What do you think?
Rate this book
The Attributes of God #2
The Attributes of God - with study questions
A quality eBook from Chapel Library (active contents and footnotes)
- this edition has study questions for each chapter adapted from Mt. Zion Bible Institute.
"The Attributes of God" has become a Christian classic in our time. Unlike other more devotional treatments, Pink considers the Biblical evidence for each of God’s attributes and gives in-depth insight into His character and very nature. The reader leaves each chapter both exalting God and better understanding “Him with whom we have to do.”
Attributes studied include: God's solitariness, Decrees, Knowledge, Supremacy, Sovereignty, Immutability, Holiness, Power, Faithfulness, Goodness, Patience, Grace, Mercy, Love, Wrath, and Contemplation.
Arthur W. Pink was born in Nottingham, England in 1886, and born again of the Spirit of God in 1908. He studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, USA for only six weeks before beginning his pastoral work in Colorado. From there he pastored churches in California, Kentucky and South Carolina before moving on to Sidney, Australia for a brief period, preaching and teaching. In 1934, He returned to his native land, England, and in 1940 took up permanent residence on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, remaining there until his death twelve years later in 1952. Most of his works, including The Attributes of God, first appeared as articles in the monthly Studies in the Scriptures published from 1922 to 1953.
- this edition has study questions for each chapter adapted from Mt. Zion Bible Institute.
"The Attributes of God" has become a Christian classic in our time. Unlike other more devotional treatments, Pink considers the Biblical evidence for each of God’s attributes and gives in-depth insight into His character and very nature. The reader leaves each chapter both exalting God and better understanding “Him with whom we have to do.”
Attributes studied include: God's solitariness, Decrees, Knowledge, Supremacy, Sovereignty, Immutability, Holiness, Power, Faithfulness, Goodness, Patience, Grace, Mercy, Love, Wrath, and Contemplation.
Arthur W. Pink was born in Nottingham, England in 1886, and born again of the Spirit of God in 1908. He studied at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, USA for only six weeks before beginning his pastoral work in Colorado. From there he pastored churches in California, Kentucky and South Carolina before moving on to Sidney, Australia for a brief period, preaching and teaching. In 1934, He returned to his native land, England, and in 1940 took up permanent residence on the Isle of Lewis, Scotland, remaining there until his death twelve years later in 1952. Most of his works, including The Attributes of God, first appeared as articles in the monthly Studies in the Scriptures published from 1922 to 1953.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1930
1925 people are currently reading
5594 people want to read
About the author
Arthur W. Pink
800 books301 followersArthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.
In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.
In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.
After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews
August 14, 2012
This is probably one of the most significant books I have ever read because it clearly and concisely defines each of His attributes, showing how they all work together and without one He would not be God. Here are just a few points of the many that I have taken away from the book.
1. The Grace of God. “Divine Grace is the sovereign and saving favor of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who have no merit in them and for which no compensation is demanded from them. Nay, more; it is that favor of God shown to those who not only have no positive deserts of their own, but who are thoroughly ill-deserving and hell-deserving. It is completely unmerited and unsought, and is altogether unattracted by anything in or from or by the objects upon which it is bestowed. Grace can neither be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be it would cease to be grace. When a thing is said to be of “grace” we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in nowise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, unasked and undesired.” The trinity of Grace goes as follows: God the Father is the fountain of all Grace. God the Son is the only channel of Grace. And God the Holy Spirit is the bestower of Grace. Three in one.
2. God’s Mercy. “The first issue of God’s goodness is his benignity or bounty, by which he gives liberally to his creatures as creatures; thus has he given being and life to all things. The second issue of God’s goodness is his Mercy, which denotes the ready inclination of God to relieve the misery of fallen creatures. Thus “Mercy” presupposes sin.” Of Mercy there are three types. 1. General Mercy. Not only to Christians, and non Christians, but to all of creation. 2. Special Mercy. To “the children of men, helping and succoring them, notwithstanding their sins.” 3. Sovereign Mercy. A mercy “which is reserved for the heirs of salvation, which is communicated to them in a covenant way, through the Mediator.” But then there is the mercy in His punishment of the wicked. Summing up it comes in three points. 1. The Justice of God. 2. The Equity of the Sinner. 3. The Mercy of the Redeemed. But, “Unto his own, God is the father of mercies.” There is much more on this, but it is best to read the chapter on it.
