With God, all things are possible

West Seal, Capitol Square, Columbus, Ohio

With God, all things are possible is a phrase that originates from the Christian Bible, specifically from the Gospel of Matthew 19:26. This phrase is often cited by Christians to express the belief that with faith in God, human beings can overcome any obstacle or difficulty. The context in the Bible is a conversation between Jesus and his disciples regarding the difficulty for a rich person to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Jesus responds to the disciples' astonishment at this teaching by saying, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Biblical Context

In the Gospel of Matthew, the phrase is part of a teaching moment between Jesus and his disciples. After a rich young man leaves saddened upon hearing that he must give up his wealth to follow Jesus, the disciples question who then can be saved. Jesus' response, encapsulating the phrase "With God, all things are possible," highlights the theme of divine possibility in the face of human impossibility.

Interpretation

The phrase has been interpreted in various ways within the Christian community. It is often seen as an encouragement for faith and trust in God's power above human efforts and understanding. Theological interpretations suggest that it speaks to the limitless nature of God's ability to effect change and perform miracles, in contrast to human limitations.

Usage in Society

Beyond its religious connotations, "With God, all things are possible" has found its way into popular culture and societal use. It is sometimes used in motivational contexts, suggesting that with faith or belief, one can achieve seemingly impossible tasks. Additionally, the phrase has been adopted by various organizations, institutions, and even as a motto for the U.S. state of Ohio, reflecting its inspirational and hopeful message.

Controversies

The use of a religious phrase as a state motto or in public institutions has sparked debate regarding the separation of church and state. Critics argue that such uses blur the lines between government and religious expression. Supporters, however, see it as a general statement of faith and optimism, not necessarily tied to a specific religion.

See Also

• Faith
• Miracle
• Gospel of Matthew
• Christianity