God Applications
Doctrine #18: Omnipotent
Doctrine #18
Doctrine #18 Read
What would you think of a husband that controls his wife? I don't think that is a healthy relationship. Does God force us to choose Him?
Overview
God is the "all ruling". God is sovereign. God is the ultimate ruler Who doesn't answer to anyone. This does not mean that God can make anything happen. God cannot be contradictory. According to the Bible, God being able to make anything happen is a separate issue from "omnipotent"; and is contradictory and therefore, impossible.
Discussion Question
Do you believe God is something more or something less because there are things He cannot do?
Scripture
Revelation 19:6
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6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunders, saying, Hallelujah: for the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigneth.
6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Commentary
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 3-6
In the King James Version, the word "omnipotent" was used instead of "Almighty." In fact, it was the only usage of the word "omnipotent" in the entire Bible. In the American Standard Version, the word was "Almighty."
**The definition for both words, Omnipotent and "Almighty", was "the all-ruling."
**The words "Omnipotent" and "Almighty" did not mean "all powerful; the being who can do anything."
**It did mean "the only being that rules; the ultimate authority; the being that answers to no one."
The context of the verse pointed to God beginning the process of being the only ruler. God being Right and Just is separate from God being the all-ruling. For example, a dictator is omnipotent over his country, but that does not make him Right and Just. We ought to be comforted by the fact that God is omnipotent and Right and Just: we are ruled by the Right and Just One!
Revelation 19:6
ChapterRead the Chapter6And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
King James Version · recommended here
Commentary
This was the only usage of the word "omnipotent" in the King James Version of the Bible. The word was Strong's #3841 - pantokratōr. It meant "the all ruling". This did not mean God could do anything. It meant at this point in the Book of Revelation, God will be reigning over everything, there will be no other ruler. This does not mean we lose choice in eternity and God makes everything happen. What scenario is more amazing to you, forcing someone to be with you, or them choosing to be with you? Let's look at verses that contradict this man-made doctrine.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 3-6
In the King James Version, the word "omnipotent" was used instead of "Almighty." In fact, it was the only usage of the word "omnipotent" in the entire Bible. In the American Standard Version, the word was "Almighty."
**The definition for both words, Omnipotent and "Almighty", was "the all-ruling."
**The words "Omnipotent" and "Almighty" did not mean "all powerful; the being who can do anything."
**It did mean "the only being that rules; the ultimate authority; the being that answers to no one."
The context of the verse pointed to God beginning the process of being the only ruler. God being Right and Just is separate from God being the all-ruling. For example, a dictator is omnipotent over his country, but that does not make him Right and Just. We ought to be comforted by the fact that God is omnipotent and Right and Just: we are ruled by the Right and Just One!
1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness, 2in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before times eternal; 3but in his own seasons manifested his word in the message, wherewith I was intrusted according to the commandment of God our Saviour; 4to Titus, my true child after a common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Saviour.
1Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
2In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
3But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;
4To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Commentary
God cannot lie. This should provide hope for us. Why would this cause you to hope? Because when God says something, we can believe Him. This didn't say God could lie but doesn't. God is unable to lie. This wasn't the only place this was stated.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verse 1
A Doctrine-filled introduction...
Commentary · verse 2
Doctrine: God cannot lie. This did not say that God could lie but chooses not to or God does not lie. God is not able to lie, because God's Nature is always completely Right and always completely Just. For God to be able to lie, He would have to have the causes of being able to lie within Himself, which would be "darkness." God is light, in Him there is "no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). God's Nature possesses none of the causes that would be able to result in being able to lie. Hebrews 6:18 stated the same Doctrine.
Doctrine: God promised eternal life before the creation of the world.
Commentary · verse 3
God made these promises apparent in His Word, the same Word that was intrusted to Paul.
Commentary · verse 4
Paul was writing to Titus.
Hebrews 6:17-20
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17Wherein God, being minded to show more abundantly unto the heirs of the promise the immutability of his counsel, interposed with an oath; 18that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us: 19which we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and stedfast and entering into that which is within the veil; 20whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
17Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:
18That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:
19Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil;
20Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
Commentary
This verse stated it is impossible for God to lie. Here's another thing it is impossible for God to do: God cannot cease to exist. God is eternal. In fact, the scripture said that we should have a strong encouragement and hope because God cannot lie. Imagine the power of being around someone who couldn't tell a lie. How would you act differently in their presence? Why would people think that God is something less if He cannot lie? If God could lie, how would you know if He was telling the truth, or lying? God's "yes" means "yes." Here's another verse showing something God couldn't do.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 16-18
Doctrine: It is impossible for God to lie. Paul made a similar statement in Titus 1:2.
Commentary · verses 19-20
Paul used two analogies to show the Hebrew Christians they could have faith that Jesus was able to provide Salvation.
Commentary · verse 20
Theme of Chapter 6: Paul began to build on foundational Doctrines by stating that we need to have the actual value of what we present to others. Everyone who SAYS they believe foundational Doctrines appears to be a believer immediately after this confession. However, over time, believers are apparent to all once they demonstrate their actual value.
Jeremiah 19:4-6
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4Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, that they knew not, they and their fathers and the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents, 5and have built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons in the fire for burnt-offerings unto Baal; which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind: 6therefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that this place shall no more be called Topheth, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of Slaughter.
4Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it unto other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers have known, nor the kings of Judah, and have filled this place with the blood of innocents;
5They have built also the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings unto Baal, which I commanded not, nor spake it, neither came it into my mind:
6Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that this place shall no more be called Tophet, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of slaughter.
Commentary
These things that the people did, didn't come to God's Mind. God is looking for causes and then immediately knows the effects. Think about it, why would God consider that His People, who follow His Law, would murder their own children in worship of other gods? Especially considering that He was their source of profitability! It's like a parent telling their grown son or daughter not to cut their arm off and eat it! It's ridiculous! There are things the Bible stated God cannot do. We will look at these more closely when we look at God's Identity.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verse 4
Commentary · verse 5
They had also built high places to Baal to burn their sons with fire for offerings to Baal. God did not command this and "neither came it into [His] mind." God was surprised by people. This verse proved that God did not know the future down to every minute detail. If God did, that would mean the future had already happened which would mean we did not have a choice. It would mean that this occurrence would have been in God's Mind.
Commentary · verses 6-8
The judgment on Judah and Jerusalem would be so severe that passersby would be astonished at the destruction.
Jeremiah 32:27
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27Behold, I am Jehovah, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?
27Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Commentary
People who believe that God can do anything point to this passage. Actually, the Hebrew word for "anything" was Strong's #1697 - dabar. This word meant "speech, words". God was actually asking if anything was too hard for Him to speak.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 26-27
Is there anything too hard for God? God was asking Jeremiah if he had enough faith in God to believe that this land would be profitable as God said it would. Also, the Hebrew word for "anything" was Strong's #1697 - dabar. This word meant "speech, words." God was actually asking if anything was too hard for Him to speak.
Matthew 19:24-26
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24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25And when the disciples heard it, they were astonished exceedingly, saying, Who then can be saved?
26And Jesus looking upon them said to them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
24And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
25When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?
26But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.
Commentary
People also point to this passage. Actually, the Greek word for "all things" was Strong's #3956 - pas. This meant "all persons taken individually". In the New Testament, there were 1243 usages of this word and it did not mean the entirety. For example, this word was used in Matthew 3:5. " Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about the Jordan;" didn't mean the entirety of Judea went out to Jesus. God can fill any need that someone has if that same person has a desire for Him to fill it.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 23-26
Jesus again explained that it was hard for a rich man to enter heaven. Most rich people live comfortable lives and have to learn by experience, which can take longer if they use their money to solve problems. But, with God all things are possible.
