FAQs Mondays: What Are the Attributes of God? part 2

Last week, we began our look at the attributes of God. We started by looking at the eternity and unchangingness of God. You can read that post here.

This week, we turn our attention to the omnipotence and independence of God.

What is the meaning of omnipotence?

 All-powerful.

Does the Lord declare Himself to be possessed of infinite power?

He does. "I am God Almighty. Live in my presence and be blameless" (Gen. 17:1, HCSB). See also Job 26:14; Dan. 4:35; Rev. 19:6. Note: All quotations have been updated to the HCSB.

Can you mention a striking exhibition of His power? 

"Oh, Lord God! You Yourself made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched are. Nothing is to difficult for you" (Jer. 32:17). See also Jer. 10:12; Isa. 11:26.

Does not God sustain and govern all things?

He does. He is "sustaining all things by his powerful word" (Heb. 1:3). "our Lord God, the Almighty, has begun to reign" (Rev. 19:6).

Does not this require unlimited power? 

It does.

Is the mind of man, as well as his body, subject to the power and control of God?

It is. "The king's heart is like streams of water in the Lord's hand: He directs it wherever he chooses" (Prov. 21:1). See also Rom. 9:21.

Is it to the power of the Lord that the uniform operations of nature are to be attributed?

lt is. "Who covers the the sky with clouds, prepares rain for the earth, and cause grass to grow on the hills" (Ps. 147:8). "I for light and create darkness, I make success and create disaster, I, Yahweh, do all these things" (Isa. 45:7).

Is not His power concerned in every event that transpires, even the most minute and apparently unimportant?

It is. "The lot is cast in the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord" (Prov. 16:33). "Aren't two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them falls to the ground without your Father's consent" (Matt. 10:29).

Must He not, if possessed of such power, be independent of all other beings?

He is. He "works out everything in agreement with the decisions of His will" (Eph. 1:11). "There is no one who can hold back His hand or say to Him, 'What have you done?'" (Dan. 4:35).

If God is perfectly independent, can any other being in the universe be so?

It is impossible. "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen" (Rom. 11:36).

Is it possible for us, or even an angel in heaven., to gain an adequate conception of this powerful and independent God? 

It is not. "The Almighty--we cannot reach Him--He is exalted in power!"(Job 37:23). "His greatness is unsearchable" (Ps. 145:3).

Since you are wholly in the power of this Almighty being, have you reason to fear or rejoice, judging from your present character and condition?

The learner is again asked to respond to the lesson. Since these things are true, they demand a response. They are tools shaping the heart, moving it toward faith. As the student learns to think about God as independent and omnipotent, he must choose whether or not to trust.

And what about you? Does knowing you are in the hands of the Almighty God make you fear or rejoice? I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to leave a comment. We will continue to look at God's attributes next week.