Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the power of Christ over all flesh is a profound theological theme that underscores the sovereignty and authority of Jesus Christ over all creation. This power is not limited to spiritual realms but extends to all aspects of the physical world, affirming His divine nature and His role in the redemption and governance of humanity.
Biblical FoundationThe power of Christ over all flesh is explicitly stated in the Gospel of John. In
John 17:2 , Jesus prays to the Father, saying, "For You granted Him authority over all humanity, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him." This verse highlights the divine authority bestowed upon Christ, emphasizing His role as the mediator of eternal life. The phrase "over all humanity" indicates the comprehensive scope of His power, encompassing every individual and aspect of human existence.
Christ's Authority in CreationThe New Testament further elaborates on Christ's authority in creation.
Colossians 1:16-17 declares, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." These verses affirm that Christ is not only the agent of creation but also the sustainer of all that exists. His power over all flesh is rooted in His preeminence and His role as the Creator.
Christ's Dominion Over Life and DeathThe power of Christ over all flesh is also evident in His dominion over life and death. In
John 5:21 , Jesus states, "For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom He wishes." This authority to grant life, both physical and eternal, underscores His divine prerogative and His unique position as the giver of life. Furthermore, in
Revelation 1:18 , Christ proclaims, "I am the Living One. I was dead, and behold, now I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of Death and of Hades." This declaration affirms His victory over death and His control over the eternal destinies of all flesh.
Christ's Sovereignty in RedemptionThe power of Christ over all flesh is intricately linked to His redemptive work. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, He exercises authority to redeem and transform humanity.
Ephesians 1:20-22 describes how God "raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God put everything under His feet and made Him head over everything for the church." This passage highlights the exaltation of Christ and His supreme authority over all powers, emphasizing His role as the head of the church and the redeemer of mankind.
Christ's Reign in the Kingdom of GodThe power of Christ over all flesh is ultimately realized in His reign in the Kingdom of God.
Philippians 2:9-11 states, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This eschatological vision portrays the universal acknowledgment of Christ's lordship, where all creation submits to His authority.
In summary, the power of Christ over all flesh is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming His divine authority, creative power, dominion over life and death, redemptive work, and ultimate reign in the Kingdom of God. Through these aspects, Christ's sovereignty is manifested, offering believers assurance of His control and purpose in all things.
Nave's Topical Index
John 17:2As you have given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as you have given him.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
On Knowing Christ after the Flesh
... his former state, " his country, riches, power, or wisdom. ... man, but as he is "God
over all, blessed for ... most plain and palpable manner "know Christ after the ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 117 on knowing christ.htm
The Divine Power Shown in Christ's Incarnation Meaning of St. ...
... will be the very perfection of divine power to effect ... which he had been previously
turning over, as well ... above, in relation to the faith of Christ coming from ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xiv the divine power shown.htm
"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... It hath a sort of light and power over him. ... These two were joint conquerors of all
mankind ... Freedom is obtained to believers by Jesus Christ, and so "there is no ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon vii for the law.htm
The Presence of Christ
... but do believe God wants you to walk in a supernatural life above human power. ... The
presence of Christ was trusted by him, and he walked boldly over the waves ...
/.../murray/the deeper christian life/vi the presence of christ.htm
God the Father and his Word have Formed all Created Things (Which ...
... above all, and He is the Head of Christ; but the ... as did receive Him, to these gave
He power to become ... ears, that there is one God, the Father over all, and one ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii god the father and.htm
Knox -- the First Temptation of Christ
... For thus, methinks, our Master and Champion, Jesus Christ, provoked our ... to battle:
"Satan, thou gloriest of thy power and victories over mankind, that ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/knox the first temptation.htm
The Author Returns to his Former Argument, and Shows that There ...
... not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God ... and the earth and has dominion over
all flesh." Again did ... been made to thee." [3850] Christ Himself, therefore ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter v the author returns to.htm
The Crowned Christ Reigning
... gradually until all feel its presence and power.[169] It ... the message of a crucified
risen Christ to all men ... And over all will be the presence and supervision of ...
/.../vii the crowned christ reigning.htm
The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ...
... not be thought to be called the prince of the power of the air; for He who is chief
over the higher ... when he persecuted the church and the Christ of the ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvii the epistle to the.htm
Proofs from the Apostolic Writings, that Jesus Christ was one and ...
... was predestinated the Son of God with power through the ... are the fathers, and from
whom is Christ according to the flesh, who is God over all, blessed for ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xvi proofs from the apostolic.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about the power of words? | GotQuestions.orgHow much power does Satan possess? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the power of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus