Topical Bible: Power of Christ: Upholding all Things

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of Christ's power in upholding all things is a profound theological truth that underscores His divine nature and sovereign authority over creation. This doctrine is rooted in the understanding that Jesus Christ, as the second person of the Trinity, is not only the Savior but also the sustainer of the universe.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this doctrine is found in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews. Hebrews 1:3 states, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." This passage highlights the divine authority and power of Christ, emphasizing that He sustains the universe by His word. The term "upholding" (Greek: φέρων, pherōn) conveys the idea of carrying or bearing, indicating that Christ actively maintains the existence and order of all creation.

Colossians 1:16-17 further elaborates on this theme: "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 both the agent of creation and the cohesive force that sustains it. His preeminence over all creation is established, and His power is depicted as integral to the continued existence of all things.

Theological Implications

The power of Christ in upholding all things has significant theological implications. It affirms His deity, as only God possesses the omnipotence necessary to sustain the universe. This power is not a passive attribute but an active, ongoing function of Christ's divine will and authority. It assures believers of the reliability and stability of the created order, as it is maintained by the unchanging and faithful nature of Christ.

Moreover, this doctrine provides comfort and assurance to Christians, as it underscores the sovereignty of Christ over all circumstances. In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, the knowledge that Christ upholds all things offers peace and confidence in His ultimate control and purpose.

Christ's Sustaining Power in Redemption

The power of Christ is not limited to the physical realm but extends to the spiritual as well. His sustaining power is evident in the work of redemption, where He upholds the believer's faith and salvation. Philippians 1:6 assures believers of this truth: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This verse highlights the sustaining grace of Christ in the life of the believer, ensuring that the work of salvation He initiated will be brought to completion.

Conclusion

The power of Christ in upholding all things is a central tenet of Christian theology, affirming His divine nature and sovereign authority. It provides believers with assurance of His control over creation and His sustaining presence in their lives. Through His powerful word, Christ maintains the universe and the faith of His people, demonstrating His unchanging and faithful character.

Nave's Topical Index

Colossians 1:17
And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Nave's Topical Index

Hebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Whether the Soul of Christ had Omnipotence with Regard to the ...
... belongs to God alone, according to Heb.1:3: "Upholding all things by the word of
His power." Therefore God ... Therefore this does not belong to Christ's soul. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the soul of christ 5.htm

How Christ is to be Made Use of as Our Life, in Case of ...
... the desert, Isaiah 35:6, 7; "and giveth power to the ... And his appointing Christ to
be his servant for this end ... from among all the folk, and his upholding of him ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xxii how christ is.htm

The Exalted One.
... result of losing sight of the object of our faith, Christ. ... the express image of His
person, and upholding all things by the Word of His power." This could ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/the exalted one.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... By creating the world, and by upholding all things, He is ... only as they receive wisdom
and power from above ... Christ's ministers are the spiritual guardians of the ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

From the Epistle to the Hebrews.
... the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the ... might destroy him
that had the power of death ... Himself." [382] And once more: "For Christ is not ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 50 from the epistle to.htm

"For the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus Hath Made Me ...
... all that is within us conspires to the upholding that tyrannous ... this law, and a power
to overcome this power. ... Thus it is then, Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon ix for the law.htm

Christ
... and by the might of his power, the tenderness ... to the Philippians, Paul declares,
that Jesus Christ was in ... of God in humanity) and upholding all things by the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/haldeman/christ christianity and the bible/christ.htm

On Knowing Christ after the Flesh
... point before us: all who speak of Christ as inferior ... the express image of his person;
as upholding," bearing up ... earth, "by the word of his power," " the same ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 117 on knowing christ.htm

April 25 Evening
... Our Lord Jesus Christ, . . . ... The brightness of his glory, and the express image of
his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he ...
/.../anonymous/daily light on the daily path/april 25 evening.htm

God's Restraining Power.
... noise and battle drowning the voice of Christ; by a gentle but irresistible
power"the power that belongs to the creating and upholding word of God ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/xii gods restraining power.htm