Explain the Meaning and Significance of the Omnipotence of God
Did you know that according to a survey conducted in 2004 by the George Barna research group, only half of Christian pastors have a biblical worldview? Based on interviews with over 600 senior pastors from more than 4-dozen protestant denominations, the research showed 49% of the pastors did not agree with a biblical worldview. One major aspect of this worldview was defined as a belief in the omnipotence of God. Today, we will analyze this crucial doctrine of this sadly controversial biblical worldview by looking at the meaning and significance of the omnipotence of God.
According to Wayne Grudem, God’s omnipotence is defined as follows, “God is able to do all his Holy will.” In the next few minutes, we will study the omnipotence of God by looking at 2 main points.
1. The extent of God’s omnipotence
2. The limits of God’s omnipotence
Lets take a look at my first point: The extent of God’s omnipotence
• Although the word “omnipotence” which literally means “all powerful” is never mentioned in the bible, the closely related word of “almighty” is used to describe the Lord over 55 times.
• Luke 1:37 -- For nothing is impossible with God
• If you’ve ever looked up at the stars at night, you can probably relate to how majestic and amazing it is to know that God made all of them! Imagine the power in just one star! But it is not just about raw power. There is intelligence and design packed in our universe down to the smallest DNA strand, down to the smallest subatomic particle. God’s power and wisdom are beyond our comprehension. That is why Jeremiah 32:17 states, “Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee.”
• This is significant because if God were not omnipotent, God would not be able to carry out his very nature and will. God could not carry out his: justice, grace, love, forgiveness, or His plan of salvation
• By now, I hope you can see how significant and extensive God’s omnipotence truly is.
Moving on to my second point: The limits of God’s omnipotence
• God cannot act contrary to His own character and nature
• For example:
o Titus 1:2--a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time,
o Because God is just, He cannot merely overlook sin.
o Because He is holy, He cannot sin. Therefore God’s omnipotence will never contradict His own character and nature.
• This is very significant because if God can and does sin, how can God’s word be true when it says, “Be holy, because I am holy” and if God’s word isn’t true how can we be sure we are worshiping the right God?
• So now, I hope you can see how important it is that God is omnipotent yet limited to his own nature and will
In conclusion, although nearly 50% of all Christian pastors may have difficulty excepting the omnipotence of God, I pray that you will join me in the belief of the reality and significance of the omnipotence of God. Let us sing the chorus that will one day resound at the marriage supper of the lamb:
• Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.
