Divine Omnipotence: An Exploration of God’s Incommunicable Attributes 

Divine Omnipotence: An Exploration of God’s Incommunicable Attributes 

 Jack Kettler 

Abstract 

This study examines the incommunicable attribute of divine omnipotence, a perfection exclusive to the divine nature, distinct from communicable attributes shared with humanity. Drawing upon scriptural, theological, and historical sources, we define omnipotence as God’s infinite power to execute His will, constrained only by His holy nature. Through an analysis of biblical texts, the doctrine of the Trinity, and theological reflections from the Westminster Shorter Catechism and other authorities, this article elucidates the scope, manifestations, and theological significance of God’s omnipotence. The study concludes by affirming the uniqueness of this attribute and its role in evoking worship and trust in the divine.

Introduction 

The doctrine of God’s attributes is foundational to Christian theology, distinguishing between communicable attributes (e.g., love, knowledge, creativity) that humanity may reflect in a finite manner and incommunicable attributes (e.g., omnipotence, omniscience, omnipresence) exclusive to God’s nature. Among these, omnipotence stands as a hallmark of divine sovereignty, underscoring God’s infinite power to accomplish His purposes. This article examines the theological implications of divine omnipotence, its scriptural foundation, its Trinitarian manifestation, and its implications for faith and worship, drawing on authoritative sources to elucidate its role within the divine essence.

Defining Divine Omnipotence 

Omnipotence denotes God’s boundless power to execute His will, encompassing all that is consistent with His holy and immutable nature. As the Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q. 4) articulates, God is “infinite, eternal, and unchangeable” in His power (WSC, 1647). This attribute is reflected in the Greek term “pantokrator” (“Almighty” or “Ruler of all”), used exclusively of God in Scripture (e.g., Rev. 19:6; 2 Cor. 6:18), emphasizing both His sovereignty and limitless strength (Vine, 1985). Unlike human power, which is finite and contingent, divine omnipotence is absolute, unhindered by external constraints, and operative in creation, providence, and redemption.

Scripture consistently affirms this attribute. For instance, Job 42:2 declares, “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (NASB). Similarly, Jeremiah 32:17 proclaims, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You.” These passages underscore God’s unrivaled capacity to effect His will, a power that extends to all realms of existence without exception.

Scriptural Testimony to Omnipotence 

The biblical witness to God’s omnipotence is robust, spanning both Testaments and encompassing various dimensions of divine activity. Key texts include: 

• Psalm 90:2: “Before the mountains were born or You gave birth to the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” This affirms God’s eternal self-existence and creative power. 

• Psalm 115:3: “Our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases,” highlighting divine sovereignty and autonomy. 

• Matthew 19:26: “With God all things are possible,” emphasizing the limitless scope of divine power in contrast to human limitations. 

• John 1:3: “All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being,” affirming God’s role as the sole Creator. 

• Revelation 1:8: “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty,” encapsulating God’s eternal dominion and power.

These texts collectively portray a God whose power is infinite, self-sustaining, and operative across creation, history, and redemption, limited only by His intrinsic holiness (Hosea 11:9; Mal. 3:6).

Trinitarian Dimensions of Omnipotence 

The doctrine of the Trinity further enriches the understanding of omnipotence, as each Person of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—fully possesses this attribute. Scriptural evidence includes: 

• The Father: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jer. 32:27). 

• The Son: “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18). 

• The Holy Spirit: “Through mighty signs and wonders by the power of the Spirit of God” (Rom. 15:19). 

The unity of the divine essence ensures that omnipotence is not fragmented among the Persons but is a shared attribute, manifesting in their cooperative work in creation and redemption (John 1:3; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2). This Trinitarian framework underscores the indivisible nature of divine power, affirming that the Godhead acts with one will and one power.

