The concept of Omnipotent in Christianity
Omnipotent, according to various Christian perspectives, denotes the quality of being all-powerful and possessing unlimited authority. This term emphasizes God's capability to execute His will, create life, and influence all aspects of existence, embodying an immense mercy. Different denominations, from Protestantism to Catholicism and Early Christianity, stress its significance in relation to God's character, asserting that true omnipotence does not contradict divine nature. Omnipotent encapsulates the essence of God’s omnipotence, underscoring His ability to govern creation and execute justice.
Synonyms: All-powerful, Invincible, Supreme, Unlimited, Sovereign, Almighty, Absolute, Boundless, Godlike
In French: Omnipotent; In Dutch: Almachtig; In Finnish: Kaikkivoipa; In Spanish: Omnipotente; In German: ´¡±ô±ô³¾Ã¤³¦³ó³Ù¾±²µ; In Malay: Maha Kuasa; In Swedish: ´¡±ô±ô²õ³¾Ã¤°ì³Ù¾±²µ
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Omnipotent'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This being is the one to whom individuals should remain connected to in the hope of the resurrection, signifying its ultimate power and authority.[1] (2) This refers to the true title of God, indicating the capacity to achieve everything and not just a limited set of actions, highlighting the extent of the divine power.[2] (3) This term refers to the one who will repay the wicked for their wickedness with a severity that is proportionate to its tardiness, emphasizing judgment.[3] (4) This describes the creator, who is responsible for creating all things, implying immense power and the ability to bring things into existence from nothingness.[4] (5) Omnipotent refers to the quality of having unlimited power, which Peter questions about the good God, as the good God could not prevent the creator from making the world.[5]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) The quality of being all-powerful, a characteristic of God that is questioned in the text.[6] (2) Omnipotent is used to describe God, signifying the possession of all powers, emphasizing the capacity and capability of the divine being.[7] (3) Having unlimited power or authority; refers to God's ability that is not diminished by the lack of capability to do things that are considered incorrect or evil.[8]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The quality of God being all-powerful, capable of performing any action that does not contradict His nature.[9]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This represents the characteristic of being all-powerful, highlighting the immense capabilities of God's mercy.[10] (2) This phrase describes the Son's will to quicken, which is said to be omnipotent, and that His voice can pierce 'the dull, cold ear of death,' and bring back the soul.[11] (3) This term describes the will of God, emphasizing its absolute power and authority, particularly in the context of the word of God.[12]
From: Hymns for Christian Devotion
(1) The word describes a parent figure who possesses unlimited power, and is able to exert influence over everything in the heavens and on Earth.[13]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) An attribute of God that declares his unlimited power to accomplish anything that is in accordance with his nature and will.[14] (2) The quality of having unlimited power and being able to perform any action, particularly in relation to creation and life-giving.[15]