3. God’s Love. Just as God is Spirit (John 4:24) and not a spirit. And just as God is light, the opposite of darkness (I John 1:5), so God is Love. This is a familiar sentence, but if you think about it enough it is a very powerful three words. God does not love, God is love. He is the pure definition of what love is. “Love is not merely one of His attributes, but His very nature... The only reason why God loves is found in His sovereign will: ‘The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved thee’ (Deut. 7:7-8). ‘We loved him, because He first loved us’ (I John 4:19). God did not love us because we loved him, but he loved us before we had a particle of love for him. Had God loved us in return for ours, then it would not be spontaneous on his part; but because he loved us when we were loveless, it is clear that his love was uninfluenced.” “His love no end no measure knows, No changes can turn its course, Eternally the same it flows, From one eternal sources.” Lastly, “Divine love is ‘strong as death’.”
4. God’s Wrath. “Now the wrath of God is as much a divine perfection as is his faithfulness, power or mercy. It must be so , for there is no blemish whatever, not the slightest defect in the character of God, yet there would be if ‘Wrath’ were absent from him.” God’s wrath is as perfect as his holiness, and His will vindicates but is not vindictive. “The greatest miracle in the world is God’s patience and bounty to an ungrateful world... The more His patience and bounty now is, the more dreadful will that fury be which ariseth out of His abused goodness. Nothing smoother than the sea, yet when stirred into a tempast, nothing rageth more. Nothing so sweet as the patience and goodness of God, and nothing so terrible as His wrath when it takes fire.” William Gurnall, 1660
This is just a summery of some of the chapters in the book. The book so simply explains how each of Gods characteristics works with each other. Also that God is “An incomprehensible Being, and, lost in wonder at his infinite greatness... When we turn out thoughts to God’s eternity, His immateriality, His omnipresence, His almightyness, our minds are overwhelmed.” He is a “Tender Father” and a “Consuming Fire.” “Just,” and “Always right.”
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
1. The Grace of God. “Divine Grace is the sovereign and saving favor of God exercised in the bestowment of blessings upon those who have no merit in them and for which no compensation is demanded from them. Nay, more; it is that favor of God shown to those who not only have no positive deserts of their own, but who are thoroughly ill-deserving and hell-deserving. It is completely unmerited and unsought, and is altogether unattracted by anything in or from or by the objects upon which it is bestowed. Grace can neither be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be it would cease to be grace. When a thing is said to be of “grace” we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in nowise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, unasked and undesired.” The trinity of Grace goes as follows: God the Father is the fountain of all Grace. God the Son is the only channel of Grace. And God the Holy Spirit is the bestower of Grace. Three in one.
2. God’s Mercy. “The first issue of God’s goodness is his benignity or bounty, by which he gives liberally to his creatures as creatures; thus has he given being and life to all things. The second issue of God’s goodness is his Mercy, which denotes the ready inclination of God to relieve the misery of fallen creatures. Thus “Mercy” presupposes sin.” Of Mercy there are three types. 1. General Mercy. Not only to Christians, and non Christians, but to all of creation. 2. Special Mercy. To “the children of men, helping and succoring them, notwithstanding their sins.” 3. Sovereign Mercy. A mercy “which is reserved for the heirs of salvation, which is communicated to them in a covenant way, through the Mediator.” But then there is the mercy in His punishment of the wicked. Summing up it comes in three points. 1. The Justice of God. 2. The Equity of the Sinner. 3. The Mercy of the Redeemed. But, “Unto his own, God is the father of mercies.” There is much more on this, but it is best to read the chapter on it.
