Topical Bible: Power of God in the Creation

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The concept of the Power of God in the Creation is a central theme in the Bible, illustrating God's omnipotence and sovereignty over the universe. The creation narrative, as described in the Book of Genesis, serves as a foundational testament to God's unparalleled power and authority.

Genesis Account

The opening chapters of Genesis provide a detailed account of God's creative work. Genesis 1:1-3 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This passage highlights the power of God's spoken word, bringing forth light and order from chaos and darkness. The repeated phrase "And God said" throughout Genesis 1 underscores the effortless nature of God's creative power, as He speaks the universe into existence.

Creation Ex Nihilo

The doctrine of creation ex nihilo, meaning "creation out of nothing," is implicit in the Genesis account and is a testament to God's infinite power. Unlike human creation, which requires pre-existing materials, God's creation is initiated by His will alone. Hebrews 11:3 affirms this, 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."

Sustaining Power

God's power is not only evident in the initial act of creation but also in His ongoing sustenance of the universe. Colossians 1:16-17 declares, "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 emphasizes that God's power is continuous, maintaining the existence and order of all creation.

Creation as a Revelation of God's Power

The natural world serves as a testament to God's power and divine nature. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." The vastness and complexity of the universe reflect God's majesty and power, inviting humanity to recognize and worship the Creator.

Humanity's Role and Responsibility

In the creation narrative, humanity is uniquely created in the image of God, as stated in Genesis 1:27 : "So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." This bestows upon humanity a special role and responsibility within creation, to steward and care for the earth as representatives of God's authority and power.

Theological Implications

The power of God in creation has profound theological implications. It affirms God's ultimate authority over all things, providing a foundation for understanding His sovereignty and the order of the universe. It also establishes a basis for trust and faith in God's ability to fulfill His promises, as the Creator who brought forth life from nothing is surely capable of sustaining and redeeming His creation.

In summary, the Power of God in the Creation is a testament to His omnipotence, wisdom, and authority, as revealed through the biblical narrative and the natural world. This power is not only foundational to the existence of the universe but also integral to the ongoing relationship between God and His creation.

Nave's Topical Index

Psalm 102:25
Of old have you laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of your hands.
Nave's Topical Index

Jeremiah 10:12
He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

935. basileus -- a king
... King, Jesus Christ has unqualified jurisdiction over all creation -- also being
God the Creator. ... through the notion of a foundation of power); a sovereign ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/935.htm - 7k

Library

The Power and Wisdom of God in the Creation.
... ADDITIONAL DISCOURSES. SECT. II. THE POWER AND WISDOM OF GOD IN THE CREATION.
Inde hominum pecudumque genus, vitaque volantum, Et ...
/.../sect ii the power and.htm

On the Lordship or Dominion of God
... II. But the dominion of God is the right of the Creator, and his power over the ... and
use them, and do about them, whatever the relation of creation and the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxvii on the lordship.htm

On Creation
... of the matter and form, it is evident, First, that creation is the immediate act
of God, alone, both because a creature, who is of a finite power is incapable ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxiv on creation.htm

God the Father and his Word have Formed all Created Things (Which ...
... preaching of the Church is alone true [which proclaims] that His own creation bare
Him, which subsists by the power, the skill, and the wisdom of God; which is ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii god the father and.htm

Of Creation
... Then, fourthly, Look upon the power of God in making ... shows his wisdom and art, his
excellent invention, in the following days of the creation, in ordering ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xvii of creation.htm

On the Creation of Man after the Image of God
... of blessedness. By this act of creation, God most manifestly displayed
the glory of his wisdom, goodness and power. XI. From this ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxvi on the creation.htm

What the Stable Creation Teaches
... God's works are a revelation of God. ... They witness to His unfailing energy of power,
which 'operates unspent' and is to-day as fresh as at creation's birth. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/what the stable creation teaches.htm

Basil -- the Creation of the World
... let them tell us how the efficient power of God ... and unfinished." In saying "In the
beginning God created the ... Thus, we are told of the creation of water; but ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/basil the creation of.htm

God's Approbation of his Works
... him to make all things good; and this was executed by his power and wisdom ... none of
us to make apologies, either for him or for his creation. ... As for God, his way ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 56 gods approbation of.htm

Of Creation
... Of Creation. ... of saving faith, to believe with the heart in God, the Creator and Father
Almighty, to take a view of God's almighty power, and sufficient ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xviii of creation.htm