Does God Have Limits? [99 in :99]
Something we all find out pretty quickly, especially after we turn 30, is that we have limits. We get tired, and hungry. We can’t know everything or be everywhere. But what about God? Does He have limits like we do?
While human beings are limited, or finite, God is infinite. That means that there are no boundaries on His qualities and existence. I love how it’s put in Job 11:7-9 expresses God’s infinite nature when it says:
Can you fathom the depths of God
Job 11:7–9 (CSB)
or discover the limits of the Almighty?
They are higher than the heavens—what can you do?
They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know?
Their measure is longer than the earth
and wider than the sea.
So how is God infinite? There are a few different ways, related to His presence, His knowledge, and His power:
- God is not confined by material space nor is He restricted by time since He is timeless.
- God is not limited in His knowledge of everything.
- God has the power to do all things according to His will.
When we think about God’s infiniteness, how should we respond? While many things could be said, ultimately this attribute of God should cause us to worship Him.
God He has made us like Him in many ways, He is not like us. He is so much bigger and more incredible. And when confronted with that reality, the best thing we can do—the right thing for us to do—is to praise Him for who He is.
Does God have limits in his own spiritual realm?
Are there certain things that he cannot do?
Can God make a rock so heavey that he can’t carry it?
Hi, Denver. God is limited only by His character and revealed will. So God cannot sin. God cannot stop being God. He cannot forget something. He cannot not love. He cannot flood the entire world again, going back on His promise. He cannot reject anyone who has trusted in Christ.
Can God make a rock so heavy that he cannot carry it is asking if God can do the nonsensical. It is like asking if God can make red blue. Up down. Light dark. There is no rock big enough for God not to “carry” so the premise supposes an illogical impossibility.
Hope that helps.