We Believe in God, Part 4
GMC Catechism Question and Answer 4
Question and Answer
Question 4. How is God Almighty?
Answer: God is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love.
Scripture Proofs
Job 12:13 – “To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.
Job 42:2 – “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
Psalm 89:14 – Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.
Psalm 107:1 – Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Isaiah 55:9 – “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
Jeremiah 32:17 – “Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.
Matthew 19:26 – Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Luke 1:37 – For no word from God will ever fail.”
Luke 18:7 – And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?
Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 11:33-36 – 33 Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! 34 “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?” 35 “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” 36 For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
Romans 16:27 – to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
1 John 4:7-16 –
Articles of Religion: Article 1
There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and good; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
Confession of Faith: Article 1
We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power.
The Testimony of Wesleyan Scholars
By infinity we mean that there are no bounds or limits to the divine nature. It is a term which applies to God only, and as such is peculiarly applicable to the personal attributes of power, wisdom and goodness. Hence the statement of the creed that God is “of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.” Dr. Foster considers this attribute as the basis of the related attributes of eternity and immensity. In the words of St. Augustine, “He knows how to be everywhere in His whole being and to be limited by no place. He knows how to come without departing from the place where He was; He knows how to go away without leaving the place whither He has come.… He is everywhere in His whole being, contained by no place, bound by no bound, divisible into no parts, mutable in no respect, filling heaven and earth with the presence of His power.” The term “infinite” is applicable to Personal Spirit only, and the word should be used in its integrity as simply expressive of that which does not admit of limitation. (H. Orton Wiley and Paul T. Culbertson)
The omnipotence of God is manifest in his works of creation and providence. The concentration of all finite forces into a single point of energy would be infinitely insufficient for the creation of a single atom. In the sublime words, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth,” there is the agency of an omnipotent personal will. Only such a will is equal to the creation of the universe, and to the divine providence which rules in the universal physical and moral realms. (John Miley)
The article proceeds to state that God is “of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness.” These three perfections are specified and grouped together because all the attributes of God are necessarily blended with them, or rather are comprehended in them. All the natural attributes of God are embraced in his infinite power and wisdom, and all the moral attributes in his infinite wisdom and goodness—for wisdom partakes of both a natural and a moral character. (Thos. O. Summers and Jno. J. Tigert)
Insights Gained from Wesleyan Scholars
Wiley and Culbertson articulate the infinite nature of God, emphasizing that there are no bounds or limits to his attributes of power, wisdom, and goodness. They highlight that the term infinite is uniquely applicable to God because it describes a nature that cannot be contained or divided. Drawing on Augustine, they explain how God is omnipresent - fully present in all places simultaneously, without being limited by space or time. God’s infinity also reveals his immutability, showing that he is unchanging in his being and attributes. Wiley and Culbertson stress that infinity is a concept that applies only to God as a Personal Spirit, setting him apart from all created beings. This understanding inspires awe and reverence for the God who fills heaven and earth with his infinite presence.
Miley focuses on the omnipotence of God, which is vividly displayed in his works of creation and providence. He underscores that even the combined forces of all finite beings would be utterly incapable of creating a single atom, let alone the entire universe. The creation narrative in Genesis - “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” - demonstrates the agency of an omnipotent personal will. Miley affirms that only an infinitely powerful God could bring the universe into existence and sustain it through his providential rule. This insight connects God’s creative power to his ongoing governance of both the physical and moral realms, assuring believers of his active presence in every aspect of creation.
Summers and Tigert analyze God’s infinite power, wisdom, and goodness as foundational to all his attributes. They argue that these three perfections - power, wisdom, and goodness - encompass and blend all the natural and moral attributes of God. Power and wisdom reflect his natural attributes, while wisdom and goodness embody his moral character. They highlight that wisdom serves as a bridge between the natural and moral aspects of God’s nature, integrating both into a harmonious whole. This holistic view underscores that every action of God flows from his infinite nature, ensuring that his works are always consistent with his perfect character.
Devotional Exposition
When we confess that God is almighty, we affirm that he’s infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love. These attributes aren’t abstract theological concepts but truths that define God’s nature and his relationship with us. Understanding God’s almightiness brings assurance, inspires worship, and deepens our trust in his purposes, even when life feels uncertain or overwhelming.
Job 42:2 declares, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” This statement, made by Job after encountering God’s majesty, highlights God’s omnipotence. His power isn’t limited by time, space, or circumstance. Jeremiah 32:17 echoes this truth: “Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” God’s almighty power assures us that nothing is beyond his ability to create, sustain, or redeem.
This infinite power isn’t just theoretical; it’s deeply personal. Jesus reassures his disciples in Matthew 19:26, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” This promise invites us to trust God with the impossible situations in our lives, knowing that his power is both limitless and available to his people.
God’s Infinite Wisdom
Romans 11:33-36 beautifully captures the depth of God’s wisdom: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” God’s wisdom governs his power, ensuring that his actions are always purposeful and aligned with his perfect will. Unlike human wisdom, which is limited and flawed, God’s wisdom is infinite, far surpassing our understanding (Isaiah 55:9).
