Topical Encyclopedia Divine InterventionDivine intervention refers to the direct and active involvement of God in the affairs of the world, particularly in the lives of individuals and nations. Throughout the Bible, divine intervention is depicted as a manifestation of God's sovereignty, power, and love, often occurring in response to prayer, faith, or the fulfillment of divine promises. One of the most prominent examples of divine intervention is the parting of the Red Sea, where God delivered the Israelites from the pursuing Egyptian army. In Exodus 14:21-22 , it is written, "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. So the waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with walls of water on their right and on their left." Another significant instance is the miraculous birth of Isaac to Abraham and Sarah, as a fulfillment of God's promise. In Genesis 21:1-2 , the Scripture states, "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." Divine intervention is also evident in the New Testament, particularly in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The miracles performed by Jesus, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the multitudes, are clear demonstrations of God's intervention in human history. In John 11:43-44 , Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead, saying, "When He had said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, 'Lazarus, come out!' The man who had been dead came out with his hands and feet bound in strips of linen, and his face wrapped in a cloth. 'Unwrap him and let him go,' Jesus told them." Salvation Salvation in the Christian context refers to the deliverance from sin and its consequences, achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. It is a central theme of the Bible, emphasizing God's grace and mercy in providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to Him. The need for salvation arises from the fall of man, as described in Genesis 3, where Adam and Eve's disobedience brought sin and death into the world. Romans 3:23 declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," highlighting the universal need for redemption. The provision of salvation is made possible through the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. John 3:16 encapsulates this truth: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This verse underscores the love of God and the gift of eternal life available to all who believe in Jesus. Salvation is received by grace through faith, not by works, as stated in Ephesians 2:8-9 : "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage emphasizes that salvation is a divine gift, not earned by human effort, but granted through faith in Christ. The transformative power of salvation is evident in the believer's life, resulting in a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 affirms, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer, leading to a life of righteousness and obedience to God. In summary, divine intervention and salvation are intricately connected in the biblical narrative, showcasing God's active role in human history and His redemptive plan for humanity through Jesus Christ. |