The term “omnificent” refers to the fact that God is all-powerful, or omnipotent. This means that God has unlimited power and authority to do anything He desires. The Bible teaches that nothing is too difficult for the Lord (Jeremiah 32:17). As Creator of the universe, God has absolute control over all things.
Some key verses about God’s omnipotence include:
- Job 42:2 – “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
- Matthew 19:26 – “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
- Luke 1:37 – “For no word from God will ever fail.”
- Ephesians 3:20 – “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…”
- Revelation 19:6 – “For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.”
God’s unlimited power is demonstrated throughout Scripture in events such as the creation of the universe, the plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, the miracles of Jesus, and the resurrection of Christ. God has authority over nature, history, angels, demons, humans, and animals. He can create, destroy, heal, provide, resurrect, restore, and transform anything He desires.
However, just because God is all-powerful does not mean He always chooses to exercise the full extent of His power. God often restrains His power and works through ordinary means. Yet He remains in complete control. Theologians emphasize that God’s power is purposeful and directed toward accomplishing His perfect will.
Some specific implications of God’s omnipotence include:
- Sovereignty – God has supreme authority and rules over all creation.
- Providence – God directs all things to fulfill His purposes.
- Miracles – God performs supernatural signs and wonders that transcend natural laws.
- Forgiveness of sins – Only God has power to wipe away sin and redeem people.
- Salvation – God applies Christ’s work to save sinners.
- Preservation – God sustains His people and keeps them secure in salvation.
- Judgment – God will judge the world and has power to send sinners to eternal punishment.
On a practical level, God’s omnipotence is a great comfort to believers. We can have confidence that God is able to help us through any trial, protect us from danger, provide for needs, transform us into Christ’s image, and defeat any spiritual forces of evil. With God all things are possible (Mark 10:27).
However, God’s unlimited power is also a warning. It means that those who set themselves against the Lord are fighting a losing battle. No one can thwart or resist God’s purposes. Those who stubbornly rebel against Him will ultimately face His wrath and judgment.
In summary, the fact that God is all-powerful means He has supreme authority and sovereignty over all things. He directs all things according to His purposes. Nothing is too difficult for the Lord. While God voluntarily limits His power at times, He remains infinite in strength and ability. God’s omnipotence gives believers great confidence and assurance, while also serving as a stark warning to unrepentant sinners.
Some common questions about God’s omnipotence include:
Can God create a rock so big He cannot lift it?
This question is often posed as a supposed paradox to make the claim that God cannot be all-powerful. However, the question itself is inherently flawed. By definition, omnipotence is the quality of having unlimited power. If there was something God could not do, then He would, by definition, not be omnipotent. Because God is omnipotent, it is impossible for Him to create something He cannot move.
Does God’s power have any limits?
Because God is omnipotent by nature, there are no external limitations or restrictions on His power. However, God’s actions are always consistent with His perfect character. For example, God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), deny Himself (2 Timothy 2:13) or tempt others to sin (James 1:13). Such actions would contradict God’s holy character. So while God’s power has no external limits, it is always exercised in concert with His perfect moral nature.
If God is all-powerful, why does He allow evil?
This is a difficult question that theologians have long wrestled with. Scripture makes it clear that God is sovereign, yet evil exists. Genesis 50:20 suggests that while evil brings sin and tragedy, God permits it only because He plans to bring about redemption and restoration. A key point is that God normally allows the consequences of free will rather than intervening to prevent evil. He will ultimately defeat all evil, even using it to accomplish His good purposes. But for now, He patiently endures evil to allow freedom.
Can God override a person’s free will?
This issue has been debated extensively by theologians. Some argue God will never violate a person’s freedom to choose. Others say God can sovereignly intervene and change any heart. A balanced approach holds that God generally does not coerce people against their will. But at times, God may change a rebellious will through special grace (e.g. Paul’s conversion in Acts 9). Either way, God’s power is supreme over human choices.
Does praying really make a difference if God is all-powerful?
Absolutely! Prayer is God’s ordained means for believers to bring requests before Him and see His power manifested (James 5:16). God commands His people to pray. Through prayer, we acknowledge our dependence on God. And although God is sovereign, He frequently chooses to act in response to prayer. So prayer expresses submission to God’s power and makes a real difference.
If God is in control of everything, why should we make efforts to live righteously?
As human beings, we are called to be responsible and obey God even though He is sovereign. God’s sovereignty does not negate human responsibility. We should live righteously because it honors the Lord and fulfills His will for us. God uses our willing obedience to accomplish His purposes. His sovereignty is not an excuse for laziness or inaction on our part.
In closing, the fact that God is omnipotent provides great hope for believers. With God, nothing is impossible (Luke 1:37). The Lord has unlimited power to help us through any difficulty, use us for His glory, defeat spiritual enemies, answer prayer, and sustain us to the end. God’s omnipotence shows He is worthy of our worship and submission.