Notes compiled by Marty Zide and Steve McAtee
This means that God is good and kind toward His creation, showing benevolence and kindness to all. He gives blessings and common grace to everyone. Common grace is not saving grace, but speaks of His general goodness by providing such things as rain, sunshine, and crops.
Insights Into God’s Goodness
God’s goodness is simply a reflection of who He is. God is good because that’s all that He can ever be. He can be nothing less than good.
Because there is no evil or sin in God, even His judgment, wrath and punishment are good from His perspective. They accomplish His purpose and bring glory to Him.
Ps. 33:5 - He loves righteousness and justice; The earth is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.
Ps. 103:2-5 - Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and
compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.
Ps. 145:9, 15-16 - The Lord is good to all, And His mercies are over all His works. The eyes of all look to You, And You give them their food in due time. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Nah. 1:7 - The Lord is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him.
James 1:17 - Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.
Matt. 5:45 - ...for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Rom. 2:4 - Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?
For those who have experienced saving grace in addition to common grace, meaning that they are a true believer, there is a special relationship to the goodness of God. What God says in Romans 8:28 is only true for one who is saved. The truths contained in this verse do not apply to one who isn’t a believer.
Rom. 8:28 - And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Practical Applications Of God’s Goodness
When we remember our sin and disobedience, we will be much more thankful for all the good that God showers upon us. Believers need to keep in mind that every single thing that comes their way can work for the ultimate good. This barely scratches the surface of God and all that He has revealed of Himself. I firmly believe that one of the glorious things true believers will be doing in heaven will be learning more of God’s greatness.
Coming Next – The Decrees Of God