Theological Reflections on Omnipotence 

Theological tradition has long grappled with the implications of divine omnipotence. The Westminster Shorter Catechism (Q. 4) lists power as a core attribute of God, supported by texts such as Genesis 17:1 (“I am God Almighty”) and Revelation 19:6 (“The Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns”). John Gill’s exposition of Jeremiah 32:17 emphasizes that God’s creation of the heavens and earth exemplifies His omnipotence, rendering nothing beyond His capacity (Gill, 1810). Similarly, Albert Barnes notes that the title “Alpha and Omega” in Revelation 1:8 signifies God’s eternal and all-encompassing power, ensuring His ability to fulfill all promises (Barnes, 1870).

Geerhardus Vos, in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, highlights the multifaceted expressions of divine power in Scripture, from the divine names “‘El Shadday” (Almighty God) and “Yahweh Tsebaoth” (Lord of Hosts) to anthropomorphic imagery of God’s “hand” and “arm” (Vos, 1915). These terms convey not only raw power but also divine authority and covenantal faithfulness. Vos further notes that omnipotence is not merely a theoretical construct but is dynamically revealed in God’s control over nature, history, and redemption, as seen in the exodus (Exod. 15) and the resurrection of Christ (Rom. 4:17).

Manifestations of Divine Omnipotence 

God’s omnipotence is manifest in three primary spheres: 

1. Creation: The act of creation “ex nihilo” (Gen. 1:3; Ps. 33:9) demonstrates God’s ability to bring all things into existence by His word alone. 

• Providence: God’s sovereignty over history (Isa. 10:5; Jer. 25:9) and nature (Ps. 65:7; Matt. 5:45) reveals His ongoing control over all events, from the grand to the minute (Matt. 10:30). 

• Redemption: The miracles of the exodus, the resurrection of Christ, and the regeneration of believers (Eph. 1:19; 1 Pet. 1:5) showcase God’s power to transcend natural limitations for salvific purposes.

These manifestations underscore that divine omnipotence is not abstract but purposeful, aligned with God’s redemptive plan and holy character. As Vos observes, the “immediateness and suddenness” of divine action (e.g., Isa. 9:8) reflects a power that operates without dependence on secondary causes (Vos, 1915).

Theological Significance 

The doctrine of omnipotence carries profound implications for Christian faith and practice. First, it serves as a foundation for trust, assuring believers that God is both able and willing to save (Ps. 65:5–6; Eph. 3:20). Second, it evokes “the fear of the Lord,” a reverential awe inspired by God’s transcendent majesty (Matt. 6:9; Isa. 6:3). This dual response—trust and awe—reflects the balance in Jesus’ teaching, which holds God’s fatherly love in harmony with His sovereign power.

Moreover, omnipotence underscores God’s uniqueness, distinguishing Him from all created beings (Ps. 102:26–27). Unlike human power, which is derivative and limited, divine omnipotence is self-existent and inexhaustible, immune to weariness (Isa. 40:28). This attribute magnifies God’s grace, as His salvific acts—most notably Christ’s atoning death (Rom. 5:8)—are wholly unmerited by humanity, flowing solely from His sovereign will.

Conclusion 

The incommunicable attribute of omnipotence reveals God as the sovereign Creator and Redeemer, whose infinite power is exercised in perfect harmony with His holiness and love. Grounded in Scripture and elucidated by theological tradition, this doctrine invites believers to magnify God for His marvelous grace, which transforms sinners into children of God through no merit of their own. As 2 Timothy 2:15 exhorts, may this study equip the faithful to “rightly divide the word of truth,” fostering a deeper worship of the Almighty who reigns supreme.

References 

1. Barnes, A. (1870). Notes on the Bible: Revelation. 

• Gill, J. (1810). Exposition of the Old and New Testaments: Jeremiah. 

• Vine, W. E. (1985). An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words. Iowa Falls, IA: Riverside Book and Bible House. 

• Vos, G. (1915). Omnipotence. In J. Orr (Ed.), International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (pp. 2188–2190). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 

• Westminster Assembly. (1647). Westminster Shorter Catechism. 

Declaration “For transparency, I note that I used Grok, an AI tool developed by xAI, and Grammarly AI for editorial assistance in drafting, organizing, and refining the manuscript’s clarity and grammar, as indicated in the article’s attribution. All theological arguments, exegesis, and interpretations are my own, and I take full responsibility for the content.” –  Jack Kettler