S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

In Hebrew, the title "God Almighty" is written as El Shaddai and probably means "God, the All-powerful One" or "The Mighty One of Jacob" (Genesis 49:24; Psalm 132:2,5), although there is a question...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

A quote on the subject of God's omnipotence by Christian author and commentator C. S. Lewis from his book The Problem of Pain:

"His [God's] omnipotence means power to do all that is intrinsically possible, not to do the intrinsically impossible. You may attribute miracles to Him, but not nonsense. There is no limit to His power.

"If you choose to say, 'God can give a creature free will and at the same time withhold free will from it,' you have not succeeded in saying anything about God: meaningless combinations of words do not suddenly acquire meaning simply because we prefix to them the two other words, 'God can.'

"It remains true that all things are possible with God: intrinsic impossibilities are not things but nonentities. It is no more possible for God than for the weakest of His creatures to carry out both of two mutually exclusive alternatives; not because His power meets an obstacle, but because nonsense remains nonsense even when we talk it about God.”

November 11 2016 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does it mean that God is Almighty?

To say that God is Almighty means that God has absolute, unlimited, and unrivalled power and authority over all of creation. This attribute is often called divine omnipotence.

Almighty:

Genesis 17:1:

Has irresistible power. The Hebrew expression ʼEl Shad·daiʹ, “God Almighty,” occurs seven times in the Bible.

A title for God in Hebrew is Shad·daiʹ, or “the Almighty One.” This term is found once in the 12 prophetic books, at Joel 1:15. It has been suggested that its primary meaning is “be strong” or “act strongly.” A similar expression, ‘Jehovah of armies,’ is found 107 times in the 12 books. Might implies strength or power to accomplish a thing purposed. It also denotes overcoming obstacles or opposition. Jehovah’s almightiness involves his irresistible power to accomplish his purpose, to fulfil what he foretells.

"I am God Almighty,” said Jehovah to Abram (Abraham) almost 4,000 years ago. “Walk before me and prove yourself faultless. And I will give my covenant between me and you, that I may multiply you very, very much.” When Abraham was 99 years old and his barren wife Sarah 10 years younger, Jehovah predicted that Abraham would become the father of “a crowd of nations.” (Genesis 17:1-4) Being almighty—omnipotent—Jehovah used his power to overcome any obstacle that could block fulfillment of his promise to Abraham, enabling that patriarch to become the father of Isaac. In time, Abraham did, indeed, become the progenitor of the Israelites and others.—Genesis 21:1-3; 25:1-4.

Abraham and his favored descendants Isaac and Jacob came to know God as Almighty in power. (Ex 6:3) As their “shield,” he protected them and their families from the mighty ones of earth. (Ge 12:14-20; 14:13-20; 15:1; 20:1-18; 26:26-29; Ps 105:7-15)

With good reason these men had strong faith not only that God is alive but also that he is the powerful “rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Heb 11:6) Abraham, when called upon to sacrifice his beloved son, had sound basis for trusting in God’s ability to raise up Isaac even from the dead.—Heb 11:17-19; Ge 17:7, 8.

Conclusion:

Aspects of the meaning of "God is Almighty" include:

Unlimited Power: God possesses all the might needed to do anything that is consistent with His nature and will. There are no external forces or limitations that can hinder His power or purposes.

Sovereignty and Control: As the Almighty, God exercises supreme rule over the universe, history, nations, and the lives of individuals. Nothing happens outside of His ultimate control.

Creator: His power is most clearly demonstrated in the creation of the universe out of nothing, simply by His word.

Fulfiller of Promises: The names "Almighty" (from the Hebrew El Shaddai and the Greek Pantokrator) assure believers that God is capable of fulfilling all His covenants and promises, even when circumstances seem impossible (e.g., the birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah in their old age).

Source of Refuge and Security: For believers, God's almightiness is a source of great comfort and hope, providing infinite security and protection against any challenge or enemy.

10 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report