Introduction
Understanding the qualities of God is fundamental to all three of the Abrahamic religions. Three important qualities often discussed are God’s omniscience (all-knowing nature), his omnipotence (all-powerful nature), and his omnibenevolence (all-good nature).
Omniscience
Omniscience is the belief that God knows everything - everything that has happened in the past, is happening now and will happen in the future. This is shown in the Bible:
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.” (Psalm 139)
Understanding that God possesses omniscience is important for believers in the Abrahamic God because it assures them that God is aware of their actions, thoughts, and needs, which provides them with comfort and guidance.
By believing in an all-knowing God, believers trust that God’s wisdom and justice are at work in the world, even if they don't always understand why things happen. This belief reinforces faith in God's plan and purpose.
God knows everything (1 John 3)
Omnipotence
Omnipotence refers to the belief that God has unlimited power and can do anything that is logically possible. This attribute implies that God created the universe and everything within it, maintaining control over all aspects of existence.
The Bible provides many examples of God's omnipotence. The first book of the Bible (Genesis) tells of God's Creation of the universe, describing how God created the world in six days, showcasing his ability to make something from nothing.
A second example is the parting of the Red Sea in the book of Exodus. The story describes how Moses, under God’s guidance, led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. As they fled, they were chased by the Egyptian army. Trapped between the approaching soldiers and the Red Sea, the Israelites feared for their lives. Moses, following God’s instructions, stretched out his hand over the sea, and God performed a miracle to part the waters, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross safely.
Once they had crossed, Moses again stretched out his hand, and God caused the waters to return, drowning the Egyptian army and ensuring the Israelites’ escape. This event is celebrated as a demonstration of God’s power and protection.
In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles are evidence of God's omnipotence.
Omnibenevolence
Omnibenevolence is the belief that God is all-good and kind. This suggests that God’s actions are always done out of love and a desire to look after his creation.
The Bible teaches that God is omnibenevolent, as shown in the verse 1 John 4:8, which says,
God is love.
This means that he is perfectly good and loving towards everyone.
An example of this can be seen in one of Jesus’ miracles, where he healed the sick and cared for those in need, demonstrating God’s compassion in action. Another example is the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32), where a father forgives and celebrates the return of his wayward child. This story reflects God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, even when people turn away from Him.
Omnibenevolence is the belief that God is all-good and kind. This suggests that God’s actions are always done out of love and a desire to look after his creation.
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