God is All-Powerful

[simonejm]

Is there anything unbiblical with saying that God’s only power is the power of love, in which there is no domination, coercion, or violence? God is love (I John 4:8) – that is the defining divine perfection – and God is love from tip to toe.

“Omnipotence,” T. F. Torrance says, “is what God does, and it is from His ‘does’ rather than from a hypothetical ‘can’ that we are to understand the meaning of the term. What God does, we see in Christ.”

[benstenson]

Is there anything unbiblical with saying that God’s only power is the power of love, in which there is no domination, coercion, or violence? God is love (I John 4:8) – that is the defining divine perfection – and God is love from tip to toe.

“Omnipotence,” T. F. Torrance says, “is what God does, and it is from His ‘does’ rather than from a hypothetical ‘can’ that we are to understand the meaning of the term. What God does, we see in Christ.”

It is inaccurate I think, but sounds well intended.

Unfortunately, because of sin, we cannot say that love will never require violence.

Love is a use of power, not power itself. Love in an intention, a guiding objective of the heart. Power is ability. Love is an ultimate goal (choice, intention, motive) that directs one's ability/power.

We can also understand God's eternal power (ability, 'can') from the things He has made.

[Joseph]

The love of God is power...the power of God is love

[benstenson]

The love of God is power...the power of God is love

I agree with this in a sense even though taken literally it contradicts the view I expressed. God's love is powerful in our lives to convince us to be reconciled to Him and to live like Him.