By Hank Hanegraaff

This question is a classic straw man that can have many Christians looking like the proverbial deer in the headlights. At best, it challenges God’s omnipotence. At worst, it undermines His existence.

First, there is a problem with the premise of the question.

While it is true that God can do anything that is consistent with His nature, it is absurd to suggest that He can do everything. God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18), He cannot be tempted (James 1:13), and He cannot cease to exist (Psalm 102:25–27).

Furthermore, just as it is impossible to make a one-sided triangle, so it is impossible to make a rock too heavy to be moved: what an all-powerful God can create, He can obviously move. Put another way, God can do everything that is logically possible.

Finally, we should note that a wide variety of similar questions are raised in an attempt to undermine the Christian view of God. Thus, it is crucial that we learn to question the question rather than assuming the question is valid.

Do not answer a fool according to his folly, Lest you also be like him.
Answer a fool according to his folly,
Lest he be wise in his own eyes.

Proverbs 26:4–5 NKJV

For further study, see Norman L. Geisler, Baker Encyclopedia of Christian Apologetics (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1999), 553–54 and 283–88.

***Note the preceding text is adapted from a new Revised and Updated version of The Complete Bible Answer Book that is forthcoming. When available we will update this page with corresponding information. Until then you can still purchase or receive for your partnering gift the current version by clicking here for purchase or here for partnering gift. ***