3. God’s Love. Just as God is Spirit (John 4:24) and not a spirit. And just as God is light, the opposite of darkness (I John 1:5), so God is Love. This is a familiar sentence, but if you think about it enough it is a very powerful three words. God does not love, God is love. He is the pure definition of what love is. “Love is not merely one of His attributes, but His very nature... The only reason why God loves is found in His sovereign will: ‘The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: but because the Lord loved thee’ (Deut. 7:7-8). ‘We loved him, because He first loved us’ (I John 4:19). God did not love us because we loved him, but he loved us before we had a particle of love for him. Had God loved us in return for ours, then it would not be spontaneous on his part; but because he loved us when we were loveless, it is clear that his love was uninfluenced.” “His love no end no measure knows, No changes can turn its course, Eternally the same it flows, From one eternal sources.” Lastly, “Divine love is ‘strong as death’.”
4. God’s Wrath. “Now the wrath of God is as much a divine perfection as is his faithfulness, power or mercy. It must be so , for there is no blemish whatever, not the slightest defect in the character of God, yet there would be if ‘Wrath’ were absent from him.” God’s wrath is as perfect as his holiness, and His will vindicates but is not vindictive. “The greatest miracle in the world is God’s patience and bounty to an ungrateful world... The more His patience and bounty now is, the more dreadful will that fury be which ariseth out of His abused goodness. Nothing smoother than the sea, yet when stirred into a tempast, nothing rageth more. Nothing so sweet as the patience and goodness of God, and nothing so terrible as His wrath when it takes fire.” William Gurnall, 1660
This is just a summery of some of the chapters in the book. The book so simply explains how each of Gods characteristics works with each other. Also that God is “An incomprehensible Being, and, lost in wonder at his infinite greatness... When we turn out thoughts to God’s eternity, His immateriality, His omnipresence, His almightyness, our minds are overwhelmed.” He is a “Tender Father” and a “Consuming Fire.” “Just,” and “Always right.”
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18
Read
July 20, 2013When I turn my thoughts toward the full counsel of God, my mind is overwhelmed. I realize what a nano speck I am compared to this amazing Sovereign God. A.W. Pink brings you to the throne room of heaven with his book about God's sovereignty, goodness, faithfulness, foreknoweldge, holiness, love, and wrath etc. I realize as a finite creature that I would never choose a holy God who is honest with man about himself as revealed in scripture. This is why I am so thankful He chose me before time began because I would have never chosen Him. God revealed much to me while reading this book. Be prepared to be awestruck at God.
August 29, 2015
With so many religions and “winds of doctrine” that surround us, it’s crucial that we understand well who God is in order to prevent falling into doctrinal error. God can best be understood, not by his actions or his (apparent) emotions, but by His attributes as revealed to us in Scripture. One of the best books on this topic is The Attributes of God by A. W. Pink, who states, “The foundation of all true knowledge of God must be a clear mental apprehension of His perfections as revealed in Holy Scripture. An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped.” Jesus said that those who worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth. It’s not enough to have a heart and desire to worship God; if we construct a God of our own ideas, opinion, and imagination, then we are merely worshipping a false god and are idolators.
In The Attributes of God, Pink systematically explains the essential characteristics of God, beginning with His incommunicable attributes (those that belong solely to God), and then moving on to His communicable attributes (those that He has extended to man). Each chapter defines one attribute of God, with a selection verses and examples from Scripture where the attribute is stated and illustrated, then explains why the attribute is important to understand and accept. The first seven chapters address the topics of:
- The Solitariness of God
- The Decrees of God
- The Knowledge of God
- The Foreknowledge of God
- The Supremacy of God
- The Sovereignty of God
- The Immutability of God
The next nine chapters address:
- The Holiness of God
- The Power of God
- The Faithfulness of God
- The Goodness of God
- The Patience of God
- The Grace of God
- The Mercy of God
- The Love of God
- The Wrath of God
Here are a few poignant excerpts from the book that stood out for me:
Regarding God’s solitariness, independence, and self-sufficiency: “God was under no constraint, no obligation, no necessity to create. That He chose to do so was purely a sovereign act on His part, caused by nothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but His own mere good pleasure…God is no gainer even from our worship.”
