By definition, God is the One of whom there is no greater. None can compare. None can compete. The “omni-” nature of God, that is, the God of the Bible, demonstrates how He meets this definition.
The “Omni-” Nature of God According to Scripture
The Bible presents us to a God who is omni- (all) — all knowing, all powerful, and always present.
1) God is omniscient. — all-knowing
Do you know how the clouds hang poised, those wonders of him who has perfect knowledge? (Job 37:16)
… the LORD searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. (1 Chr. 28:9)
You have searched me, LORD, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely. (Ps. 139:1-4)
Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit. (Ps. 147:5)
Who can fathom the Spirit of the LORD, or instruct the LORD as his counselor? Whom did the LORD consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? (Isa. 40:13-14)
See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. (Isa. 42:9)
Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, “My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” (Isa. 46:9-10)
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Rom. 11:33)
If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything. (1 Jn. 3:20)
2) God is omnipotent. — all-powerful
Is anything too hard for the LORD? … (Gen. 18:14)
The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power … (Job 37:23)
I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)
Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. (Jer. 32:17)
I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me? (Jer. 32:27)
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” (Matt. 19:26)
For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. (Rom. 1:20)
3) God is omnipresent. — always present, seeing everything
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. (Deut. 31:6)
From heaven the LORD looks down and sees all mankind; from his dwelling place he watches all who live on earth. (Ps. 33:13-14)
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Ps. 46:1)
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. (Ps. 139:7-12)
The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. (Prov. 15:3)
“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?” declares the LORD. “Do not I fill heaven and earth?” declares the LORD. (Jer. 23:24)
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. (Heb. 4:13)
Implications of Having an Omniscient, Omnipotent, Omnipresent God
As an “omni-” God, He is self-sufficient. He doesn’t need anyone or anything. He has it all, knows it all, sees it all, and can do it all.
God isn’t dependent on us. We are dependent on Him. God doesn’t owe us anything. We owe Him everything. See: 1 Chron. 29:13-14; Job 41:11; Acts 17:25; Romans 11:35-36
Learn more about the “omni-” God of the Bible in the Our Great God from A to Z Discipleship Tool Download. Get to know the attributes of God including the kind of God it would take to create the heavens and earth. Also discover how each member of the Godhead works on our behalf. You’ll find five different alphabetical listing for each of these renderings of who God is as well as suggestions for reflection and taking it further.
For More about God: Theology Resources