Question 42: What does it mean to say that God is almighty?

Answer:

To say that God is almighty means that He has absolute power and authority over all creation. Nothing is impossible for Him, and He rules with perfect wisdom, justice, and mercy, accomplishing all His holy will. (Genesis 17:1, Psalm 115:3, Jeremiah 32:17, Luke 1:37, Revelation 19:6)

Full Scripture References

“When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, ‘I am God Almighty. Walk before Me and be blameless.’” — Genesis 17:1 (BSB)

“Our God is in heaven; He does as He pleases.” — Psalm 115:3 (BSB)

“‘O Lord GOD! You Yourself made the heavens and earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too difficult for You!’” — Jeremiah 32:17 (BSB)

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37 (BSB)

“Then I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!’” — Revelation 19:6 (BSB)

Expanded Explanation of Catechism Question

To call God “almighty” is to affirm that He is all-powerful, sovereign, and unrestricted in His ability to act according to His will. He is not limited by creation, time, or any external force. His power extends over the entire universe—from the vast galaxies to the smallest particles, from the rise and fall of nations to the quiet turning of a heart to faith. He speaks, and it is done; He commands, and it stands firm.

In Scripture, God first reveals Himself as “El Shaddai”—God Almighty—in Genesis 17:1, establishing His covenant with Abraham. From that point forward, His almightiness becomes a recurring theme throughout redemptive history. His mighty acts deliver His people, judge the wicked, and sustain creation. As Psalm 115:3 declares, “He does as He pleases,” and yet all His acts flow from His perfect character—He is never arbitrary or unjust.

Anglican theology strongly affirms God’s omnipotence. Article I of the Thirty-Nine Articles describes God as “of infinite power,” and the Book of Common Prayer refers to Him repeatedly as “Almighty God,” especially in prayers of confession, thanksgiving, and supplication. This understanding provides deep assurance to the believer: the God who saves us is fully able to complete what He begins, defend us from evil, and bring His purposes to fulfillment.

The almightiness of God is also profoundly pastoral. When we pray, “Almighty and everlasting God,” we are acknowledging that nothing is too difficult for Him—not our sins, not our sufferings, not the brokenness of the world. As Bishop J.C. Ryle once noted, “There is no comfort like the knowledge that our Father in heaven is almighty. His arm is never shortened; His will is never thwarted.” His power is always exercised in love, and never separated from His goodness.

In the end, God’s almightiness is not simply about raw power—it is about His kingship. Revelation 19:6 presents a scene of heavenly worship, rejoicing that “the Lord our God the Almighty reigns!” This is the Christian hope: that God rules, now and forever, over all things visible and invisible, and that His reign brings life, order, and salvation. To believe in the Almighty is to rest in the hands of the one true King who never fails.

Early Church Fathers on Catechism Question

St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD) wrote: “The Father is truly almighty, who made all things by His Word and Spirit, and governs them with perfect wisdom.” — Against Heresies, 2.30.9

Irenaeus emphasized that God’s power is exercised through the Son and the Spirit in harmony and goodness. Tertullian (c. 155–220 AD) declared: “If God is not almighty, then He is not God. His very nature is to have no bounds in power or authority.” — Against Marcion, 2.5

Tertullian saw omnipotence as essential to the very identity of God. St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) taught: “God is called almighty because He holds all things in being and governs the universe with irresistible strength.” — Against the Heathen, 28

Athanasius linked God’s creative and sustaining power to His divine almightiness. St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) wrote: “God is almighty in such a way that He can do all that He wills and never wills anything that He cannot do.” — City of God, 5.10

Augustine balanced God’s omnipotence with His perfect will and character. St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) said: “God is almighty because there is no power that can resist His will, and no purpose that He cannot bring to pass.” — Moral Reflections on Job, 16.29

Gregory saw God’s almightiness as the ultimate assurance of His sovereign rule and providence.