Regarding prayer: “There is no danger of the individual saint being overlooked amidst the multitude of supplicants who daily and hourly present their various petitions, for an infinite Mind is as capable of paying the same attention to millions as if only one individual were seeking its attention.”
Regarding God’s Knowledge: “Nothing has ever come to pass, or ever will, merely because God knew it. The cause of all things is the will of God…God’s knowledge does not arise from things because they are or will be, but because He has ordained them to be.”
Regarding the Supremacy of God: “A ‘god’ whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated, whose purpose is checkmated, possesses no title to Deity, and so far from being a fit object of worship , merits nothing but contempt.”
Regarding God’s Holiness: “Power is God’s hand or arm, omniscience His eye, mercy His bowels, eternity His duration, but holiness is His beauty” (Puritan Stephen Charnock).
“God has often forgiven sinners, but He never forgives sin; and the sinner is only forgiven on the ground of Another having borne his punishment, for without shedding of blood is no remission"(Heb. 9:22).
Regarding the Goodness of God: “Gratitude is often withheld from our great Benefactor simply because His goodness is so constant and so abundant. It is lightly esteemed because it is exercised toward us in the common course of events. It is not felt because we daily experience it.”
The book ends with a chapter on the Contemplation of God, in which Pink reviews the incomprehensibility, all-sufficiency, and supreme sovereignty of God. He reminds the reader of the importance and benefits of studying and thinking on God’s perfections and character. In many ways God is incomprehensible, beyond our understanding. Pink comments, “When we turn our thoughts to God’s eternity, His immateriality, His omnipresence, His almightiness, our minds are overwhelmed.” And yet, in His goodness, God has chosen to reveal a glimpse of Himself to us in His Word, and it’s every Christian’s duty, and should be their desire and joy, to prayerfully and seriously study and learn all they can about this great God we claim to love and worship. Charles Spurgeon remarked,
"Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity…It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in it immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity."
This is not an excuse to neglect our pursuit of the knowledge of God, but rather a truth that should keep us humble and cause us to depend on His Spirit to enlighten and instruct our minds, and to help us apply our knowledge of Him to our daily lives. As we take a closer, more in-depth look at God, we should by contrast examine ourselves. In this way we make practical application of who God is to our own character and life. The study of God takes time and effort, but is there any other subject more worthy of our attention?
In The Attributes of God, Pink systematically explains the essential characteristics of God, beginning with His incommunicable attributes (those that belong solely to God), and then moving on to His communicable attributes (those that He has extended to man). Each chapter defines one attribute of God, with a selection verses and examples from Scripture where the attribute is stated and illustrated, then explains why the attribute is important to understand and accept. The first seven chapters address the topics of:
- The Solitariness of God
- The Decrees of God
- The Knowledge of God
- The Foreknowledge of God
- The Supremacy of God
- The Sovereignty of God
- The Immutability of God
The next nine chapters address:
- The Holiness of God
- The Power of God
- The Faithfulness of God
- The Goodness of God
- The Patience of God
- The Grace of God
- The Mercy of God
- The Love of God
- The Wrath of God
Here are a few poignant excerpts from the book that stood out for me:
Regarding God’s solitariness, independence, and self-sufficiency: “God was under no constraint, no obligation, no necessity to create. That He chose to do so was purely a sovereign act on His part, caused by nothing outside Himself, determined by nothing but His own mere good pleasure…God is no gainer even from our worship.”
Regarding prayer: “There is no danger of the individual saint being overlooked amidst the multitude of supplicants who daily and hourly present their various petitions, for an infinite Mind is as capable of paying the same attention to millions as if only one individual were seeking its attention.”
Regarding God’s Knowledge: “Nothing has ever come to pass, or ever will, merely because God knew it. The cause of all things is the will of God…God’s knowledge does not arise from things because they are or will be, but because He has ordained them to be.”
Regarding the Supremacy of God: “A ‘god’ whose will is resisted, whose designs are frustrated, whose purpose is checkmated, possesses no title to Deity, and so far from being a fit object of worship , merits nothing but contempt.”
Regarding God’s Holiness: “Power is God’s hand or arm, omniscience His eye, mercy His bowels, eternity His duration, but holiness is His beauty” (Puritan Stephen Charnock).
