Topical Encyclopedia In the context of biblical theology, the term "operation" can be understood as the divine activity and workings of God in the world and in the lives of individuals. This encompasses God's creative power, His providential care, and His redemptive actions throughout history. The concept of operation is closely related to the sovereignty of God, His omnipotence, and His active involvement in the unfolding of His divine plan.Divine Operation in Creation The Bible begins with the account of God's creative operation. In Genesis 1:1, we read, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse sets the stage for understanding God's operation as the Creator. The entire creation narrative in Genesis 1 demonstrates God's orderly and purposeful operation, as He speaks the universe into existence and declares it good. Operation in Providence God's operation is not limited to creation but extends to His ongoing providential care for the world. In Colossians 1:17, it is stated, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse highlights the sustaining operation of God, who upholds the universe by His power. The psalmist also reflects on God's providential operation in Psalm 104:14, "He makes the grass grow for the livestock and provides crops for man to cultivate, bringing forth food from the earth." Operation in Redemption The operation of God is most profoundly seen in His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. The incarnation, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are central to God's redemptive operation. In Ephesians 1:7-10, Paul writes, "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding. And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." Operation of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the operation of God, particularly in the life of believers. The Spirit's operation includes convicting the world of sin (John 16:8), regenerating and renewing believers (Titus 3:5), and empowering them for service (Acts 1:8). In 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, Paul speaks of the diverse operations of the Spirit: "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people." Human Participation in Divine Operation While God's operation is sovereign and independent, Scripture also speaks of human participation in His work. Believers are called to be co-laborers with God (1 Corinthians 3:9) and to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, recognizing that it is God who works in them (Philippians 2:12-13). This cooperation with divine operation is a mystery that underscores both human responsibility and divine sovereignty. Conclusion The concept of operation in the Bible encompasses the multifaceted activities of God in creation, providence, redemption, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the dynamic and purposeful nature of God's involvement in the world and invites believers to participate in His divine plan. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act or process of operating; agency; the exertion of power, physical, mechanical, or moral.2. (n.) The method of working; mode of action. 3. (n.) That which is operated or accomplished; an effect brought about in accordance with a definite plan; as, military or naval operations. 4. (n.) Effect produced; influence. 5. (n.) Something to be done; some transformation to be made upon quantities, the transformation being indicated either by rules or symbols. 6. (n.) Any methodical action of the hand, or of the hand with instruments, on the human body, to produce a curative or remedial effect, as in amputation, etc. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia OPERATIONop-er-a'-shun (ma`ashe, "work"; energeia, energema, "energy"): Twice used in the Old Testament of God's creative work (Psalm 28:4, 5 Isaiah 5:12). The Holy Spirit's inworking and power are manifest in the bestowal of spiritual gifts on individuals and on the church (1 Corinthians 12:6 the King James Version), and in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, through which energy or operation of God those dead in sins are, through faith, raised to newness of life (Colossians 2:12 the King James Version). Greek 1755. energema -- an effect, operation ... an effect, operation. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: energema Phonetic Spelling: (en-erg'-ay-mah) Short Definition: a working, an effect ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1755.htm - 7k 1753. energeia -- mute, speechless 5486. charisma -- a gift of grace, a free gift 5051. teleiotes -- a completer, finisher Strong's Hebrew 4639. maaseh -- a deed, work... generally) property -- act, art, + bakemeat, business, deed, do(-ing), labor, thing made, ware of making, occupation, thing offered, operation, possession, X ... /hebrew/4639.htm - 6k Library Whether Happiness is an Operation of the Sensitive Part, or of the ... Whether Pleasure Perfects Operation? Whether Life is an Operation? Whether Happiness is an Operation of the Speculative, or of the ... Whether Operation is the Proper Cause of Pleasure? The Hardening Operation of Love. As the Almighty Operation of God Whereby He Brings Forth and ... Whether the Operation of Contemplation is Fittingly Divided into a ... The Manner of this Operation Cannot be Fully Comprehended by ... Whether in Christ There is Only one Operation of the Godhead and ... Thesaurus Operation (8 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. OPERATION. ...Operation (8 Occurrences). 2 Corinthians 3:8 Will not the operation of the Spirit have a much greater glory? (BBE). ... /o/operation.htm - 10k Shearing (6 Occurrences) Laws (184 Occurrences) Agrarian Run (147 Occurrences) Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences) Uncircumcised (48 Occurrences) Go (17871 Occurrences) Feed (117 Occurrences) Result (73 Occurrences) Resources What is continuationism? What is a continuationist? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is pandeism? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that tongues will cease? | GotQuestions.org Operation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Operation (8 Occurrences)2 Corinthians 3:8 2 Corinthians 3:9 Colossians 2:12 Psalms 28:4 Psalms 28:5 Psalms 145:4 Isaiah 5:12 Isaiah 28:29 Subtopics Related Terms |
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