This is the sixth in a series of articles on the subject—Do You Know God? In this week’s article, the subject of God’s power, knowledge, and presence will be discussed. Specifically, we will briefly review the Bible’s teaching on God’s omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. A deeper understanding of these concepts should serve to help us “draw near to God” so that He will “draw near to us” (James 4:8).
While the terms omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence are not found in Scripture, the meaning behind each term is certainly applicable to God. The prefix “omni” means “all” and is used in the formation of compound words. “Potent” means power. “Science” means knowledge. “Presence” means space. Adding the prefix “omni” to each of the preceding three words captures the all powerful, all knowing, and ever present nature of God when applied to His person. It is these three concepts that will be addressed in the following paragraphs.
The Omnipotent—All Powerful—God. The Scriptures speak directly to the unlimited power of God in numerous passages. When God appeared to Abraham and spoke of the covenant into which He would enter with the patriarch, He referred to Himself as El Shaddai, “Almighty God” (Genesis 17:1). When told they were to have a child, Abraham’s wife, Sarah, laughed in disbelief because of her age. God then asked her, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord” (Genesis 18:14). Our knowledge of God’s infinite power should comfort us as we consider the manifestation of that power in creation and, more importantly, in the bringing about of our salvation.
The Omniscient—All Knowing—God. The Bible also makes clear that there are no limits to God’s knowledge. His “understanding is inscrutable (unsearchable)” and “infinite” (Isaiah 40:28; Psalm 148:5). The psalmist wrote of God’s infinite knowledge of each individual man and woman who has ever lived, “Such knowledge is too high for me; it is too high, I cannot attain it” (Psalm 139:6). Speaking to His disciples of God’s intimate knowledge of their lives, Jesus said, “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered” (Luke 12:7). God knows everything about our lives—and cares!
The Omnipresent—Ever Present—God. Speaking to the prophet Jeremiah to the rebellious Jews of his time, God asked a series of questions aimed at highlighting His omnipresence, “Am I a God who is near . . . and not a God far off? Can a man hide himself in hiding places so I do not see him? . . . Do I not fill the heavens and the earth?” (Jeremiah 23:23-24). It should be noted that these questions are not being asked by God in search of an answer. Each question is asked with the statement, “declares the Lord” - the questions were rhetorical and were actually declarations made in reference to His omnipresence. This should be comforting to those who are His children—God is with us wherever we may go and in whatever situation we might find ourselves!
In conclusion, do you know the omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God of the Bible? God’s unlimited power can save you! His unlimited knowledge of all things can enlighten you! And, His ever present being can comfort you as you make your journey to heaven with Him!