“God has often forgiven sinners, but He never forgives sin; and the sinner is only forgiven on the ground of Another having borne his punishment, for without shedding of blood is no remission"(Heb. 9:22).
Regarding the Goodness of God: “Gratitude is often withheld from our great Benefactor simply because His goodness is so constant and so abundant. It is lightly esteemed because it is exercised toward us in the common course of events. It is not felt because we daily experience it.”
The book ends with a chapter on the Contemplation of God, in which Pink reviews the incomprehensibility, all-sufficiency, and supreme sovereignty of God. He reminds the reader of the importance and benefits of studying and thinking on God’s perfections and character. In many ways God is incomprehensible, beyond our understanding. Pink comments, “When we turn our thoughts to God’s eternity, His immateriality, His omnipresence, His almightiness, our minds are overwhelmed.” And yet, in His goodness, God has chosen to reveal a glimpse of Himself to us in His Word, and it’s every Christian’s duty, and should be their desire and joy, to prayerfully and seriously study and learn all they can about this great God we claim to love and worship. Charles Spurgeon remarked,
"Nothing will so enlarge the intellect, nothing so magnify the whole soul of man, as a devout, earnest, continued investigation of the great subject of the Deity…It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in it immensity; so deep, that our pride is drowned in its infinity."
This is not an excuse to neglect our pursuit of the knowledge of God, but rather a truth that should keep us humble and cause us to depend on His Spirit to enlighten and instruct our minds, and to help us apply our knowledge of Him to our daily lives. As we take a closer, more in-depth look at God, we should by contrast examine ourselves. In this way we make practical application of who God is to our own character and life. The study of God takes time and effort, but is there any other subject more worthy of our attention?
November 18, 2019
This was a little book that provided a powerful punch! Mr. Pink, with Biblical precision, goes through just some of God’s countless attributes. He does not hold back from making Christ look magnificent. Highly recommended for those who desire to get a feeling for just how powerful our Heavenly Father is.
5 stars
5 stars
February 25, 2020
From grace to wrath, the seventeen chapters are devoted to explaining the character of God.
“Grace can neither be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be, it would cease to be grace. When a thing is said to be of grace we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in nowise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, I asked and undesired.”
“Our readiness or our reluctancy to meditate upon the wrath of God becomes a sure test of how our hearts really stand affected toward Him. If we do not truly rejoice in God, for what He is in Himself, and that because of all the perfections which are eternally resident in Him, then how dwelleth the love of God in us? Each of us needs to be most prayerfully in his guard against devising an image of God in our thoughts which is patterned after our own evil inclinations.”
“Grace can neither be bought, earned, nor won by the creature. If it could be, it would cease to be grace. When a thing is said to be of grace we mean that the recipient has no claim upon it, that it was in nowise due him. It comes to him as pure charity, and, at first, I asked and undesired.”
“Our readiness or our reluctancy to meditate upon the wrath of God becomes a sure test of how our hearts really stand affected toward Him. If we do not truly rejoice in God, for what He is in Himself, and that because of all the perfections which are eternally resident in Him, then how dwelleth the love of God in us? Each of us needs to be most prayerfully in his guard against devising an image of God in our thoughts which is patterned after our own evil inclinations.”
August 15, 2022
While shorter than other works on this topic, Pink is always worth your time to consult. He has good and biblical insights that are a helpful intro into the perfections of God.
November 22, 2019
This is a brief but beautiful reminder of God's character. Pink writes simply of the deep things of God. He is far, far above us. He is holy, good, kind, and just. "A spiritual and saving knowledge of God is the greatest need of every human creature." (A.W. Pink)
"The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can engage the attention of a child of God is the name, the nature, the person, the doings, and the existence of the great God which he calls his Father." (C.H. Spurgeon)
"The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy, which can engage the attention of a child of God is the name, the nature, the person, the doings, and the existence of the great God which he calls his Father." (C.H. Spurgeon)
June 30, 2022
Somewhen, I heard someone say something disparaging about Pink, and for some reason I let that put me off him. That was dumb, because this was solid stuff. If I hadn't been ill, I'd've shared more quotes from this.
