“Possibility” in Biblical Perspective

God, Evil, and Possibility  |  Lecture 4 of 6

Blocher’s fourth of six lectures is an attempt to discern through Scripture the contours of possibility. Blocher first analyzes possibility with respect to God. He argues that Scripture associates various notions of possibility with God. For example, things can be possible without actually happening. There is a legitimate notion of divine possibility, but it lies on the grain of God’s relationship to creation, not in God’s own essence. Concerning possibility in God Blocher concludes, “mystery, not mastery, is the object.”

Blocher then considers possibility and humanity, submitting that humans have received active power from God, but that this power is limited. The power of human beings is allows for a variety of possibilities. This power, while being completely dependent on God, contains a certain passivity not present in God. However, created possibilities cannot run against God’s plan. Although it may be asked whether human possibilities so surrounded still deserve the name, Blocher contends that self-determination and the use of motives to make decisions demonstrate human involvement in willing.

Biography

Henri A. G. Blocher is Professor of Systematic Theology, Faculte Libre de Theologie Evangelique, Vaux-sur-Seine, France. He is also an internationally recognized theologian, author, and teacher; he has taught in Africa, Australia, Canada, Europe and the United States.