Topical Encyclopedia
The power of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His divine authority and sovereignty over all creation. This power is not only a testament to His divinity but also a source of hope and assurance for believers. The Scriptures provide numerous accounts and teachings that illustrate the extent and nature of Christ's power.
Divine Authority and SovereigntyChrist's power is rooted in His divine nature as the Son of God. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me" (
Matthew 28:18). This statement underscores His supreme authority over all realms, both spiritual and physical. The Apostle Paul further affirms this in his letter to the Colossians, stating, "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" (
Colossians 1:16). This passage highlights Christ's role in creation and His dominion over all powers and authorities.
Miracles and Control Over NatureThe Gospels recount numerous miracles performed by Christ, demonstrating His power over nature, illness, and even death. In the calming of the storm, Jesus rebukes the winds and the sea, and there is a great calm, prompting His disciples to marvel, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" (
Matthew 8:27). This miracle illustrates His command over the natural world. Similarly, His healing of the sick and raising of the dead, such as the resurrection of Lazarus (
John 11:43-44), showcase His authority over life and death.
Victory Over Sin and DeathChrist's power is most profoundly demonstrated in His victory over sin and death. Through His crucifixion and resurrection, He conquers the power of sin and offers redemption to humanity. The Apostle Paul writes, "For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!" (
Romans 5:17). This victory is not only a testament to His power but also the foundation of Christian hope and salvation.
Eternal Reign and Eschatological FulfillmentThe power of Christ extends into the eschatological future, where He is depicted as the reigning King who will bring all things to their consummation. In the book of Revelation, John describes a vision of Christ's ultimate victory: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war" (
Revelation 19:11). This imagery portrays Christ as the triumphant King who will establish His eternal kingdom, fulfilling God's redemptive plan.
Intercession and Sustaining PowerChrist's power is also evident in His ongoing intercession for believers and His sustaining presence in their lives. The author of Hebrews assures believers of Christ's intercessory role: "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them" (
Hebrews 7:25). This intercession is a continuous exercise of His power, providing believers with strength and grace in their spiritual journey.
ConclusionThe power of Christ over all things is a multifaceted doctrine that encompasses His authority, miraculous works, victory over sin and death, and His eternal reign. It is a source of comfort and assurance for believers, affirming that Christ is sovereign over all aspects of life and history.
Nave's Topical Index
John 3:35The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.
Nave's Topical IndexEphesians 1:22
And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
Nave's Topical Index
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... do not struggle in the
power of the will
... 11:6). But a personal encounter with
Christ (a true
... expressions "your faith," "their faith" (which occur
over 30 times
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18kLibrary
Fragment ii. Therefore You Ought to Strive to the Utmost of Your ...
... to strive to the utmost of your power not to ... any affair before your prince, won over
either by ... Christian who embraces the simple and unadorned [1292] Christ. ...
/.../theonas/epistle of phileas/fragment ii therefore you ought.htm
The Christ Crowned, the Fact
... and powers, indicating numbers and organization, dignity, and power.[21] All of ... Does
this mean that Christ is actually ruling now over this domain of ...
/.../i the christ crowned the fact.htm
The Blessed Hope and Its Power
... virtues they can say much, but whose power upon the ... but a philosophy of sin; a gossamer
robe over the self ... and have striven to exemplify, at the feet of Christ. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter x the blessed hope.htm
Christ is All
... in the wisdom of man, but in the power of God. ... Christ, you are miserably poor; but
with Christ, you are ... watches your face; the death-sweat comes over you, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/christ is all.htm
Love, the Motive Power for Service.
... Can we not engage in the service of Christ because we love ... When that is the constraining
power it is so easy to ... is not hard for a mother to watch over a sick ...
/.../moody/to the work to the work/chapter ii love the motive.htm
The Unchangeable Christ
... with blood shall become also glorified by his power. ... yea, and will rejoice, that
Jesus Christ is our ... Thou art Head over all things to thy Church, which is thy ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the unchangeable christ.htm
The Death of Christ
... I said before, who that saw His authority over evil spirits ... indeed, the Son, the
Wisdom and the Power of God ... These things showed that Christ on the cross was God ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 4 the death of.htm
The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA
... over my breath, over my body, over my day, over my night ... power to save; power to
cast me down, power to lift ... heaven"I will fear thee, O God in Christ, and be ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the friend whose years do.htm
Praying Without Doubting
... this fundamental law of life unless we can avail ourselves of a power sufficient
to ... But we must patiently wait until Christ's final triumph over sin and ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 5 praying without doubting.htm
Christ all and in All.
... "Christ is our Way; we walk in Him. ... He is our Lord; we choose Him to rule over us. ...
He is our Sanctification; we draw all our power for holy life from Him. ...
/.../moody/the way to god and how to find it/chapter viii christ all and.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we rely on the power of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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