Topical Bible: Power of Christ: The Wicked Will be Destroyed By

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The theme of Christ's power to destroy the wicked is a significant aspect of biblical eschatology and soteriology. Throughout Scripture, the power of Christ is depicted as both a means of salvation for the righteous and a force of judgment against the wicked. This dual role underscores the comprehensive authority of Christ over all creation.

Old Testament Foreshadowing

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies and typologies that foreshadow the ultimate destruction of the wicked by the power of the Messiah. In Psalm 2:9, the psalmist declares, "You will break them with an iron scepter; You will shatter them like pottery." This imagery of divine judgment is echoed in the prophetic literature, where the coming of the Lord is often associated with the destruction of His enemies (Isaiah 11:4, Malachi 4:1).

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these prophecies in the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of His authority to execute judgment. In John 5:27, He states, "And He has given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man." This authority is further emphasized in the parables, such as the Parable of the Weeds, where the wicked are gathered and burned (Matthew 13:40-42).

Apostolic Teaching

The apostles continue this theme, affirming the power of Christ to judge and destroy the wicked. In 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9, Paul writes, "And to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire. He will inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might."

The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of Christ's ultimate victory over evil. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Christ as a warrior king, riding a white horse, with a sharp sword coming from His mouth to strike down the nations. This imagery culminates in the final judgment, where the wicked are cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11-15).

Theological Implications

The power of Christ to destroy the wicked is not merely punitive but serves to uphold divine justice and righteousness. It affirms the holiness of God and the seriousness of sin. This aspect of Christ's power also serves as a warning and a call to repentance, emphasizing the necessity of faith in Christ for salvation.

Conclusion

The power of Christ to destroy the wicked is a testament to His sovereign authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, highlighting the ultimate triumph of good over evil and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 2:9
You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.
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Isaiah 11:4
But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.
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Isaiah 63:3
I have trodden the wine press alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in my anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled on my garments, and I will stain all my raiment.
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2 Thessalonians 1:9
Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
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Library

Miller's views on the Second Coming of Christ.
... of the Most High is in him, the power of the ... Father give the bride to the Son Jesus
Christ; and when ... will be destroyed, the bodies of the wicked will be burned ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/millers views on the second.htm

Whether that Fire Will have Such an Effect on Men as is Described?
... to ashes: for it is the privilege of Christ alone that ... For the wicked will be tortured
by the action of the ... and it will be possible by God's power for their ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether that fire will have.htm

Christ the Conqueror of Satan
... in it, for Christ has delivered us from the power of the ... A wicked adversary, who
stood by said, "how will you bear ... but then I shall not suffer, but Christ in me ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 22 1876/christ the conqueror of satan.htm

Whether Christ's Resurrection is the Cause of the Resurrection of ...
... extends to the resurrection of the good and wicked alike, still ... part of their efficiency,
which is dependent on the Divine power, both Christ's death and ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether christs resurrection is the.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... has received God's people, and he would have held them captive forever, but Christ
has broken ... Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power of Satan ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... has received God's people, and he would have held them captive forever; but Christ
had broken ... Even the wicked are now placed beyond the power of Satan ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm

Whether any Signs Will Precede the Lord's Coming to Judgment?
... it pertains to the dignity of judicial power to have ... those signs begin to appear
the wicked will think themselves ... and before the coming of Christ, seeing that ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether any signs will precede.htm

Of Christ Descending from Heaven to the General Judgment, and of ...
... shall be opened in a tempest, [1605] and Christ shall descend with great power,
and there ... host of angels, and all that multitude of the wicked shall be ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap lxxii of christ descending from.htm

The Service Common to Two and Many Female Martyrs.
... vanquished the enemy, being strengthened by the power of Him ... unto Him we call: Glory
to Thy might, O Christ! ... The wicked will not see Thy glory, O Christ, but we ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxi the service common.htm

Of the Advent of Christ to Judgment, and of the Overcoming of the ...
... and King, and God, whom we call Christ, who before ... before Him an unquenchable fire,
and the power of the ... all his forces being destroyed, the wicked one shall ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xix of the advent of.htm