Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Power of God" as it relates to His authority and might against those who oppose Him is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This power is often depicted as both a protective force for the faithful and a formidable opposition to the wicked.
Divine Authority and JudgmentThe power of God is first and foremost an expression of His divine authority. In the Old Testament, God's power is demonstrated through acts of judgment against nations and individuals who defy His will. For instance, in the book of Exodus, God exercises His power against Pharaoh and the Egyptians through the ten plagues, culminating in the parting of the Red Sea, which allows the Israelites to escape while drowning the pursuing Egyptian army (
Exodus 14:21-28).
In the prophetic literature, God's power is often portrayed as a force that will ultimately bring justice and righteousness.
Isaiah 13:11 states, "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless." Here, God's power is depicted as a tool for enacting divine justice against those who oppose Him.
Protection and DeliveranceFor the faithful, the power of God is a source of protection and deliverance. The Psalms frequently highlight God's power as a refuge for those who trust in Him.
Psalm 18:2 declares, "The LORD is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold." This imagery underscores the protective aspect of God's power, offering safety and security to His people.
In the New Testament, the power of God is manifested through Jesus Christ, who demonstrates authority over nature, illness, and even death. In
Mark 4:39 , Jesus calms a storm with a command, showcasing divine power over creation: "Then He got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. 'Silence!' He commanded. 'Be still!' And the wind died down, and it was perfectly calm."
Spiritual WarfareThe power of God is also a critical element in spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 6:10-12 exhorts believers to "be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes." This passage highlights the necessity of relying on God's power to withstand spiritual opposition and evil forces.
Eschatological PowerIn eschatological contexts, the power of God is depicted as the ultimate force that will bring about the end of evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.
Revelation 19:15 describes the return of Christ with power: "From His mouth proceeds a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with an iron scepter." This imagery conveys the decisive and overwhelming nature of God's power in the final judgment.
ConclusionThroughout Scripture, the power of God is a multifaceted concept that encompasses His authority, judgment, protection, and ultimate victory over evil. It serves as both a warning to those who oppose Him and a source of hope and strength for those who trust in His name.
Nave's Topical Index
Ezra 8:22For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken to the king, saying, The hand of our God is on all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.
Nave's Topical Index
Greek
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... do not struggle in the
power of the will . . .
... but they do not
have (experience)
faith! Js 2:19: "You believe that
God is one. You do well; " ().
... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18kLibrary
Of the Subject to whom the Key of Authority is Committed.
... be hoped for, or no helpe by a Synod, the Elders have power to withdraw ... them, and
therewithall sadly to denounce the just judgment of God against them, Act 19 ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap v of the subject.htm
A Manifestation of God in Answer to Prayer
... remain immutable in purpose and invincible in power for evermore. ... purpose because
a few wicked men have lifted up ... Our God has assured us that all things work ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 7 a manifestation of.htm
The Blame of Our Misdeeds not to be Cast Upon God the one Power ...
... But when you have willed, it follows that he subjects you to ... since the only thing
which is in our power is volition ... it is herein that our mind toward God is put ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter ii the blame of our.htm
Confession
... sin; for they had lost their faith in God, lost their discernment of His power and
wisdom ... peace they made this definite confession: "We have added unto ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 4 confession.htm
That we Ought to Give Ourselves to God with Regard to Things Both ...
... say to Hezekiah, I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy ... and circumstances; it was
a fact that God heard and ... the cry of His children, and that the power to do ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ii that we ought.htm
Power Hindered.
... power, there is in the Church of God to-day ... don't desire it; they want intellectual
power; they want to ... how many young converts have made shipwreck against such ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter v power hindered.htm
Of the Power and Authoritie Given to Synods.
... Ordinances, as may conduce according to God, unto such ... the third Question, whether
the Synod have power to injoyn ... brothers soule, and a sin against Christ.1 Cor ...
/.../the keyes of the kingdom of heaven and power thereof/chap vi of the power.htm
Of the Distribution of the Keys, and their Power, or of the ...
... power to be called the sons of God, to come ... Brethren (saith he) you have been called
unto LIBERTY ... by that libertie meaneth Church libertie or power in ordering ...
/.../chap ii of the distribution.htm
Refutation of the Gentiles --Continued
... they had recognized His Godhead through His power over the ... those of the Savior of
all, the Word of God. ... this, as Paul says, "They would not have crucified the ...
/.../athanasius/on the incarnation of the word/chapter 8 refutation of the.htm
Against Heresies
... and interpret all that the prophets have declared respecting ... without compulsion,
he has the power, by his ... will and choice, to perform God's commandments, by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/irenaeus/against heresies/
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 •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus