Topical Encyclopedia
Omniscience of GodThe omniscience of God refers to His all-encompassing knowledge. God possesses complete and perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. This attribute is foundational to understanding God's nature and His relationship with creation.
Scripture affirms God's omniscience in numerous passages.
Psalm 147:5 declares, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." This verse highlights the boundless nature of God's knowledge. Similarly, 1
John 3:20 states, "For God is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things." Here, the apostle John emphasizes that God's knowledge surpasses human understanding.
The omniscience of God is also evident in His awareness of human thoughts and intentions. In
Psalm 139:1-4, David acknowledges, "O LORD, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down; You are aware of all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD." This passage illustrates God's intimate knowledge of individual lives.
Furthermore, God's omniscience extends to His foreknowledge of future events.
Isaiah 46:9-10 proclaims, "Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, 'My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose.'" God's ability to declare the future with certainty underscores His comprehensive knowledge.
Omnipotence of GodThe omnipotence of God refers to His unlimited power and authority. God is all-powerful, able to accomplish His will without any hindrance. This attribute is central to understanding God's sovereignty and His ability to govern the universe.
The Bible frequently attests to God's omnipotence. In
Genesis 17:1, God reveals Himself to Abram as "God Almighty," indicating His supreme power.
Jeremiah 32:17 echoes this truth: "Ah, Lord GOD! It is You who have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You." This verse affirms that God's creative power is unmatched and that no task is beyond His capability.
God's omnipotence is also demonstrated through His control over nature and history. In
Psalm 135:6, it is written, "The LORD does whatever pleases Him in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths." This passage highlights God's sovereign authority over all creation. Similarly, in
Daniel 4:35, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges, "All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing. He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: 'What have You done?'"
Moreover, God's omnipotence is evident in His ability to perform miracles and intervene in human affairs. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, as the incarnate Son of God, demonstrates divine power through His miracles, such as calming the storm (
Mark 4:39) and raising the dead (
John 11:43-44). These acts reveal the divine power inherent in Christ, affirming His identity as God.
In summary, the omniscience and omnipotence of God are essential attributes that reveal His perfect knowledge and unlimited power. These attributes assure believers of God's ability to fulfill His promises and His sovereign control over all creation.