The Christian Defense Of God's Infinite

The Christian Defense of God's Infinity: Exploring the Attributes of an Infinite Being

The concept of God's infinity is a cornerstone of Christian theology, a profound and often perplexing doctrine that shapes our understanding of the divine nature and our relationship with the Creator. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of God's infinity, exploring various theological perspectives and addressing common objections. We will examine how this attribute impacts Christian beliefs about God's power, knowledge, goodness, and eternity, and how these concepts relate to human existence.

Understanding the Concept of Divine Infinity

Before delving into the specifics, it's crucial to define what we mean by "God's infinity." It's not simply a matter of God being incredibly large or possessing an exceptionally vast amount of something. Divine infinity is a transcendence of all limitations, a boundless existence exceeding human comprehension. It encompasses several key aspects:

1. God's Infinity in Power (Omnipotence)

Christian theology affirms God's omnipotence, meaning God's power is unlimited and absolute. This isn't merely the capacity to do many things, but the ability to do all things logically possible. It's important to note that this doesn't imply God can do logically contradictory things (e.g., create a square circle). The limits on God's power are self-imposed, stemming from His perfect nature and moral character. This aspect of infinity underscores God's sovereignty and complete control over creation.

• Scriptural Basis: The Bible repeatedly affirms God's boundless power. Passages like Psalm 115:3 ("Our God is in the heavens; he does all that he pleases") and Isaiah 40:28 ("Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.") clearly illustrate this.

2. God's Infinity in Knowledge (Omniscience)

God's omniscience refers to His infinite and perfect knowledge. He knows everything that has happened, everything that is happening, and everything that will happen. This isn't merely vast knowledge; it's a complete and perfect understanding of all things, past, present, and future, including the thoughts and intentions of all beings. This attribute highlights God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.

• Scriptural Basis: Proverbs 15:3 ("The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.") and 1 John 3:20 ("If our hearts condemn us, God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.") These verses point to God's all-seeing and all-knowing nature.

3. God's Infinity in Goodness (Holiness)

God's holiness is often described as infinite goodness, perfect love, and unwavering righteousness. This is not merely a high degree of goodness, but a boundless and perfect expression of moral excellence that surpasses all human understanding. God's holiness is the foundation of His justice and mercy, shaping His interaction with creation.

• Scriptural Basis: Exodus 15:11 ("Who is like you among the gods, O Lord? Who is like you— majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?") and 1 John 4:8 ("Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.") These verses highlight God's boundless and perfect love.

4. God's Infinity in Eternity (Aseity)

God's aseity emphasizes His self-existence and eternity. He is uncaused, existing outside of time and space. He has always existed and will always exist, without beginning or end. This distinguishes Him from all created beings, which are dependent on Him for their existence.

• Scriptural Basis: Psalm 90:2 ("Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.") and Revelation 1:8 ("I am Alpha and Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.") These verses emphasize God's eternal nature.

Addressing Objections to God's Infinity

The concept of an infinite God naturally provokes questions and challenges. Some common objections include:

1. The Problem of Evil: If God is all-powerful and all-good, why does evil exist?

This classic theological problem doesn't necessarily negate God's infinity, but rather prompts a deeper exploration of God's nature and His relationship with humanity. Various theological responses, such as the free will defense and the greater good defense, attempt to reconcile God's attributes with the existence of evil, suggesting that God allows evil for reasons beyond our full comprehension, while remaining fundamentally good and powerful. The argument isn't that evil is good, but that God's purposes extend beyond our limited understanding.

2. The Paradox of Omniscience and Free Will: If God knows everything, including our future choices, how can we truly have free will?

This is a complex philosophical question. Some argue that God's omniscience doesn't necessitate determinism; He knows our choices without causing them. Others suggest that our free will operates within the framework of God's knowledge, acknowledging limitations in our understanding of how these seemingly contradictory concepts coexist. The focus shifts from eliminating the paradox to accepting the mystery of God's knowledge and human agency operating simultaneously within God's grand design.

3. The Limits of Human Comprehension: How can we understand an infinite being?

This is a valid point. Human beings, being finite, naturally struggle to comprehend infinity. However, this limitation doesn't invalidate the belief in God's infinity. The Christian faith acknowledges the mystery of God, accepting that our understanding will always be partial and incomplete. Our knowledge of God grows through faith, revelation, and engagement with scripture and theological reflection, rather than through exhaustive comprehension. The mystery itself is a testament to God's transcendence.

The Implications of God's Infinity for Christian Life

Understanding God's infinity profoundly impacts Christian belief and practice:

1. Humility and Dependence: Recognizing God's boundless power and knowledge should lead to humility and a deep dependence on Him.

2. Hope and Trust: Belief in God's infinite goodness and eternal nature provides hope and trust in the face of life's challenges.

3. Worship and Praise: The grandeur and majesty of an infinite God inspire awe, reverence, and heartfelt worship.

4. Moral Responsibility: God's perfect holiness sets a high standard for ethical living and motivates us to strive for righteousness.

5. Mission and Purpose: Knowing that God is eternally involved in creation fuels a sense of purpose and mission in sharing the Gospel and serving humanity.

Conclusion: Embracing the Mystery of Divine Infinity

The Christian defense of God's infinity isn't an attempt to provide a complete and exhaustive explanation of the divine nature. It's a declaration of faith, an affirmation of core theological beliefs built upon scripture, tradition, and reason. It acknowledges the inherent mystery of an infinite God, a being that transcends human comprehension while remaining deeply involved in the affairs of humanity. Embracing this mystery is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith, driving us to a deeper understanding of God through prayer, study, and lived experience. The infinite nature of God is not a constraint to faith, but a source of wonder, inspiring awe and motivating a lifetime of seeking a closer relationship with the divine. The journey of faith is, in essence, a lifelong exploration of this very mystery. As we grapple with the vastness of God's infinity, we are simultaneously humbled and empowered, inspired to live lives reflecting His boundless love and grace.