Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Power of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's supreme authority and ability to accomplish His divine will. The term "effectual" refers to the power of God being not only potent but also effective in achieving its intended purpose. This entry explores the effectual nature of God's power as revealed in Scripture.
Creation and SustenanceThe power of God is first demonstrated in the act of creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This creative power is effectual, as it brought the universe into existence from nothing.
Hebrews 11:3 further emphasizes this by stating, "By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible." God's power continues to sustain creation, as
Colossians 1:17 declares, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together."
Redemption and SalvationThe effectual power of God is also evident in His plan of redemption.
Romans 1:16 speaks of the gospel as "the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." This power is not merely potential but effectual, as it accomplishes the salvation of those who have faith in Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:19-20 describes this power as "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe," which is the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
Transformation and SanctificationGod's power is effectual in transforming and sanctifying believers.
2 Corinthians 5:17 states, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is a testament to the effectual power of God working within individuals.
Philippians 2:13 further explains, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." The sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit is an ongoing demonstration of God's effectual power in the life of a believer.
Divine Intervention and MiraclesThroughout the Bible, God's effectual power is displayed through divine interventions and miracles. In the Old Testament, the parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22) and the fall of Jericho (
Joshua 6:20) are clear examples of God's power accomplishing His purposes. In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles, such as healing the sick and raising the dead, further illustrate this power.
Acts 10:38 notes, "God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and He went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him."
Spiritual Warfare and VictoryThe effectual power of God is also crucial in spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:10 encourages believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power." This power ensures victory over spiritual adversaries, as 1
John 4:4 assures, "You, little children, are from God and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world."
Eternal Kingdom and JudgmentFinally, the effectual power of God will be fully realized in the establishment of His eternal kingdom and the final judgment.
Revelation 11:17 proclaims, "We give thanks to You, O Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign." God's power will effectually bring about the fulfillment of His promises and the consummation of history according to His divine plan.
Nave's Topical Index
Isaiah 43:13Yes, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
Nave's Topical IndexEphesians 3:7
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Effectual Calling
... sin. And shall not God's power in converting be greater than Satan's power
in seducing? The effectual call is mighty and powerful. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm
The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... CHAPTER IX The Secret of Effectual Prayer. ... Do let us believe this: Christ, the living
Word of God, gives in His words a Divine quickening power which brings ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm
Prayer and the Word of God
... gifts are to be holy, not only by God's creative power, but, also ... Doing God's will,
and having His Word abiding in us, is an imperative of effectual praying. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xii prayer and the word.htm
Keeping and Kept
... If, then, we are to exercise an effectual guard over ... When it turns to God, as a mirror
to the ... bright illumination into dark corners, but its power depends on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/keeping and kept.htm
My God Will Hear Me
... In speaking of lack of the Spirit's power, and the condition for ... look, and the deep
dependence, and the strong crying to God, and the effectual prayer of ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xii my god will.htm
Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service.
... Put yourself into the power of God; let His holy will live in ... in obedience to it,
as one who has no power to dispose ... Holiness is essential to effectual service ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-seventh day holiness and service.htm
The Ministry of the New Covenant
... and ruling in the lives of God's saints ... Spirit in the heart, maintaining, in Divine
power, an unceasing ... makes the ministry of the Spirit possible and effectual. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xvi the ministry of.htm
Preface.
... power to pray in faith, to pray the effectual prayer that ... pray, to be Himself the
life and the power of our ... May God open our eyes to see what the holy ministry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/with christ in the school of prayer/preface.htm
The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes ...
... Therefore to make the miracle effectual, the Holy Spirit must also open the
eyes of them that witness it to see the power of God therein. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiv the revelation to which.htm
Effectual Calling
... people of Israel, wander up and down to gather straw, but do not mind the evidences
of their effectual calling. Take notice what a mighty power God puts forth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm
Resources
What is the power of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any power in positive thinking? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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