Divine Omnipotence and Human Weakness

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Section 3: Power and Capability — Divine Omnipotence and Human Weakness

1. Introduction

The power of God is one of the most universally affirmed and revered attributes in both Scripture and classical theology. God is omnipotent—all-powerful, unlimited in strength, ability, and authority. By contrast, humanity is characterised by physical fragility, moral vulnerability, and existential dependence. This section explores the doctrinal foundation and biblical illustrations of divine omnipotence, while contrasting it with the inherent limitations of human power in creation, history, and redemption.

2. Divine Omnipotence in Scripture

Omnipotence (Latin: omni = all, potens = powerful) is the attribute by which God is able to do all that He wills and that which is logically consistent with His nature (cf. Aquinas, Summa Theologiae).

Key affirmations include:

  • “Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power… nothing is too hard for you” (Jeremiah 32:17)
  • “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26)
  • “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made” (Psalm 33:6)

God’s power is:

  • Creative (Gen. 1:1–3) – speaking the universe into being
  • Sustaining (Heb. 1:3) – upholding all things by His word
  • Redemptive (Exod. 6:6; Rom. 1:16) – delivering from slavery and sin
  • Judicial and Sovereign (Dan. 4:35) – none can thwart His purposes

3. Human Weakness and Dependency

Human beings, though made in God’s image, are not autonomous in power. Scripture portrays humanity as physically limited (Ps. 103:14), morally weak (Rom. 7:15–24), and spiritually dependent (John 15:5).

  • “The LORD knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust” (Psalm 103:14)
  • “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41)
  • “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5)

Human power is:

  • Frail – subject to sickness, fatigue, and death (Job 14:1–5)
  • Temporary – rulers rise and fall (Isa. 40:23–24)
  • Misused – prone to oppression, war, pride (Gen. 11:4; Eccl. 8:9)
  • Dependent – utterly reliant on God for strength, breath, and life (Acts 17:25)

4. Comparative Analysis: Omnipotence vs. Human Limitation

AspectDivine Nature (Omnipotence)Human Nature (Weakness)
Source of PowerSelf-existent, uncreated (Exod. 3:14)Derived and contingent (Gen. 2:7)
Extent of PowerUnlimited, infinite (Jer. 32:17)Limited, finite (Ps. 90:10)
Type of PowerCreative, redemptive, sustainingPhysical, social, technological
ReliabilityNever fails, always accomplishes will (Isa. 55:11)Fails frequently, often frustrated
Moral Use of PowerAlways just and holy (Ps. 145:17)Often corrupt, self-serving, or violent
Response to ResistanceCannot be thwarted (Dan. 4:35)Easily deterred, fears opposition
Goal of PowerGlory, justice, redemption (Rom. 11:36)Survival, ambition, control

5. Theological and Doctrinal Insights

a. Power as Moral and Purposeful

Unlike pagan deities or tyrannical kings, God’s power is not arbitrary but governed by His character—holy, just, loving (Deut. 32:4). Omnipotence does not mean doing absurdities (e.g., logical contradictions), but all that is consistent with His nature.

b. The Paradox of Power in Weakness

God often displays His power through human weakness:

  • “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9)
  • Gideon’s small army (Judges 7), David vs. Goliath (1 Sam. 17), and the Cross (1 Cor. 1:18–25) are all examples where divine strength is magnified through human inability.

c. Divine Sovereignty and Human Agency

Human actions are real, meaningful, and morally responsible, but always within the bounds of God’s sovereign power (Prov. 21:1; Acts 17:26). The doctrine of providence hinges on God’s omnipotence (Rom. 8:28).

6. Christological Fulfilment: The Power of God in the Crucified Christ

Christ is described as the “power of God and the wisdom of God” (1 Cor. 1:24), yet His power is displayed not through force, but through humility, suffering, and obedience (Phil. 2:5–11).

Paradoxically:

  • Christ was crucified in weakness but raised in power (2 Cor. 13:4)
  • His resurrection (Rom. 1:4) and miracles reveal divine might
  • Yet, in His earthly life, He submitted to human frailty, displaying the mystery of the Incarnation

In Him, divine omnipotence met human fragility—and conquered death.

7. Practical Implications for Christian Life

  • Worship: Recognising God’s power leads to reverent awe (Rev. 19:6)
  • Prayer: We pray because God is able (Eph. 3:20–21)
  • Service: We serve in God’s strength, not our own (1 Pet. 4:11)
  • Humility: Realising our limitations should cultivate dependence (Prov. 3:5–7)
  • Courage: Even in weakness, we can walk in confidence through Christ (Phil. 4:13)

8. Conclusion

The contrast between divine omnipotence and human weakness is not one of competition, but of dependence. Human strength is never enough—but God’s power is sufficient, transformative, and trustworthy. In a world obsessed with control, Scripture invites us to rest in the One who “does not grow tired or weary” (Isa. 40:28), whose power is limitless and whose grace is made perfect in weakness.

References

  • Aquinas, T. (1274/2006). Summa Theologiae: Prima Pars, Q. 25.
  • Calvin, J. (1559/1960). Institutes of the Christian Religion. Westminster Press.
  • Grudem, W. (1994). Systematic Theology. Leicester: IVP.
  • Packer, J. I. (1973). Knowing God. London: Hodder & Stoughton.
  • Wright, N. T. (2003). The Resurrection of the Son of God. London: SPCK.
  • The Holy Bible, New International Version (NIV)
  • The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV)
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