The Book of Revelation, like all of Scripture, is not first and foremost a book to tell us what to do, or even what will take place. It is first and foremost a book about God—what He is like, what He loves and hates, and how He relates to His creation. As you read Revelation, keep this your focus by asking what the book is teaching about God’s character and nature. To help you with this exercise, here is a list of some of God’s attributes with simple definitions.
Attentive
God hears and responds to the needs of His children.
Compassionate
God cares for His children and acts on their behalf.
Creator
God made everything. He is un-created.
Deliverer
God rescues and saves His children.
Eternal
God is not limited by and exists outside of time.
Faithful
God always keeps His promises.
Generous
God gives what is best and beyond what is deserved.
Glorious
God displays His greatness and worth.
Good
God is what is best and gives what is best. He is incapable of doing harm.
Holy
God is perfect, pure, and without sin.
Incomprehensible
God is beyond our understanding. We can comprehend Him in part but not in whole.
Infinite
God has no limits in His person or on His power.
Immutable / Unchanging
God never changes. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Jealous
God will not share His glory with another. All glory rightfully belongs to Him.
Just
God is fair in all His actions and judgments. He cannot over-punish or under-punish.
Loving
God feels and displays infinite unconditional affection toward His children. His love for them does not depend on their worth, response, or merit.
Merciful
God does not give His children the punishment they deserve.
Omnipotent / Almighty
God holds all power. Nothing is too hard for God. What He wills He can accomplish.
Omnipresent
God is fully present everywhere.
Omniscient
God knows everything: past, present, and future; all potential and real outcomes; all things micro and macro.
Patient / Long-suffering
God is untiring and bears with His children.
Provider
God meets the needs of His children.
Refuge
God is a place of safety and protection for His children.
Righteous
God is always good and right.
Self-existent
God depends on nothing and no one to give Him life or existence.
Self-sufficient
God is not vulnerable. He has no needs.
Sovereign
God does everything according to His plan and pleasure. He controls all things.
Transcendent
God is not like humans. He is infinitely higher in being and action.
Truthful
Whatever God speaks or does is truth and reality.
Wrathful
God hates all unrighteousness.
Wise
God knows what is best and acts accordingly. He cannot choose wrongly.
Worthy
God deserves all glory, honor, and praise.