Derek Perkins always almost pulls it off. He performs the prose with remarkable affect. But then he has his little tells that inform the listener he doesn't really comprehend. I genuinely worry for narrators who read such truthy books without faith. They'll have more to answer for than men who have been given no access to the truth.
Derek Perkins always almost pulls it off. He performs the prose with remarkable affect. But then he has his little tells that inform the listener he doesn't really comprehend. I genuinely worry for narrators who read such truthy books without faith. They'll have more to answer for than men who have been given no access to the truth.
October 6, 2021
Audible.com 3 hours 50 min. Narrated by Derek Perkins (A)
I feel illiterate, unworthy to write a review of this profound book. All the reviews on Goodreads are better than my beat attempt would be. This book is free on Audible, and let me just say that every person no matter their views about God and whether He exists should read this book. Approach it with an open mind just as you would any work of nonfiction or fiction, if A. W. Pink's use of Scripture can't spark your mind to search further than you have only spent 4 hours learning about the God of Christianity. On the other hand it could make the difference in the rest of life and eternity. I'd never heard of Pink until this book came up on my tablet. I just downloaded four of his other free books so that I can listen to them in the future.
I feel illiterate, unworthy to write a review of this profound book. All the reviews on Goodreads are better than my beat attempt would be. This book is free on Audible, and let me just say that every person no matter their views about God and whether He exists should read this book. Approach it with an open mind just as you would any work of nonfiction or fiction, if A. W. Pink's use of Scripture can't spark your mind to search further than you have only spent 4 hours learning about the God of Christianity. On the other hand it could make the difference in the rest of life and eternity. I'd never heard of Pink until this book came up on my tablet. I just downloaded four of his other free books so that I can listen to them in the future.
October 13, 2024
This book was SOOOOOOO GOOD!!! If you haven’t had the chance to read it I highly recommend it! It has caused me to rejoice and glory in our God more than any book besides the Bible that I believe I have read so far.
Also, it’s free on Chapel Library! They have an app that you can download and read most of their books and pamphlets on for free now. I highly recommend doing so if you haven’t yet!
Also, it’s free on Chapel Library! They have an app that you can download and read most of their books and pamphlets on for free now. I highly recommend doing so if you haven’t yet!
February 21, 2023
If you have the choice between this book and Knowledge of the Holy (Tozer), I would recommend the latter. Very similar approaches and overlapping attributes. However, any book which leads to an opportunity to sit and reflect on the depth and width of God’s excellencies — in an isolated and holistic manner — is worth the read!!
January 25, 2017
The way by which Pink constructs his arguments in each of this book's seventeen chapters is like reading a thriller novel of the highest order. To see him boldly and expertly land one point and lead into the next point makes one's blood race! These chapters explore one "attribute" of God at a time, each in the span of 3-5 pages. While I read this book, I treated each chapter as a weekday devotional, allowing me to complete the book in three and a half weeks. However, it was often hard for me to stop at one chapter and not immediately pounce on the next, feeling so exhilarated in heart, mind, and soul by the brilliant exposition found therein. I highly recommend this book to any thinking man, but I warn you: be willing to rethink what some of your assumptions about God's "love" or "goodness" might be. If your understandings do not comply with that which is plainly taught in Scripture, A.W. Pink's prose will compel you to redirect every unbiblical notion--and will do so with gusto!
April 22, 2013
There is no better study than the study of God.
Pink exemplifies his strength for bringing in a wealth of Scriptures on one attribute of God, and not always the typical ones. The background for this book is based on a rigorously systematic Calvinist (aka Reformed) theology, so that colors everything he says.
I picked up this book both as a devotional and to gain some understanding on different views of foreknowledge. The thoroughly referenced chapter on Foreknowledge was a helpful find, no matter what theology you come from. Because I am not a Calvinist, certain chapters were monotonous to get through, although interesting to read his views—no need to elaborate on that. But there were many chapters that I enjoyed purely from a devotional point of view (esp. Patience). All in all if you are Arminian I would recommend Tozer's book for you, but thank God we can learn from each other.
