Topical Encyclopedia Divine PowerDivine power refers to the omnipotent and sovereign ability of God to accomplish His will and purpose in creation, redemption, and the lives of believers. This power is inherent to God's nature and is evident throughout the Scriptures. The Bible consistently portrays God as the Almighty, whose power is limitless and unmatched. In the Old Testament, divine power is demonstrated in the act of creation, as seen in Genesis 1:1, where God speaks the universe into existence. The Psalms frequently celebrate God's power, as in Psalm 147:5, "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit." God's power is also evident in His deliverance of Israel from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness. In the New Testament, divine power is most fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' miracles, such as healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms, attest to His divine authority. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." The resurrection of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of divine power, as it conquers sin and death. The Apostle Paul speaks of divine power in the life of believers. In Ephesians 1:19-20, he prays that believers may know "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead." This power enables Christians to live godly lives and to fulfill God's purposes. Divine Promises Divine promises are the assurances given by God to His people, reflecting His faithfulness and commitment to fulfill His word. These promises are foundational to the faith and hope of believers, providing comfort, guidance, and motivation for righteous living. The Bible is replete with promises from God, beginning with His covenant with Abraham in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation and to bless all the families of the earth through him. This promise is foundational to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. In the Old Testament, God's promises often relate to His covenant with Israel, including the promise of land, blessing, and a future Messiah. In Jeremiah 29:11, God assures His people, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope." The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of many Old Testament promises in Jesus Christ. In 2 Corinthians 1:20, Paul writes, "For all the promises of God are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through Him, our 'Amen' is spoken to the glory of God." The promise of salvation through faith in Christ is central to the New Testament message. Believers are also recipients of divine promises concerning eternal life, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the return of Christ. In 2 Peter 1:3-4, Peter emphasizes that God's "divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. Through these, He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires." Divine power and promises are intricately connected, as God's power ensures the fulfillment of His promises. Believers are called to trust in God's power and to live in the light of His promises, confident that He who began a good work will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6). |