What are God's limitations? I. Introduction to the Question of Limitations The inquiry about God’s limitations often arises from both philosophical considerations and Scriptural reflections. Some wonder whether an all-powerful, all-knowing Being has any restrictions whatsoever. Others question whether God’s character or nature places certain parameters on what He will do or can do. Throughout Scripture, God is presented as the Creator of the universe, completely sovereign, and beyond the full comprehension of finite minds. Yet the same Bible also describes specific boundaries God does not cross, such as engaging in evil or contradicting His own character. This article examines these questions in light of biblical testimony (quoted here from the Berean Standard Bible), corroborating textual evidence, and a broader perspective on logic, morality, and divine purpose. II. The Nature of God’s Omnipotence God’s omnipotence implies that He is all-powerful. This truth is woven into Scripture, which reveals that nothing is too hard for Him: • “Ah, Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You.” (Jeremiah 32:17) • “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too difficult for Me?” (Jeremiah 32:27) These verses show God’s complete power over creation. They align with historical and scientific observations that our universe has evident design and complexity, pointing toward a supremely intelligent, purposeful cause. Even discoveries in cosmology, such as the precise fine-tuning of physical constants, suggest that nothing short of an immensely powerful and intelligent Agent could bring this universe into being. At the same time, God’s power is not the same as random or chaotic force. The Scriptures do not teach that God can do the logically impossible or morally contradictory. Instead, His perfect power operates within His perfect wisdom and righteousness. III. Logical Consistency: Why Some “Limits” Are Not True Limits One common misconception is that if God does not perform logical absurdities, He must be limited. For instance, questions like, “Can God create a rock so heavy that He Himself cannot lift it?” presume a contradictory request. Yet the nature of logic itself is grounded in coherence. A “square circle” or “married bachelor” is not an actual entity; it is language describing a contradiction. Scripture affirms that God is truthful and consistent. The fact that He won’t contradict His own orderly universe does not indicate a lack of power, but rather the harmony of His power and wisdom: • “For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace.” (1 Corinthians 14:33) From a philosophical standpoint, failure to perform a self-contradiction is not a deficiency, because such an action isn’t a real possibility in the first place. IV. Moral Perfection and the Inability to Do Evil In the realm of morality, the Bible repeatedly shows that God cannot and will not violate His own holiness: • “God is not man, that He should lie...” (Numbers 23:19) • “...God cannot lie...” (Titus 1:2) • “...it is impossible for God to lie.” (Hebrews 6:18) The inability to commit evil acts, including lying, stems from His holy nature. His moral perfection stands as both an anchor for righteousness and a safeguard against the possibility that He could one day act unjustly. Far from being a flaw or limitation, God’s moral purity is an essential attribute that offers humanity an immutable foundation for truth and justice. V. Self-Limitation in Relationship Beyond moral and logical strictures, Scripture also describes ways in which God—by divine choice—may “limit” His activity in a relational context. One prominent example is when God took on human flesh: • “Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant...” (Philippians 2:6–7) In the incarnation, the eternal Word became truly human while retaining His divine nature (John 1:1, 14). God voluntarily experienced human weakness, hunger, and sorrow, yet remained fully God. This form of self-limitation does not affect His eternal omnipotence or omniscience; rather, it serves His redemptive purpose and demonstrates His love. Similarly, God’s decision to work through human individuals, allowing their free responses, represents a chosen method rather than an imposed boundary. Miracles, healings, and providential interventions recorded throughout Scripture—alongside contemporary anecdotal reports—further suggest that God remains active in a personal way, using His omnipotence to engage in human affairs according to His will and perfect timing. VI. The Testimony of Scripture and Manuscript Evidence The Bible itself, composed over many centuries, consistently depicts a God unlimited in power and knowledge, yet perfectly consistent in character. Archaeological and manuscript evidence supports the reliability of the biblical text: • The Dead Sea Scrolls (discovered in the mid-20th century) contain portions of the Old Testament, dating from around 250 BC to 70 AD. These scrolls match remarkably with later copies, indicating textual preservation. • The Rylands Library Papyrus (P52), containing a fragment of the Gospel of John and usually dated to the early 2nd century AD, confirms a very early transmission of New Testament writings. Such findings bolster confidence that the portrayal of God’s attributes in Scripture has been faithfully transmitted through the centuries. This historically consistent record affirms that God’s “limitations” are not constraints on His power, but consistent demonstrations of His faithfulness and holiness. VII. The Sovereign Creator of a Young Earth Biblical genealogies and textual records, traditionally interpreted in certain timelines, present a perspective of a relatively young earth. Those who affirm this viewpoint point to various geological and paleontological phenomena they interpret as consistent with a more recent creation. For instance, in some rock strata, soft tissue remnants in dinosaur fossils have sparked debate in the scientific community about preservation timescales. Proponents of a young earth argue that such discoveries may align with a Creator who formed the universe more recently than many mainstream scientific estimates. No scientific data can diminish the supremacy of the One who spoke the universe into being (Genesis 1:1). Regardless of disagreements over geological dating and interpretations, Scripture presents a God unbounded by time—He is the origin of all things and stands sovereign over creation. VIII. Conclusion and Practical Implications God’s “limitations” are not genuine restrictions in the sense of reducing His omnipotence, knowledge, or presence. Instead, they unfold as follows: 1. Logical Consistency: He does not act logically absurdly or contradict His own ordered universe. 2. Moral Perfection: He will never violate His holiness or commit evil. 3. Self-Chosen Acts: He may self-limit in order to relate intimately with humanity, illustrated supremely in the incarnation. Nothing in Scripture or legitimate reason suggests any weakness or deficiency in God. Rather, these so-called “limitations” reflect His perfect consistency, holiness, and the purposeful way He governs creation. “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and was and is to come—the Almighty.’” (Revelation 1:8) This declaration underscores that no genuine barrier can confine or diminish the Almighty. Far from being restricted, God’s actions are precisely in keeping with His nature, wisdom, and redemptive will. This truth can bring immense comfort, confidence, and worship, reminding believers and seekers alike that He lacks no power or knowledge, and His goodness remains unassailable. |
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