Pink exemplifies his strength for bringing in a wealth of Scriptures on one attribute of God, and not always the typical ones. The background for this book is based on a rigorously systematic Calvinist (aka Reformed) theology, so that colors everything he says.
I picked up this book both as a devotional and to gain some understanding on different views of foreknowledge. The thoroughly referenced chapter on Foreknowledge was a helpful find, no matter what theology you come from. Because I am not a Calvinist, certain chapters were monotonous to get through, although interesting to read his views—no need to elaborate on that. But there were many chapters that I enjoyed purely from a devotional point of view (esp. Patience). All in all if you are Arminian I would recommend Tozer's book for you, but thank God we can learn from each other.
April 22, 2016
Excellent book on the attributes of God. It was very readable and he quoted freely from some of the greats like Charles Spurgeon and Stephen Charnock. It was understandable and not dry reading. Highly recommend! I also really liked the article at the end of the book, "Are You Born Again?" by J.C. Ryle.
January 29, 2019
This look at the Savior was exactly what my soul longed to be reminded of. God is a good good God.
March 17, 2024
As I continue to survey key literature on the doctrine of God in church history, I decided to read Pink’s classic work. Overall, it was an okay work. He has a great chapter on the goodness of God that I will likely revisit. Pink clearly writes from a Reformed theological tradition, but many theologians have evaluated Pink as an individualist, and this evaluation is understandable considering that writes in a very combative and polemical tone that some may find off-putting. I also thought his emphasis on the sovereignty of God went in a nominalist direction as it almost seems like Pink believes that God is free from any nature and law, and that God is “a law in himself.” I would have liked further treatment on this view.
December 19, 2020
Pink is still my favorite author!!!
This book is true to "Pink form". He is so articulate and explains hard to grasp concepts with such ease, using plenty of Bible verses to fully back up his claims. Even though he is writing about such complex issues, he makes everything very easy to understand and shines a light into the dark places. 🙂
This book is true to "Pink form". He is so articulate and explains hard to grasp concepts with such ease, using plenty of Bible verses to fully back up his claims. Even though he is writing about such complex issues, he makes everything very easy to understand and shines a light into the dark places. 🙂
June 6, 2022
Really enjoyable. Not intended as such, but a good systematic theology of God’s attributes. Highly recommended.
March 4, 2025
100% recomendado si quieres saber quién es Dios y quién eres tú. Gracias Señor por este libro! Hermoso, confrontante, conmovedor.
October 31, 2022
I would not recommend this book unless someone is pretty well-versed and secure in his faith.
The book is based on scripture and has a lot of strong things to say, but the force of the words and the dogmatic nature could turn off someone who's not sure about God. The author comes across as harsh and arrogant. He also comes off as judgmental, but in the end, I don't think that's a bad thing--God will eventually judge and he has every right to do so as our creator.
For those of us who are familiar with the faith, there is a lot of good in here--we need to be reminded of God's infinite character and our finite.
At the same time, what this book is missing is just how much God loves us. And there is good in us as well as bad because we are made in God's image. He loves us and delights in us, especially once we're saved.
The book is based on scripture and has a lot of strong things to say, but the force of the words and the dogmatic nature could turn off someone who's not sure about God. The author comes across as harsh and arrogant. He also comes off as judgmental, but in the end, I don't think that's a bad thing--God will eventually judge and he has every right to do so as our creator.
For those of us who are familiar with the faith, there is a lot of good in here--we need to be reminded of God's infinite character and our finite.
At the same time, what this book is missing is just how much God loves us. And there is good in us as well as bad because we are made in God's image. He loves us and delights in us, especially once we're saved.
February 13, 2025
Picked up this book off and on in the past couple years and it’s always been very helpful to remind me that God is big and I am small.
5/17/2021-2/13/2025
4.5/5 🌟
5/17/2021-2/13/2025
4.5/5 🌟
September 29, 2021
This is one of the more spiritually rich and transformational books I have read. I think that Pink's writing captures something that not a lot of writers are seeking to explore today in the nature of God. His Biblical references are so common that it felt like a book of memory verses sometimes. I look forward to going back to this book many times as I continue to mature.
