What does "All things are possible with God" mean?

I. Introduction to the Phrase

“All things are possible with God” appears most notably in Mark 10:27, where it is written: “Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.’” This statement encapsulates a fundamental teaching: there is no limit to the power of the Creator. Human limitations do not constrain the Author of life and salvation.

This theme also resonates in other passages. Luke 1:37 declares, “For nothing will be impossible with God,” and Genesis 18:14 poses the rhetorical question: “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?” Such verses underscore a truth about divine omnipotence: when God intends to act, nothing prevents Him from accomplishing His purposes.

II. Biblical Context of the Assertion

The words of Mark 10:27 come in a conversation Jesus has regarding salvation. The disciples marvel at the challenge of a “rich man entering the kingdom of God” (Mark 10:24–26), and Jesus notes the difficulty people face when trusting in their own resources. He then directs their attention to God’s power—what is impossible for humans is entirely feasible for God.

Throughout Scripture, the notion that God’s power transcends human weakness appears in numerous examples. In the Old Testament, a foundational illustration is the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14), where God made a way through a seemingly impassable body of water. In the New Testament, the ultimate demonstration is the resurrection of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20), showing that God’s power overcomes even death. These historical events further illustrate that no circumstance is beyond God’s ability to intervene miraculously.

III. Understanding Divine Omnipotence

1. Nature of God’s Power

Scripture repeatedly describes God as the omnipotent Creator. Psalm 33:9 says, “For He spoke, and it came into being; He commanded, and it stood firm.” This creative power lies at the heart of the phrase “all things are possible.” God, who centuries ago called the universe into existence, likewise continues to govern and uphold all things.

2. Consistency with God’s Character and Will

“All things are possible with God” does not imply contradiction to His nature. God’s omnipotence is not about logical absurdities (e.g., self-contradictory acts) but rather the capacity to do all that accords with His holy will. He does not violate His righteous character; rather, He accomplishes every purpose He sets out to fulfill.

3. Miraculous Works through History

Beyond the biblical accounts themselves, many historical claims of miraculous events have been documented—both in Scripture and in Christian testimony throughout the centuries. Archaeological and textual evidence, such as references to the House of David in the Tel Dan Stele or the Dead Sea Scrolls’ remarkable preservation of biblical texts, point to a consistent narrative where God breaks into human history for His redemptive purposes.

IV. Theological Significance

1. Salvation as the Greatest “Possibility”

In context, Jesus’ statement in Mark 10:27 addresses salvation. Human beings cannot achieve salvation through their own merit or power, yet God graciously makes it possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ. As Ephesians 2:8–9 states, “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” By resting in God’s power rather than human achievement, believers encounter the ultimate fulfillment of “all things are possible with God.”

2. God’s Involvement in Creation and Providence

From the perspective of creation, the universe itself testifies to divine power and intention. Advocates of intelligent design reference the intricate complexity observed in living organisms and cosmological parameters, all of which indicate purposeful origination by an omnipotent Creator. The more one explores the natural world, the more one sees the “fingerprints” of a God who can accomplish what is impossible for humankind.

3. Revelation, Resurrection, and Hope

The resurrection of Jesus is a direct demonstration of God’s ability to perform the seemingly impossible—to conquer death. Documented within the earliest Christian writings, the resurrection stands at the heart of the Christian faith. Early creedal statements (e.g., 1 Corinthians 15) were preserved and transmitted with remarkable fidelity, undergirding the confidence that God truly did raise Jesus from the dead. This act confirms that God can—and does—accomplish what defies human comprehension, thereby grounding believers in hope.

V. Practical Implications

1. Trust in God’s Sovereignty

Realizing that “all things are possible with God” invites believers to place full confidence in His wisdom, timing, and provision. Prayer becomes a natural response. Philippians 4:6–7 commands, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Acknowledging divine sovereignty sustains believers through life’s uncertainties.

2. Boldness in Witness and Service

Awareness of God’s unlimited power encourages boldness in sharing faith and serving others. Since no heart is beyond the reach of divine grace, believers can lovingly proclaim the message of the Gospel without despair. Furthermore, historical records and modern eyewitness accounts of transformative miracles—ranging from personal healings to remarkable provisions—reinforce the position that one should never underestimate divine intervention.

3. Hope in Trials and Temptations

When facing trials, setbacks, and apparent impossibilities, believers find solace in the knowledge that God is able to bring good out of even the most dire circumstances (Romans 8:28). This perspective transforms despair into steadfast hope, reminding individuals that God’s capacity far exceeds any human limitation.

VI. Common Misinterpretations

1. Misuse as an Invincibility Claim

Some might misunderstand “all things are possible with God” to mean humans can overlook all natural or moral constraints. Yet Scripture teaches that God’s purposes are majestic, and while He can do anything within His perfect will, He does not promise a universally trouble-free life. Jesus states in John 16:33, “In this world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!” Difficulty remains a reality, yet God’s power operates both beyond and within those difficulties.

2. Confusion with Mere Positive Thinking

While optimism is healthy, biblical teaching does not reduce God’s power to a formula for personal success. Instead, the phrase points to a deep reliance on God’s nature and holiness. Genuine faith trusts that God can accomplish His purposes, even when answers do not match human preferences.

VII. Conclusion

“All things are possible with God” stands as a powerful biblical promise and a cornerstone of faith. It reminds believers that the Lord who created the heavens and the earth, who raised Christ from the dead, and who guides lives today is neither bound by natural laws nor limited by human weaknesses. The phrase challenges individuals to shift reliance from human endeavor to divine omnipotence.

Such trust yields hope amid adversity, boldness in sharing truth, humility in worship, and ultimate assurance in the redeeming work of Christ. Aligning with the overarching biblical narrative—from creation to resurrection—this statement assures us that wherever God works, no task is insurmountable and no promise is empty. By leaning on Scripture’s testimony and observing the countless ways He has demonstrated His power through history, one can embrace the conviction that nothing indeed is too hard for Him.