Is God all-powerful?

Definition and Scope of God’s Omnipotence

God’s omnipotence refers to the unlimited power and authority that He alone possesses. The term “all-powerful” specifically highlights the concept that nothing is beyond His ability to accomplish, as long as it does not contradict His holy nature (e.g., God cannot lie, as stated in Numbers 23:19). This powerful characteristic is seen throughout Scripture in creation, salvation, judgment, and the care of His people.

Biblical Evidence of Unlimited Power

One of the most straightforward statements of God’s limitless power is found in Jeremiah 32:17: “Oh, Lord GOD! You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!” This passage underlines both His sovereignty as Creator and the conviction that no challenge is beyond His ability.

In Genesis 1:1, we read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” This event, the creation of all matter, energy, and life, displays a power unrivaled in both Scripture and science. Equally impressive, Hebrews 1:3 reveals that God “sustains all things by His powerful word,” indicating not only the initial act of creation but the ongoing sustenance of the universe.

The Power Displayed in Miracles

The Bible contains numerous accounts of miracles demonstrating God’s might. Examples include parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21–22), causing the sun to stand still (Joshua 10:13), and raising the dead (Luke 7:14–15). Such events underscore that God’s power extends over nature and human affairs.

Modern accounts from reputable mission fields and testimonies of those who have experienced supernatural healings or unexplainable deliverances suggest that miracles did not cease in biblical times. While many modern-day miracles are anecdotal and subject to verification, they are consistent with the biblical pattern that God still works powerfully “to show Himself strong” (cf. 2 Chronicles 16:9).

God’s Power and the Resurrection of Christ

Christ’s resurrection stands at the core of the Christian faith and is a direct testimony to God’s omnipotence. Romans 6:4 says, “Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” The firsthand accounts recorded in the Gospels and corroborated by various historical analyses serve as strong evidence that God’s power defeated death.

Well-documented historical and scholarly research, such as analyses of the early creeds (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15:3–8), points to the reliable preservation of eyewitness testimony. Surviving manuscripts and corroborating historical details (such as empty tomb narratives) provide compelling support for the claim that God has the power to raise Jesus from the dead, ensuring the believer’s hope in a future resurrection.

Archaeological and Manuscript Support

Archaeological evidence for many events in the Scripture (including sites like Jericho and Megiddo, among others) reveals a consistent historical backdrop supportive of biblical historical claims. While archaeology cannot “prove” every miracle, the consistency of discoveries with names, places, and timelines affirms that the underlying scriptural accounts are rooted in real historical contexts.

In addition, thousands of manuscripts and fragments—including the Dead Sea Scrolls—demonstrate remarkable uniformity and integrity of the Scriptures across centuries. The weight of this manuscript evidence strongly supports the reliability of biblical claims about God’s attributes, including His almighty power.

Philosophical Reasoning for Omnipotence

Philosophically, an all-powerful God is the foundation for explaining the existence of the universe. Many scientists point to the observable design in various systems—DNA coding, planetary fine-tuning, and biological complexities—as evidence of an intelligent mind. These observations support the claim that the universe did not arise from random processes. Rather, an omnipotent Creator is the most consistent explanation.

While no human-created model fully captures the enormity of God’s nature, these scientific findings align with the concept that God’s abilities surpass any natural limitation. As the prophet Isaiah declares in Isaiah 40:26: “Lift up your eyes on high: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host by number… because of His great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”

Application and Assurance

Believers draw comfort from God’s omnipotence. In times of need, Psalm 46:1 affirms, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” This assurance is practical: if He can create galaxies and raise the dead, He can surely intervene in daily human struggles.

Faith in God’s unlimited might also inspires reverence. Recognizing His power leads to worship and humbling oneself before the One who is able to do “immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). For the Christian believer, the omnipotence of God serves as both a cornerstone of trust and a reason for joyful praise.

Conclusion

From the creation narrative in Genesis to the redeeming work of Christ, Scripture consistently portrays God as possessing absolute power. Historical, archaeological, and manuscript evidence support the reliability of these accounts. Recognizing God as all-powerful shapes both belief and practice, offering encouragement that no prayer is too bold and no circumstance too difficult for Him who made the heavens and the earth by His great power.