In Christian theology, Simplicity refers to the belief that God is not composed of parts or multiple elements, but is fully unified in His essence. This means that God’s attributes (such as love, justice, holiness, omnipotence, omniscience, etc.) are not separate characteristics that make up God, but are all intrinsic to His singular, indivisible nature. God is wholly simple in His being—He is not divided or complex, and His essence is not subject to division or change.

Key Concepts:

1. God’s Undivided Essence:
   God is simple in that He is one, undivided essence. He does not consist of different parts that can be separated or divided, such as body, soul, or spirit. All that God is, He is entirely, and His attributes are not external to Him but part of His singular nature (Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 45:5).
2. Unity of God’s Attributes:
   Simplicity also means that God’s attributes—such as love, justice, mercy, and power—are not separate aspects of God, but are perfectly united in His one essence. For example, God is not loving in one part and just in another part. Instead, His love and justice are perfectly united and expressed in His singular, unified being (1 John 4:8, Romans 11:33-36).
3. No Composition or Change:
   God is not composed of multiple, distinct elements that would allow for change, division, or imperfection. This also means that God does not evolve or change as He has no parts to be altered. He is always fully and completely Himself, consistent and perfect at all times (Malachi 3:6, James 1:17).

Historical Background:

1. Biblical Foundation:
   The concept of simplicity is rooted in Scripture, where God is presented as being unified and undivided in His essence. For example, in Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one,” emphasizes God’s indivisible nature. Additionally, Jesus’ statement in John 4:24 that “God is Spirit” supports the idea that God’s nature is not made up of parts.
2. Theological Development:
   The doctrine of God’s simplicity was particularly emphasized by early Christian philosophers and theologians like Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Aquinas, in particular, argued that if God were composed of parts, He would be dependent on those parts and thus not be fully God. For Aquinas, simplicity was crucial to understanding God’s perfection—any composition or division would imply imperfection.

Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.