This statement is often abused. Remember, God is always completely Right and always completely Just…He cannot be wrong or unjust. The context of the statement "with God all things are possible" was concerning rich men entering the Kingdom of God. Essentially, Jesus was saying, "yes, it is hard for rich people to enter the Kingdom of God but it is definitely still possible."
2 Corinthians 6:18
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18And will be to you a Father, And ye shall be to me sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
Commentary
This was the only usage of pantokratōr in the New Testament that was not in the Book of Revelation. This didn't state God could do anything. Again, in these passages the word "Almighty" meant "all-ruling", and that God does not answer to anyone: He is the highest! Here were the rest of the usages.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verse 18
Paul referenced 2 Samuel 7:14. Paul did not believe a believer could work in the ministry of reconciliation and be in fellowship with unbelievers.
Theme of Chapter 6: Paul encouraged us not to receive the grace of God in vain. Paul presented a list of thirty-eight attributes believers ought to exhibit while they work in the ministry of reconciliation with the Holy Spirit. Paul did not believe we could do this ministry of reconciliation while being in fellowship with unbelievers.
Revelation 1:8
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8I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.
8I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verse 8
This was stated to John by Jesus.
Revelation 4:8
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8And the four living creatures, having each one of them six wings, are full of eyes round about and within: and they have no rest day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come.
8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 1-11
This chapter presented the perspective from heaven of the beginning of the Tribulation.
Commentary · verses 7-8
Isaiah 6:2-3 also described six winged seraphim saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy."
Revelation 11:16-17
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16And the four and twenty elders, who sit before God on their thrones, fell upon their faces and worshipped God, 17saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who art and who wast; because thou hast taken thy great power, and didst reign.
16And the four and twenty elders, which sat before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, and worshipped God,
17Saying, We give thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because thou hast taken to thee thy great power, and hast reigned.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 1-19
This chapter was informational looking at the last half of the Tribulation from the perspective of the Two Witnesses.
Commentary · verses 16-17
The twenty-four elders (Church) worshipped God.
Revelation 15:3
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3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, O Lord God, the Almighty; righteous and true are thy ways, thou King of the ages.
3And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 1-8
This chapter was focused on details of the last days of the Tribulation from the perspective of heaven.
Commentary · verse 3
They will sing the song of Moses (Deuteronomy 32) and the Song of the Lamb.
Revelation 16:7
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7And I heard the altar saying, Yea, O Lord God, the Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
7And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 1-21
This chapter gave the curses of the seven bowls during the last days of the Tribulation.
Commentary · verse 7
The people under the altar were the martyred saints of the Tribulation (Revelation 6:9). They testified that God's response through Justice was Righteous.
Revelation 16:13-14
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13And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits, as it were frogs: 14for they are spirits of demons, working signs; which go forth unto the kings of the whole world, to gather them together unto the war of the great day of God, the Almighty.
13And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.
14For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 1-21
This chapter gave the curses of the seven bowls during the last days of the Tribulation.
Commentary · verse 13
The "Anti-trinity" was mentioned together with the effect being three unclean spirits were released.
Commentary · verse 14
The purpose of these unclean spirits will be to gather the armies of the whole world for the battle of Armageddon.
Revelation 19:15
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15And out of his mouth proceedeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.
15And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verses 11-15
This was Jesus (The Word of God) coming to the battle of Armageddon. The sword proceeding from His Mouth will be used to smite nations and rule them with a rod of iron. This was rhema: the powerful and revelatory word of God without precedent. Jesus fights with words: spiritual warfare. As we saw in Revelation 14:18, He treads the winepress.
Revelation 21:22
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22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God the Almighty, and the Lamb, are the temple thereof.
22And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
Swokowski Bible Commentary on this passage
Commentary · verse 22
Further proof the new Jerusalem is the tabernacle/house of God.
Closing Thoughts
What if I told you the sun wasn't going to come up tomorrow? I believe you would have a quiet and confident retort. If your belief in God could be so deep, that it supersedes your belief in the sun, would you want it? We all believe in someone or something, do you know what "belief" is?
Here was this verse in the King James Version.