Podcast Summary: “What God Cannot Do”

Podcast: Ultimately with R.C. Sproul
Host: Ligonier Ministries
Episode Date: January 12, 2026

Episode Overview

In this episode titled “What God Cannot Do,” R.C. Sproul addresses an age-old philosophical riddle often posed to challenge the concept of God’s omnipotence: “Can God build a rock so big that He can't move it?” Drawing upon decades of biblical study and philosophical reasoning, Sproul unpacks what it truly means for God to be omnipotent, separating misconceptions from scriptural doctrine. The episode seeks to clarify fundamental truths about God's nature and aims to fortify listeners’ understanding of what really matters when contemplating God's power.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. The Classic Conundrum: The Rock So Heavy God Can't Move It

• R.C. Sproul recounts encountering the question in every seminary class and frames it as a popular conundrum attempting to undermine the doctrine of God's omnipotence.
  • “Can God build a rock so big that he can't move it? ... If I say yes, he can ... then there's something that's not possible for him to do ... And if I say no, ... then again, I'm skewered on the horns of this dilemma.” (00:08–00:37)

2. The Meaning of Omnipotence

• Sproul clarifies what omnipotence does and does not mean.
  • “To be omnipotent does not mean that God can do anything.” (00:50)
  • Instead, omnipotence means God can do all things that are logically possible and consistent with His own nature.

3. The Limits of Divine Power: What God Can't Do

• Sproul lists specific things God cannot do, not because of a deficiency in power, but because such actions are contrary to His very nature:
  • “God can't die. God can't lie. God can't be God and not be God at the same time and in the same relationship. He can't stop being God.” (00:55–01:11)
• These are not limitations in power but logical necessities arising from God's perfect being and character.

4. Resolving the Dilemma

• The riddle misunderstands the nature of God’s omnipotence. Because God is God, whatever He creates, He controls; He cannot create something outside His own sovereignty.
  • “As long as he's God, whatever he makes, whatever he creates, he controls.” (01:13)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the rock conundrum:

  • “Well, there is a right answer to that question, and it's very simple... Can God build a rock so big that he can't move it? Of course not. Why not? Because he's omnipotent.” (00:44–00:47)

• On the true meaning of omnipotence:

  • “To be omnipotent does not mean that God can do anything. God can't die. God can't lie. God can't be God and not be God at the same time and in the same relationship. He can't stop being God.” (00:50–01:11)

• On God's sovereign control:

  • “As long as he's God, whatever he makes, whatever he creates, he controls.” (01:13)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:00 – Introduction of the “rock so big” riddle; discussing omnipotence
• 00:37 – The logical dilemma outlined
• 00:44 – The straightforward answer to the riddle
• 00:50 – Clarifying the meaning of omnipotence
• 00:55–01:11 – Examples of things God cannot do
• 01:13 – God’s sovereignty over His creation

Summary

R.C. Sproul addresses the classic “rock so big” question not as a true paradox, but as a misunderstanding of omnipotence. God cannot contradict His own nature—He cannot lie, die, or cease to be God—because these are logical impossibilities, not genuine limits to His power. The episode invites listeners to focus on what really matters: rightly understanding the nature of God and what true omnipotence entails. Through clear teaching and thoughtful reflection, Sproul reminds us that God is, and always remains, both all-powerful and perfectly consistent with Himself.