Topical Bible: Power of Christ is Able to Subdue all Things

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The concept of the power of Christ to subdue all things is a profound theme in Christian theology, emphasizing the sovereignty and authority of Jesus Christ over all creation. This doctrine is rooted in various passages of Scripture, which affirm Christ's ultimate dominion and His ability to bring all things into alignment with His divine will.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural basis for this doctrine is found in Philippians 3:21, which states, "He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body, by the power that enables Him even to subject all things to Himself" . This verse highlights not only the transformative power of Christ but also His authority to bring all aspects of creation under His control.

Christ's Authority Over Creation

The New Testament frequently attests to Christ's authority over the natural and spiritual realms. In Colossians 1:16-17, it is written, "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" . This passage underscores the comprehensive scope of Christ's power, affirming that all creation exists through and for Him, and is sustained by His might.

Subduing Spiritual Powers

Christ's power extends beyond the physical realm to include spiritual dominions. 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 illustrates Christ's supremacy over all spiritual forces, affirming His role as the head of the Church and His ultimate victory over evil.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The power of Christ to subdue all things is also an eschatological promise, pointing to the future consummation of His kingdom. In 1 Corinthians 15:24-28, Paul writes about the end times when Christ will deliver the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule, authority, and power. "For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death" . This passage reveals the ultimate fulfillment of Christ's subduing power, culminating in the defeat of death and the full realization of God's kingdom.

Practical Implications for Believers

For believers, the power of Christ to subdue all things offers both comfort and motivation. It assures Christians of Christ's control over the chaos and challenges of life, encouraging them to trust in His sovereign plan. Furthermore, it calls believers to live in alignment with His will, participating in His redemptive work and anticipating the day when all things will be made new under His lordship.

Conclusion

The power of Christ to subdue all things is a central tenet of Christian faith, affirming His authority over all creation and His ultimate victory over sin and death. This doctrine provides hope and assurance to believers, encouraging them to live faithfully in anticipation of the fulfillment of His kingdom.

Nave's Topical Index

Philippians 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Power of Christ Illustrated by the Resurrection
... So saith the text, "according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things
unto himself." It is not some new power which Christ will take to himself ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/the power of christ illustrated.htm

He Briefly Takes up Again the Same Points of Dispute...
... to the working, whereby He is able to subdue ... as it is written: "Who wrought in Christ,
raising Him ... the heavenly places, above principality and power and might ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xv he briefly takes.htm

The Blessed Hope and Its Power
... of Christ, but an immortality of holy power and service ... to the mighty working whereby
HE is able to subdue ... to give us ample views of what Jesus Christ is, and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/moule/philippian studies/chapter x the blessed hope.htm

All Fulness in Christ
... time shall be no more he will exercise the same infinite power to forgive ... hardness
of thy heart, nor the inveteracy of thy will; for Christ is able even to ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/all fulness in christ.htm

On the Person of the Father and the Son
... "According to the efficacy whereby the Lord Jesus Christ is able even to ... the Father."
(John 5:23.) "Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto Him ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 5 on the person.htm

Christ Exalted
... The power of the God-Man Christ is infinite ... us spotless before his presence." He
is able to make "all things work together for good." He is "able to subdue ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/christ exalted.htm

Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity Enemies of the Cross of Christ ...
... in them, to deliver it to the devouring power of death and ... well calculated to terrify
the enemies of Christ: but we ... to the working whereby he is able even to ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty third sunday after trinity.htm

The Redemption of the Body
... Nor will His transforming power cease till it has pervaded ... we stand at the last men
like Christ, redeemed in ... to the mighty working whereby He is able to subdue ...
/.../romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/the redemption of the body.htm

The Texts of Scripture Explained Respecting the Subjection of the ...
... look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall ... according to the working whereby
He is able even to ... and puts down all rule and all authority and power. ...
/.../augustine/on the holy trinity/chapter 8 the texts of scripture.htm

Whether the Bodies of the Saints Will be Impassible after the ...
... a glorified body, since the Apostle ascribes to Christ's power the transformation ...
to the operation whereby also He is able to subdue all things unto Himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the bodies of the.htm