Omniscience Is Not Omnipotence

One popular modern idiom is "knowledge is power." The problem, however, is that this is not entirely true. Knowledge can lead to power, knowledge can empower us, but knowledge does not equal power. Knowledge instructs us about the world, but it does not necessarily empower us to affect the world around us.

God is often referred to us being omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent (which are just big words to say God is all knowing, all powerful, and all present). But while these attributes are often listed together, they are distinguishable. Charles Hodge writes, "The possibility of knowledge in God is virtually denied by those who deny any distinction between knowledge and power. Knowledge, which is power, ceases to be knowledge; and therefore if omniscience is only a different name for omnipotence, it cease to be a distinct attribute of God."

It is important for us to have a clear picture of God; as we grow to know God more and more, who He is should become more clear to us. Blurring God's attributes not only diminishes who God is, but it also takes away from our relationship with Him as well.

Love and grace are similar, goodness and righteousness are similar, and faith and trust are similar. However, while these attributes of God may bare similarities to each other, they are all distinctly separate from each other. Knowledge and power are similar, but they are not the same thing, and they each give us different understandings of who God is. As much as we are capable, we should be deepening our understanding of God, not seeking ways to undermine our understanding of Him.

Living Life