Does God have the ability to lie?

[probinson]

Simple question.

Does God have the ability to lie?

Yes or No.

 

[LavenderLeaves]

He can, but He doesn't!

He wouldnt. why would he?
it contradicts himself entirely and God doesnt go back on his word.

 

[JimfromOhio]

I am curious what brought this up before I answer. I have a gut feeling I know what this is about.

 

[probinson]

I am curious what brought this up before I answer. I have a gut feeling I know what this is about.

It's not a conspiracy Jim. It's a simple question.

Does God have the ability to lie?

I'm just curious to see what people think.

 

[JimfromOhio]

It's not a conspiracy Jim. It's a simple question.

Does God have the ability to lie?

I'm just curious to see what people think.

Let me rephrase then.

What made you set up this question? What was the main purpose?

 

[probinson]

Let me rephrase then.

What made you set up this question? What was the main purpose?

OK then, let me try again. Ahem.....

"I'm just curious to see what people think."

Good grief. It's a simple question. Answer it. Or don't.

 

[Thomas1984]

I said no. Mainly because to lie, is to sin. God is without sin, therefore, God does not or could not lie.

That's my logic anyway.

 

[JimfromOhio]

OK then, let me try again. Ahem.....

"I'm just curious to see what people think."

Good grief. It's a simple question. Answer it. Or don't.

AHHH curious..... Whatever the reasons, only God knows but I will answer. No, God don't lie but He can postpone His promise according to His will.

Hebrews 6:13-20 When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, "I will surely bless you and give you many descendants." And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath.God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

Titus 1:1-4
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ for the faith of God's elect and the knowledge of the truth that leads to godliness— a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time, and at his appointed season he brought his word to light through the preaching entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior, To Titus, my true son in our common faith: Grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.

Example of GREAT Faiths in Hebrews, Chapter 11:39-40
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.

 

[FireOfGod]

Okay so I accidently put Yes. Yes, accidentally.

I do not think God has the ability to die... After all, He is Life.

 

[JimB]

Does God have the ability to lie?

Interesting question.

IMO, God has the “ability” to do anything. I think the better question would be “Would God lie?” Since that is contrary to His nature, I don’t believe He would … but I would not say He “couldn’t”.

~Jim

 

[JimB]

To say that we have the “ability” to lie but God doesn’t gives us an edge over God. We have freewill, but He doesn’t. We have more ability than God. That sounds ludicrous, doesn’t it? Probably because it is (IMO).

I said “Yes” but my faith/trust in Him knows He will not lie.

~Jim

 

[JimfromOhio]

1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

God do not have the ability to lie since He HATES sin.

 

[JimB]

1 John 1:5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

God do not have the ability to lie since He HATES sin.

But, Jim, that scripture does not say he can’t lie, it simply says that it is not God’s nature to lie. In Him there is no darkness at all.

~Jim

 

[JimfromOhio]

But, Jim, that scripture does not say he can’t lie, it simply says that it is not God’s nature to lie. In Him there is no darkness at all.

~Jim

Okay.. it is not God's nature to lie. Does that means He don't know how to lie or He can can't lie?

 

[JimB]

Okay.. it is not God's nature to lie. Does that means He don't know how to lie or He can can't lie?

It means he WON’T lie.

IMO.

~Jim

 

[JimfromOhio]

It means he WON’T lie.

IMO.

~Jim

Okay.. I will take that. Just understand that "won't" means a choice while "can't" means ability.

 

[JimB]

How can we believe “with God all things are possible” and say there is something that it is impossible for God to do?

~Jim

 

[JimfromOhio]

How can we believe “with God all things are possible” and say there is something that it is impossible for God to do?

~Jim

God can't sin but He allows sin to happen according to His will and plan. Its tricky. I have learned this the hard way.

 

[JimB]

God can't sin but He allows sin to happen according to His will and plan. Its tricky. I have learned this the hard way.

That begs a question (that might make an interesting thread): Could Jesus have sinned? If not, then what was all that business with the Temptation in the Wilderness?

~Jim

 

[probinson]

To say that we have the “ability” to lie but God doesn’t gives us an edge over God. We have freewill, but He doesn’t. We have more ability than God. That sounds ludicrous, doesn’t it? Probably because it is (IMO).

I said “Yes” but my faith/trust in Him knows He will not lie.

~Jim

That is only true if you presume that we can somehow lie to God. I can lie to you, and that doesn't in any way give me an edge over God.