Gond’s omnipotence means that he is able to do all his holy will. The word “omnipotence” means “all-powerful.” God’s omnipotence has reference in his own power to do what he decides to do. This power is a constant mention in the Bible (Gen. 18:14, Ps. 24:8, Jer. 32:17, Luke 19:26, Matt. 19:26, 2 Cor. 6:18, Eph. 3:20, Rev. 1:8, etc.).
However, there are somethings that God cannot do. God cannot will or doing something that is not consistent with his character. This is why the definition states, “to do all his holy will.” For example, God cannot lie or deny himself ( 2 Tim. 2:43, Titus 1:2) or be tempted with evil (Ja. 1:13). He cannot cease to exist, cease to be God, or act in a way that is not consistent with any of the attributes and character he has established for himself. Although God’s power is infinite, his use of it is qualified by his own qualifications. It is important to recognize that one attribute or trait cannot overpower all the others like ours quite often do. Another way of expressing God’s power over creation is to say he is sovereign over it.
This is the last of God’s “purpose attributes” – will, freedom, power & sovereignty. Our make-up is such that we have a semblance of each ourselves. We exercise choices regarding our lives. We live in relative freedom within our spheres of activity. People can become proud and practice a freedom that rebels against God’s authority and knowingly refuse to obey his will. Conversely, we can apply our freedom and will, to make God endorsed choices that reflect his character.
God has given us limited power to bring about results – physical, persuasive, mental, and spiritual. These are to applied in our labor, in our family, in our church, in our civil government, etc. to bring about progress and at the same time glorifies our LORD. These progresses please God because they are consistent with his will.
February 3, 2023 at 4:21 pm
C.R. I love the phrase: “Conversely, we can apply our freedom and will, to make God endorsed choices that reflect His character.” Our prayer should be that.
Good information.
Karl
February 6, 2023 at 12:09 pm
Karl, one must always bear in YHWH’s omniscience, omnipresence, and omnipotence in any discussions regarding theology though none of them are expressly expressed in the Bible. They are each easily inferred. When we can’t understand how God? It is not a big deal for him. Each we have a semblance of ourselves (cp. Gen. 1:26-27). I think the reason we have evil and the relative free-will to choose it is it pleases God more when we choose his ways over it. Just like one feels when ones offspring chooses well and is not “browbeaten” to do so. Craig