This infinite wisdom means that even when we can’t see or understand his plans, we can trust that he’s working all things for good (Romans 8:28). His wisdom calls us to surrender our limited understanding and rest in his guidance, knowing that he sees the end from the beginning.
God’s Perfect Justice
Psalm 89:14 proclaims, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” God’s almightiness isn’t arbitrary or capricious; it’s rooted in his perfect justice. His rule is marked by fairness and righteousness, ensuring that all wrongs will ultimately be made right.
This justice is evident in Luke 18:7, where Jesus assures his disciples that God will bring justice for his chosen ones who cry out to him. In a world often marked by injustice, this promise offers hope and a reminder that God’s justice is both active and eternal.
God’s Infinite Goodness and Love
God’s power and wisdom are inseparable from his goodness and love. Psalm 107:1 reminds us, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” God’s goodness isn’t merely an abstract quality; it’s demonstrated in his actions toward his creation. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s infinite love is most clearly displayed in Jesus Christ, who willingly gave his life for our salvation. This love assures us that God’s almightiness is not distant or impersonal but intimately tied to his care for us. His love invites us to draw near to him in gratitude and trust.
God’s Attributes in Perfect Harmony
Summers and Tigert remind us that God’s infinite power, wisdom, and goodness aren’t separate attributes but aspects of his unified and perfect nature. Every act of God reflects this harmony, ensuring that his power is exercised with wisdom and guided by love. This truth reassures us that God’s almightiness is always for our ultimate good and his glory.
Romans 16:27 concludes, “To the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.” Recognizing God’s perfect nature leads us to worship, acknowledging his infinite worth and submitting to his sovereign will.
Trusting God in Our Lives
Understanding that God is almighty transforms how we approach life’s challenges. His power assures us that he can handle any difficulty we face. His wisdom reminds us that his plans are always good, even when we can’t see the outcome. His justice encourages us to trust that evil will not have the final word. And his love assures us that he’s with us, guiding us every step of the way.
Isaiah 55:9 reminds us, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This truth invites us to surrender our fears, doubts, and uncertainties to the God who’s infinitely capable and unfailingly good.
Key Principles
God possesses limitless power and authority, affirming that nothing is beyond his capability or control.
God’s wisdom and understanding surpass all human comprehension, guiding us by his divine counsel.
God’s character is rooted in perfect justice, enduring goodness, and unwavering love, offering us assurance, comfort, and hope.
Bible Study Questions
How does Job 42:2 affirm God’s almighty nature?
What do Jeremiah 32:17 and Matthew 19:26 teach us about God’s power over creation?
How does Psalm 89:14 describe the foundation of God’s throne, and what does it imply about his character?
In what ways does Psalm 107:1 reveal God’s enduring goodness?
How does Isaiah 55:9 challenge our understanding of God’s wisdom?
What insights do Job 12:13 and Romans 11:33-36 offer about God’s wisdom and knowledge?
How does Luke 1:37 demonstrate the power of God’s word?
What does Luke 18:7 teach us about God’s justice for his chosen ones?
How is God’s love demonstrated according to Romans 5:8?
What do Romans 16:27 and 1 John 4:7-16 reveal about God’s eternal wisdom and love?
How does the unity of the Godhead reflect in God’s attributes as described in the Articles of Religion: Article 1?
What assurance, comfort, and hope can we gain from understanding God’s almighty nature in our daily lives? (1 John 4:7-16)
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
How have you personally experienced God’s power in your life recently?
In what situations do you struggle to trust in God’s wisdom and understanding? Why do you think that is?
How can reflecting on God’s justice and goodness influence your response to injustice? What are some differences between God’s justice and human justice, in all its manifestations?
How does knowing God’s love for you personally impact your relationship with others? (Or – how should it?)
What areas of your life do you need to surrender to God’s sovereignty? Perhaps another way of asking this question would be: In what areas are you still trying to do all the work, solve all the problems, etc., all by yourself?
How can you cultivate a deeper trust in God’s plans when you begin to understand they differ from your own?
What steps can you take to align your thoughts, desires, and actions with Gods “higher” ways?
How does understanding the nature of God’s infinite attributes shape your worship and prayer life?
How can you encourage others, such as family members and friends, to rely on God’s almighty nature during hard times?
Action Steps
Spend time each day this week meditating on the previous Scriptures that highlight God’s almighty attributes. Pray for his power, wisdom, justice, goodness, and love to transform your heart and mind.
Identify areas of your life where you need to trust God’s sovereignty more fully. Surrender these areas to him in prayer, asking for his grace to enable you to rely on his infinite wisdom and power.
We are all “works in progress” as we strive to become more Christlike, but prayerfully, intentionally, yet dependently, work to embody God’s justice, goodness, and love in your interactions with others. Let his attributes guide your actions.
Share with others how understanding God’s almighty nature has impacted your faith and life. Encourage them with stories from the Bible as well as your own personal experiences of God’s faithfulness and invite them to experience his power and love for themselves.
Thank you for joining me today as we continue our devotional study of the GMC catechism! If it has blessed you, please share it with someone in your church or community. For more resources, devotionals, and studies, visit Walking Points. May God strengthen and sanctify you as you grow in the grace and knowledge of him!