The Attributes of God: God's Omnipotence
By: Billy Rice - January 25, 2022
As we discussed last week, the omni-attributes of God refers to terms that describe three fundamental characteristics of God as seen in Scripture.
Let’s recap our understanding of the definition of omni. In its simplest definition, omni means “all.” For example, an omnivore is an animal that eats both animal and plant-based food. Pigs are prime examples of omnivores; they eat most meats and vegetables (except cucumbers, unless they’re really hungry).
So, let’s take a look at the topic for this week which is God’s Omnipotence. Omnipotence means that God is “all-powerful” or he possesses “all-power.” This means that God has an endless supply of power which makes Him more than capable of accomplishing anything He desires effortlessly. We believe that God’s strength is infinite—that He loses none of it. Therefore, He also never needs to gain any power.
There are many names and titles ascribed to God in the Bible, referring to His power. For example, the Bible calls Him “God Almighty” (Genesis 17:1), Elohim (Genesis 1 as He creates the heavens and the earth), Yahweh (or Jehovah—Genesis 2), “The Mighty One of Israel” (Isaiah 1:24), “King of kings and Lord of lords” (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 19:16), and the “blessed and only Sovereign” (1 Timothy 6:15).
In addition to the names of God, the Bible repeatedly puts God’s strength on display. From the very beginning, we see God’s power demonstrated, For “In the beginning, God created the Heavens and the Earth” (Genesis 1:1). Job reminds us by declaring, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2). The psalmist David proclaims, “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).
Is there anything God cannot do?
That’s a great question! And the answer is—yes. This one probably has you scratching your head. If God is all-powerful, how can there be something he can’t do? There are things the Bible shows us that God cannot do because they are contradictory to His character. For example, the Bible tells us that God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). The Bible also tells us that God cannot lose faith in himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
Furthermore, the Bible teaches us that God cannot be tempted to sin, neither will He ever tempt anyone to sin (James 1:13). Finally, the Bible teaches us that God cannot change His very essence, purposes, or promises (James 1:17). So yes, there are some things that God cannot do.
What difference does it make?
God’s power, His omnipotence, shows us why His grace and forgiveness are so amazing! The idea that a holy and righteous God can defeat the eternal curse caused by all of your sins and give you the power to overcome them is astounding. For God sent His very Son, Jesus Christ, to live the perfect, sinless life that you were not powerful to live, to endure the wrath of God’s holiness and justice that you are not powerful enough to bear so that you could be truly and fully forgiven and changed into a child of God through that power!
How?
REPENT of your sin—turn away from it, BELIEVE in the Good News of Jesus Christ, and COMMIT your life to follow Him.
The words of Christian singer and songwriter Michael W. Smith ring ever so true: “The same power that rose Jesus from the grave…lives in us.” The Bible tells us that when someone becomes a Christian, the Holy Spirit moves into their heart and takes up permanent residence. Jesus said the Holy Spirit “dwells with you and will be in you” (John 14:17). This is called the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. They literally become a Temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19).
Because of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, Christians have the power to live for Christ and to follow His will. They have the power to be content in the best or most difficult of situations (Philippians 4:10-13). The Holy Spirit empowers Christians with certain gifts (God-given abilities they did not have) to serve the Lord effectively (1 Corinthians 12:1-6). The Holy Spirit places a permanent seal on Christians (Ephesians 1:13-14), empowering them to persevere to the very end. We are given this power solely because of God’s goodness, kind intention, and of course, His omnipotence.
For, He is good all the time. And ALL the time, He is GOOD!
In Christ Alone,