The Existence and Attributes of God (2 Volumes)

Description

Stephen Charnock’s The Existence and Attributes of God is a seminal Puritan work exploring the nature and character of God through rigorous theological analysis and practical application. Structured as a series of discourses, the book systematically examines God’s existence and attributes, blending metaphysical reasoning with biblical exposition.

Core Themes and Structure

Divine Existence: Charnock argues that God’s existence is self-evident, evident in the order and design of creation. He critiques practical atheism—living as if God does not exist despite intellectual acknowledgment—as a grave moral failing.

Metaphysical Attributes:

Spirituality: God is an infinite, immaterial spirit, free from physical limitations.

Simplicity: God’s essence is indivisible; His attributes are not separate parts but unified aspects of His being.

Eternity and Immutability: God exists outside time, unchanging in perfection, ensuring His promises remain steadfast.

Omnipresence and Omniscience: God’s infinite nature necessitates His presence everywhere and knowledge of all things.

Moral Attributes:

Goodness and Holiness: God’s goodness reflects His desire to bless creation, while His holiness demands perfect righteousness. These attributes harmonize in His nature, exemplified through Christ’s sacrifice.

Sovereignty and Justice: God’s absolute authority operates in alignment with His justice, which upholds moral order without negating His mercy.

Practical Emphasis
Charnock stresses that understanding God’s attributes should transform worship and daily living. He insists that true worship must reflect God’s spiritual nature, rejecting superficial ritualism. His analysis of human sinfulness—rooted in self-will and rebellion—calls for aligning one’s life with God’s glory.

Legacy
Though unfinished at Charnock’s death in 1680, the work remains a cornerstone of Reformed theology, celebrated for its depth and clarity. Modern editions, like Mark Jones’s revised version, enhance accessibility while preserving its theological rigor. Charnock’s integration of doctrine and practice continues to inspire reverence for God’s majesty and consistency.