January 4, 2019
Short book that only scratches the surface, but it's a good read, and a simple read.
Couple of my favorite quotes:
Couple of my favorite quotes:
Men will allow God to be everywhere except on His throne. They will allow Him to be in His workshop to fashion worlds and make stars. They will allow Him to be in His almonry to dispense His alms and bestow His bounties. They will allow Him to sustain the earth and bear up the pillars thereof, or light the lamps of heaven, or rule the waves of the ever-moving ocean; but when God ascends His throne, His creatures then gnash their teeth. (pg 41)
Yet, when thinking of the absolute dominion of God over all, we ought never to lose sight of his moral perfections. God is just and good, and ever does that which is right. Nevertheless, he exercises his sovereignty according to his own imperial and righteous pleasure. He assigns each creature his place as seemeth good in his own sight. (pg 117)
April 26, 2020
A good overview of God's attributes and a helpful guide in reflecting on them. I would also highly recommend my congregation's series on the doctrine of God (where I heard about this book): http://audio.stillwaterrpc.org/doctri...
It's important to take time to reflect on who God is and the perfection of each of His attributes. It was helpful to see/reflect on the difference between God's grace and mercy, and on the topic of His wrath. I definitely can get complacent in my use of terms which I have grown up with, so it was good to be reminded of the significance of their meaning. And I think it is important to think about God's wrath because He is never angry like I am, He is never sinfully angry. Only justly angry, because of His holiness.
Like I said, a good summary/overview and a helpful tool.
It's important to take time to reflect on who God is and the perfection of each of His attributes. It was helpful to see/reflect on the difference between God's grace and mercy, and on the topic of His wrath. I definitely can get complacent in my use of terms which I have grown up with, so it was good to be reminded of the significance of their meaning. And I think it is important to think about God's wrath because He is never angry like I am, He is never sinfully angry. Only justly angry, because of His holiness.
Like I said, a good summary/overview and a helpful tool.
February 22, 2014
I'm beginning to understand as I grow in my Christian faith, that in order to trust someone we must KNOW them. The best place to know God is in the Bible, but this is an exceptional "crash course" on who God is if you are struggling to trust God in ALL things, or struggling to read your Bible because your just not feeling motivated to read about soneone you don't really understand. This book will make you aware of the human constraints we try to place on God because we want to view him as we view ourselves. A.W. Pink does an excellent job of explaining God's infiniteness while showing how that magnify's His great love for our very finite selves. Highly recommend this book as it's a short book, easy to understand, and really meaty in content.
October 24, 2019
Un excelente estudio introductorio a los atributos de Dios. El hermano Pink recurre a la Escritura con frecuencia, sin hacer mal uso de los textos bíblicos para mostrar el carácter del Trino Dios. Al mismo tiempo, su uso de los pensamientos de gigantes del pasado como Charnock es usual. Por último, Pink muestra la enorme diferencia que existe entre el Dios de la Escritura y del cristianismo actual.
¡Muy recomendable!
¡Muy recomendable!
November 23, 2019
One of the best books I have read. Coming out of the Pentecostal church it opened my eyes to so much of how we have brought God down on our level so many times and truly have lost a reverence for Him. Reading, studying and meditating on who He is and His Attributes will change every area of your life and a trust thru any Valley. Highly recommend this book.
January 7, 2021
Fantastic read if you’re not looking for an in-depth discussion of each attribute but rather why each one is a testament to Gods glory. Pink has a fantastic way of explaining how each attribute of God applies to His relationship with humanity and should turn them to worship Him.
May 31, 2021
Uno de esos libros de un antes y un después: Conocer a Dios a través de su Palabra y saber quién es El trae confianza y paz así como el temor que no es un miedo sino el respeto para el único y verdadero soberano. Combinarlo con el aprendizaje del club de lectura fue una súper bendición.
August 16, 2009
A great book for someone seeking to go deeper in understanding and knowledge of God. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 388 reviews