Classical theism
Historic orthodoxy
The historic Christian teaching that God is infinite, eternal, unchanging, and perfect in himself, not dependent on or improved by his creation.
Also called: classical theist, Classical theism (simplicity, immutability, impassibility)
What it means
Classical theism is the name for how the church has always confessed God: one living and true God, "infinite in being and perfection, a most pure spirit, invisible, without body, parts, or passions; immutable, immense, eternal." He depends on nothing. He knows all things, past, present, and future, and works all things according to the counsel of his own will.
Several doctrines belong together here: divine simplicity (God is not made of parts), immutability (God does not change), impassibility (God is not overcome by emotions or acted upon by creatures), and eternity (God is not bound by time). They are not abstract speculations. They are ways of saying that God is truly God, the Creator, and not a larger version of us.
Classical theism does not make God cold or distant. Because he is unchanging, his love is unchanging. Because he is not at the mercy of events, he can be trusted in every event. The church fathers, the medieval church, and the Reformers all taught this, and the Westminster and 1689 London Baptist confessions state it plainly in their chapters on God.
In Scripture
God names himself I AM WHO I AM, the one who simply is, depending on nothing.
The Lord says he does not change, and that is why his people are not consumed.
With the Father of lights there is no variation or shifting shadow.
God declares the end from the beginning, and his purpose will stand.
God is not served by human hands as though he needed anything, since he gives life to all.
From everlasting to everlasting he is God, before the mountains were born.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 2.1; WCF 2.2; LBCF 1689 2.1; LBCF 1689 2.2
On this site: Doctrine of God
Related terms
Divine simplicityHistoric orthodoxy
God is not made up of parts; his attributes are not pieces of him but are each the one undivided God.
ImmutabilityHistoric orthodoxy
God does not change in his being, character, knowledge, or purposes.
ImpassibilityHistoric orthodoxy
God is not subject to emotional change, suffering, or being overcome by creatures; his love and wrath are perfect and steady, not swings of feeling.
Relational theismFlagged as a concern
A view that keeps much of historic theology but sets aside doctrines such as impassibility, immutability, or simplicity, so that God is changed by his relationship with creation.
Open theismSerious error
The teaching that God does not know the future free choices of people, because those choices do not yet exist to be known, so the future is partly open even to God.
TrinityHistoric orthodoxy
There is one God, eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, each fully and equally God.