Toward Truth

Q: Can God do anything?

A: No, God can only do what is possible.

Lest this sound like mere philosophical gibberish, I want to base my answer on Scripture.[1] Speaking of a rich man entering the kingdom of heaven, Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26). From this we learn that there are things beyond the power of man to accomplish. But there is nothing beyond God’s power. He can do all things. Notice, it does not say that God can do the impossible. It says God can do what is impossible to man. All of those things that God can do are possible. All those things that are possible God can do.

It may help to note that the word “possible” here refers to the power, strength or ability a person has to do something. So, what is in the realm of possibility is not contingent on the thing being done but on the person doing it, whether he has the ability. With that in mind, to say that God can do the impossible is nonsense. The fact that He can do it makes it possible.

The first image that comes to mind is that of a father and son. There is so much the adult father can do that his young son cannot. Or think of a computer nerd and a body builder. The computer nerd cannot bench press half as much as the body builder. The body builder doesn’t know the first thing about writing an operating code. This illustrates the difference between actual and potential possibilities. The son has the potential to grow up and do all the things his dad can do, and maybe more. The body builder can learn computer code. The nerd can start strength training. Of course, no one actualizes all human possibility. In other words, no one human has or could accomplish all that humans have or can do (at least not in one lifetime).

Though humans do share in some of the attributes of God (reason, will, emotion, etc.), we do not bear these attributes infinitely as God does. His power in every aspect is greater. We can be like him in many respects but in our finitude never match his power. With God the possibilities are endless because His power is endless. There’s only so much man can do in his limited power.

It is like a bird and a fish. They both eat. They breathe. They have offspring. They have some similarities. But a bird cannot swim. A fish cannot fly. It is against their natures, outside the realm of possibility. This illustrates the difference between power and capacity.

Capacity encompasses all those things you can do. Power is the degree to which you do them. God and man have the capacity to love. Only God has the power of everlasting love. Both God and man have the capacity to think. Only God can know all things.[2]

God’s power is greater. But His capacities are different too. Though both can think, only man can be mistaken. Both God and man have the capacity to make choices. Only man can choose evil.

The point I am making is that if possibility is contingent on the person’s ability, then his capacity (nature) and power govern what is possible for Him. Therefore, God can only do what He is able to do, that which is in accordance with His nature and power.

ability = capacity + power = possibility

[1] Of course, philosophy is a noble enterprise. The philosopher is a lover of wisdom, which Solomon admonishes us to pursue above all else. And if Christ is the Logos, then logic, the chief tool of philosophy, is paramount in pursuing wisdom. Therefore, philosophy should not be discounted but rather employed toward understanding. Colossians 2:8 says, “See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” I do not want to buy into or propagate any hollow or deceptive philosophies. But we must realize what makes them so: faulty premises (human tradition/principles of this world). I am confident that using Scripture as a premise (or test) we can reason as to what the truth is on any matter that Scripture speaks to. This reasoning from the Scriptures is what theology is all about.

[2] I am sure there are technical terms to be using here. I may be using the right ones in the wrong ways. Please bear with me.