God Cannot

It is popularly believed that God can do anything. Anything at all. I suppose the first reason for this common conception is the verse that says, "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matt 19:26). Pretty much answers that, doesn't it? Well, I suppose so ... if you're going to take that without any context -- like the rest of Scripture.

For instance, Paul opens his letter to Titus, "Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness; in hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began" (Titus 1:1-2). James says, "God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone" (James 1:13). Balaam told Balak, "God is not man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind" (Num 23:19). The psalmist wrote, "Of old You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish, but You will remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will change them like a robe, and they will pass away, but You are the same, and Your years have no end"
(Psa 102:25-27). So what are we to make of this? Clearly there is a list (this is a short list) of things that God cannot do. He cannot lie, be tempted by evil, change His mind, or cease to exist. And yet we read that "with God all things are possible."

I think the clearest answer is found in Paul's second letter to Timothy. There we read, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself" (2 Tim 2:13). Sure, another thing He cannot do -- deny Himself -- but I think that answers the entire dilemma. With God, all things are possible that God wants to do. That would mean that all things that He does would be in alignment with His nature. All things He does would be for His pleasure. All things would be according to His will. Oh, wait ... isn't that our prayer? "Our Father who is in heaven ... Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven ..." (Matt 6:9-10). Because, you see, everything He does is His will. Everything He does is according to His character.

So there are things He cannot do. He cannot lie. That means He can't, for instance, promise to save you and then fail to save you. He can't intend to succeed at something and fail to succeed. He cannot fail to do what He intends for His good purposes. He can be trusted. He is immutable -- unchangeable. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8). Can He make a rock too big for Him to pick up? Don't be silly! It would not be in line with His nature, according to His pleasure. He can do anything He pleases.

As it turns out, for us that's a really, really good thing. Because He can be trusted. What He says He will do He will do. And since His nature is good (the definition of "good"), what He says He will do will be good. And that's a good thing.