What Does the Bible Say God Can't Do? - Write Them On My Heart

What Does the Bible Say God Can’t Do?

May 16

~ Today’s Scripture art and mini Bible study are digging into what the Bible says God can’t do vs. what it says God won’t do. ~

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Is there anything God can’t do? What does the Bible say?

That is the question that popped up as I was reading the book of Titus trying to choose a verse to paint for our monthly free printable – and also for my new goal.

Side note: Just in case you haven’t heard, I have a new goal to hand-letter at least one verse from all 66 books of the Bible. You can follow along here.

I slowed down right off the bat in the second verse where it said God cannot lie.

In the back of my mind I thought I remembered hearing that there were only 2 (or was it 3?) things that God cannot do. I did a quick search online to refresh my memory.

Well, I was surprised to find that everyone had a different opinion on how many things God can’t do!

Curiosity got the best of me and I started going through article after article … 4 Things God Can’t Do, 7 Things God Cannot Do, 12 Things God Can’t Do … and they all listed different things!

Why was there such a discrepancy?

Turns out the answer can be found within the definitions of “can’t” and “won’t.”

When I started taking notes, I could only find 4 verses that specifically stated “God cannot.” All the rest of the verses that people had listed didn’t actually say “God can’t” but instead used some form of “God won’t.”

Then I realized that either way, they actually ALL boiled down to the same thing.

There is essentially only ONE thing that God cannot do

… and that is (insert drumroll) anything that doesn’t align with His character, which is holy.

That thought fascinated me because I had spent all of last year studying God’s character in the Write 365 Names of God On My Heart journal.

The Bible is clear – God cannot deny His character.

2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV): if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.

The second part of that lightbulb moment was that if it is indeed impossible for God to lie – and it IS! – hold that thought while I prove it with these 3 verses …

Titus 1:2 (CSB): in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

Hebrews 6:18 (ESV): So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Numbers 23:19 (CSB): God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?

Now back to that thought … Since it is impossible for God to lie, when He says He won’t do something that means He also can’t do it.

Right?

So in this case, “can’t” and “won’t” are the same.

Therefore, all those varying lists are technically correct even though they’re different.

But for all of my fellow research-lovers, I’m guessing you’d still like to know what the 4 “God cannot” verses are. Don’t worry, I won’t leave you hanging.

Let’s compile a nice neat list.

Actually, let’s make 2 lists – one for the 4 things the Bible says God can’t do and one for 4 of the things He says He won’t do.

4 Specific Things the Bible says God Can’t Do

1 – God cannot lie.

Hebrews 6:18 (ESV): So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.

Titus 1:2 (CSB): in the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie, promised before time began.

Numbers 23:19 (CSB): God is not a man, that he might lie, or a son of man, that he might change his mind. Does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?

2 – God cannot dwell with evil.

Psalm 5:4 (CSB): For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil cannot dwell with you.

1 John 1:5 (ESV): This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.

James 1:13 (ESV): Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

3 – God cannot be unfaithful.

2 Timothy 2:13 (ESV): if we are faithless, he remains faithful—for he cannot deny himself.

1 Thessalonians 5:24 (ESV): He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

4 – God cannot do wrong.

Job 34:10 (CSB): Therefore listen to me, you men of understanding. It is impossible for God to do wrong, and for the Almighty to act unjustly.

Now for our second list which could go on for miles (praise the Lord for His promises!). But for the sake of space and equal time, I have limited it to 4 of my favorites.

4 Things the Bible Says God Won’t Do

1 – God won’t stop loving you.

Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Isaiah 54:10 (CSB): Though the mountains move and the hills shake, my love will not be removed from you and my covenant of peace will not be shaken,” says your compassionate Lord.

2 – God won’t leave you or forsake you.

Hebrews 13:5 (ESV): Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Joshua 1:9 (ESV): Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

3 – God won’t end His mercies.

Lamentations 3:22 (CSB): Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.

Psalm 145:9 (ESV): The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.

4 – God won’t tempt you.

James 1:13 (ESV): Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.

Again, this list of what God won’t do could go on and on. But let’s finish up by reminding ourselves of the things God CAN do …

Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV): ‘Ah, Lord God! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

Luke 1:37 (ESV): For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Genesis 18:14a (ESV): Is anything too hard for the Lord?

Nothing is too hard for God, and because of His holiness we can be confident that He will always keep His promises. It’s so reassuring to know that He can’t lie about that! Thank You Lord!