Words We Should Know
One reason for using a dictionary is to know the meaning of a word. The Reader's Digest features a section titled, "It Pays to Enrich Your Word Power." I highly recommend that you be concerned about the meaning of words because they relate to all facets of life. What influence do the words of others have on me? What influence do my words have on others? What influence do the words of God have on us? A Christian ought to know words used to describe the various aspects of God's nature.
God is OMNIPOTENT. The word omnipotent is formed from omni meaning all, and potent meaning powerful. God is all-powerful or almighty. God told Abraham. "I Am the Almighty God" (Genesis 17:1). "With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26). "For with God nothing shall be impossible" (Luke 1:37). God asked Abraham, "Is there anything too hard for the Lord?" (Genesis 18:14). John exclaims with great jubilance: "Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns!" (Revelation 19:6).
God is OMNIPRESENT. The word omnipresent is composed of two words: omni meaning all, and present meaning a state of being, that is: God is present everywhere, in all places, and at all times. There is no point where God is not present either in space or in time. This aspect of God is extremely difficult for man to understand. My good and late friend, James D. Bales cautions: "However, when we meditate further and study the scriptures carefully, I think that we shall conclude that there is no need to bother our minds about how, and in what sense. God is everywhere present. It is beyond our grasp" (Doctrine of God 32-33). We agree with the Psalmist, "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain to it" (Psalm 139:6).
God is OMNISCIENT. Omniscient is from omni meaning all, and science meaning knowledge. It means God is all-knowing or all-wise. God knows all things (cf. Psalm 139:1-6). God knows the minds or hearts of all men. Israel's historian wrote: "[F]or You only know the hearts of the children of men" (2 Chronicles 6:30). Jesus declared to the Pharisees, "God knows your hearts" (Luke 16:15). Jesus describes God's omniscience as, "He knows all men . . . for He knows what is in man" (John 2:24-25). This suggests that God knows our daily problems and how to solve them (Matthew 7:24-27). God's instructions as how to please Him are complete. God has "given unto us all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).
God is OMNI-VISUAL. The word visual means to see, therefore God is able to see in all places and at all times. You and I cannot hide from God! Scary? A little bit? No, a lot! Paul in writing of God's omni-vision says, "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13). What a warning for us to watch our motives, thoughts, and intents (cf. Psalm 139).