Pastor Frank DeFusco
The Hebrew word for God in Genesis 1:1, is Elohiym, and translated means great or mighty. He is described as eternal, self-existent, and omnipotent, having created all things. Therefore, nothing is impossible with God, and He alone gives meaning to everything. This gives the believer the confidence and assurance that when things aren’t going well, we find comfort when we say, “God is in control.” But the skeptic argues, where was God when Adam sinned? Was He in control during the Holocaust? Are evil and suffering the desires of a loving God? Or is it that your omnipotent God is unable to effect His will upon the earth?
The Bible itself declares several examples of men defying God’s will, as written in Isaiah 1:2, “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.” But does the idea that men can rebel against an omnipotent Creator diminish that fact? Of course not! He foreknew that mankind would rebel, because He gave him free will, which then puts the responsibility for mankind’s sins upon themselves. And without free will, there is no other explanation for sin. God’s gift of free will is purposed to allow His creation to freely love their Creator, if they so choose. Yes, God is sovereign and Almighty, but for the sake of His character, His justice, and infinite love, there are some things that He cannot do.
For instance: He cannot fail, lie, cheat, steal, sin, or be mistaken. He cannot be tempted or tempt others. But don’t be mistaken, He can be provoked, as illustrated in “Exodus.” Therefore, due to His absolute holiness, it is impossible for God to do evil. You see, God not only acts sovereignly, but in love, grace, mercy, kindness, justice, and truth. Thus, He only exercises His sovereignty when it is in perfect harmony with all His other attributes. The things that God cannot do are not despite who He is, but because of who He is. That’s mirrored in His not loving us for who we are, but despite who we are. God takes the nobody and makes them somebody for everybody. That means He doesn’t just call on those who are qualified but qualifies those that He calls.
Adding to the list, we cite more things that Almighty God cannot do—He cannot deny or contradict Himself. He cannot change. He cannot go back on His word. And one of the most fundamental concepts known to the believer is this: He cannot forgive sin without the penalty being paid and accepted by man. God, despite His infinite power, cannot just forgive, or wipe the slate clean for whomever He wills, because He is perfectly just. So, when Jesus cried out in the Garden at Gethsemane, “Oh, My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me,” Christ knew the only way was the cross. For God purposed from the beginning that all His creatures be saved.
Pastor Frank teaches two Bible Studies a week, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Thursdays at 4 p.m. in Pima/Toltec Rooms, Sports Club. Call Ellen at 610-428-7244 with any questions.