Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of God's omnipotence, or His unlimited power, is a central theme throughout the Bible. This divine attribute is often encapsulated in the phrase "all things are possible with God," underscoring the belief that God's power transcends human limitations and understanding.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible frequently affirms God's omnipotence. In the Old Testament, God's power is demonstrated through acts of creation, deliverance, and judgment.
Genesis 1:1-3 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This passage highlights God's ability to bring the universe into existence through His spoken word.
In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes God's limitless power in several teachings. In
Matthew 19:26 , Jesus declares, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." This statement, made in the context of discussing the difficulty of a rich man entering the kingdom of heaven, illustrates that what is beyond human capability is within God's power.
Miracles as Evidence of Divine PowerMiracles throughout the Bible serve as tangible evidence of God's power. The parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22), the provision of manna in the wilderness (
Exodus 16:4-5), and the resurrection of Jesus (
Matthew 28:5-6) are just a few examples where God's power intervenes in the natural order. These events demonstrate that God's power is not confined by natural laws or human expectations.
Faith and God's PowerThe relationship between faith and the power of God is a recurring theme. In
Mark 9:23 , Jesus tells a father seeking healing for his son, "If You can?' echoed Jesus. 'All things are possible to him who believes.'" This interaction highlights that faith is a conduit through which believers can experience God's power. The power of God is not limited by human doubt but is accessible through faith.
God's Sovereignty and Human LimitationsWhile God's power is limitless, it operates within the framework of His sovereign will.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the LORD. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts." This passage underscores that God's power is exercised according to His divine wisdom and purpose, which may not always align with human desires or understanding.
The Power of God in SalvationThe ultimate expression of God's power is seen in the work of salvation.
Romans 1:16 states, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The transformative power of the gospel is a testament to God's ability to redeem and restore humanity through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
God's Power in the Believer's LifeBelievers are encouraged to rely on God's power in their daily lives.
Ephesians 3:20 assures us, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us." This verse emphasizes that God's power is not only transcendent but also immanent, working within believers to accomplish His purposes.
In summary, the power of God is a foundational doctrine that affirms His ability to accomplish all things according to His will. It is a source of hope and assurance for believers, reminding them that with God, nothing is impossible.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Matthew 19:26But Jesus beheld them, and said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Impossible with Man, Possible with God
... humble himself to learn that other lesson: With God all things are possible ... series
of impossibilities made possible and actual by God's almighty power. ...
/.../murray/absolute surrender/impossible with man possible with.htm
That one God Formed all Things in the World, by Means of the Word ...
... is incomprehensible; but in regard to His love, and kindness, and as to His infinite
power, even this ... For God is powerful in all things, having been ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xx that one god formed.htm
Perverse Interpretations of Scripture by the Heretics: God Created ...
... 4. For, to attribute the substance of created things to the power and will of
Him who is God of all, is worthy both of credit and acceptance. ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter x perverse interpretations of scripture.htm
The Gnostic Aims at the Nearest Likeness Possible to God and his ...
... God, or that, though existing, He does not oversee all things. ... believe that He is
the only true God, who exists ... For believing and obeying are in our own power. ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter iii the gnostic aims at.htm
Why Man was not Made Perfect from the Beginning.
... For as it certainly is in the power of a ... nourishment; so also it was possible for
God Himself to ... these last times, when He had summed up all things into Himself ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxviii why man was not.htm
The Resurrection of the Flesh is not Impossible.
... they see not" [2620] ), that they can do all things, though they ... and true faith,
to believe in our God, since also we have proofs [of His power], first in ...
/.../chapter v the resurrection of the.htm
The Son the Ruler and Saviour of All.
... government for men than that which is appointed by God. ... the Almighty Father, the
cause of all good things ... first efficient cause of motion"a power incapable of ...
/.../clement/the stromata or miscellanies/chapter ii the son the ruler.htm
Praying Without Doubting
... the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when
he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 5 praying without doubting.htm
God's Providence
... Since, among the divine perfections, are all power and all knowledge, the non ... of
Providence, if there be none, must result from a want of will in God. ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm
The Self-Communication of God
... the needle, and the needle receives the magnetic power, so that ... soul, that you are
so united with God that no ... All things are therefore possible to me, if I am ...
/.../eckhart/meister eckharts sermons/v the self-communication of god.htm
Resources
What is the power of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any power in positive thinking? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus