctions, and philosophical traditions, DeYoung provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what makes up the divine nature.

Recap: Theology Proper

The episode begins with a brief recap of the previous discussion on theology proper—the doctrine of God. DeYoung emphasizes the importance of the language used to describe God, clarifying that our terms are analogical rather than univocal (same in meaning) or equivocal (completely different). As DeYoung states at [01:18], “They’re not completely different, but analogical,” highlighting that our language has a relationship with divine reality without being identical or entirely separate.

Introducing Divine Attributes

Transitioning from the nature of God, DeYoung introduces the concept of divine attributes at [01:22]. Divine attributes are defined as qualities or characteristics that can be predicated of God. These are sometimes referred to as perfections, virtues, excellencies, or properties—each term underscoring different facets of God’s nature. He notes, “[Attributes] are not things that exist apart from himself, nor are they things that come together to form God” ([02:30]).

Historical Confessions on Divine Attributes

To ground the discussion, DeYoung references historical confessions of faith:

• Belgic Confession ([03:07]): Describes God as a "single and simple spiritual being, eternal, incomprehensible, invisible, unchangeable, infinite, almighty, completely wise, just, and good."

• Westminster Confession ([03:20]): Offers a more exhaustive list, including attributes like "the most pure Spirit, invisible, without body parts or passions, immutable, immense, eternal, incomprehensible, almighty, most wise, most holy, most free, most absolute," among others.

These confessions serve to illustrate the depth and breadth of attributes traditionally ascribed to God.

Apophatic Theology: Understanding Through Negation

DeYoung introduces apophatic theology, particularly through the work of John of Damascus ([03:53]). This approach emphasizes understanding God by stating what He is not, rather than what He is. For instance, God is described as "without beginning, without end, eternal and everlasting, uncreated, immutable, unchangeable, simple, non-composite, incorporeal" ([04:22]). This method helps prevent the imposition of human limitations on the divine nature.

Avoiding Reductionism: The Personal Relationship with God

Addressing potential critiques, DeYoung clarifies that listing God's attributes does not confine Him to a rigid framework. He remarks, “[No one there thought you could reduce God to a list of attributes or that you didn't have to have] a personal relationship with God” ([05:21]). This ensures that theological discussions about attributes enhance rather than limit our understanding of God.

Classifying Divine Attributes

DeYoung explores various methods theologians use to categorize God's attributes:

1. Incommunicable vs. Communicable Attributes ([06:44])
2. Absolute vs. Relative Attributes
3. Constitutional vs. Attributes of Personality
4. Attributes of Greatness vs. Attributes of Goodness

He highlights that the most practical and widely accepted distinction is between incommunicable and communicable attributes, allowing for a clear differentiation without implying essentiality or relative importance.

Incommunicable Attributes

Incommunicable attributes are those that cannot be shared or reflected in human beings. Examples include:

• Immensity
• Eternity
• Infinity

DeYoung explains, “Immensity, eternity, infinity are incommunicable because nothing analogous to these attributes can be found in God's creatures” ([07:10]). These attributes highlight aspects of God that are entirely beyond human capacity to fully comprehend or replicate.

Communicable Attributes

Conversely, communicable attributes are those that humans can reflect to some degree, such as:

• Love
• Mercy
• Goodness
• Justice

He illustrates this by comparing it to communicable diseases: “[**Communicable attributes] can be communicated from one person to another” ([07:40]). While humans can exhibit love and mercy, these reflections are mere shadows of the perfect nature of God.

Aristotelian Distinction: Substance and Accidents

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the Aristotelian distinction between substance and accidents ([10:21]). DeYoung explains that:

• Substance refers to what a thing essentially is.
• Accidents are properties or qualities that can change without altering the substance itself.

Using a dog as an example, the substance is "dogginess," whereas accidents include attributes like color or size. Applying this to God, DeYoung asserts that God does not possess accidents; all His attributes are essential and inseparable from His very being ([12:15]). This is supported by theologian Turretin, who states, “No accident can be granted in God” ([12:42]).

This distinction underscores several key attributes of God:

• Simplicity: God is not composed of parts.
• Immutability: God does not change.
• Infinity: God cannot be added to or diminished.

By rejecting the presence of accidents, DeYoung emphasizes that every attribute of God is integral to His essence, ensuring that God's nature remains wholly consistent and unchanging.

Conclusion: The Essential Nature of God

Wrapping up the discussion, DeYoung reiterates that everything about God is essential to His being: “Everything about God is essential to God. And nothing, not one of his attributes, is incidental to God” ([13:37]). This holistic view prevents any attribute from being viewed as secondary or optional, maintaining the integrity and fullness of God's divine nature.

Further Resources

For those interested in exploring this topic more deeply, DeYoung recommends his year-long mini systematic theology book, Daily Doctrine, available in print or audio from Crossway.org. He also encourages listeners to engage with their pastors and theological resources to continue their study of divine attributes.

Notable Quotes:

• Kevin DeYoung at [01:18]: “They’re not completely different, but analogical.”
• Kevin DeYoung at [02:30]: “Attributes describe what is proper to God.”
• Kevin DeYoung at [04:22]: “He is without beginning, without end, eternal and everlasting, uncreated, immutable, unchangeable, simple, non composite, incorporeal...”
• Kevin DeYoung at [05:21]: “No one there thought you could reduce God to a list of attributes or that you didn't have to have a personal relationship with God.”
• Kevin DeYoung at [07:40]: “Communicable attributes can be communicated from one person to another.”
• Kevin DeYoung at [12:42]: “No accident can be granted in God.”
• Kevin DeYoung at [13:37]: “Everything about God is essential to God. And nothing, not one of his attributes, is incidental to God.”

Through this episode, DeYoung meticulously unpacks the concept of divine attributes, balancing historical theology with philosophical rigor, and providing listeners with a robust framework to understand the multifaceted nature of God.