Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the "Power of God's Works" is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the omnipotence, sovereignty, and majesty of God as demonstrated through His creation, miracles, and acts of providence. This entry explores the various dimensions of God's power as revealed in Scripture.
CreationThe power of God is first and foremost displayed in the act of creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse underscores God's ability to bring the universe into existence ex nihilo, or out of nothing. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in
Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." The creation narrative reveals God's supreme authority over all things, as He speaks and it comes to be.
MiraclesThroughout the Bible, God's power is manifested through miracles, which serve as signs of His divine intervention in the natural order. In the Old Testament, the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) demonstrate God's power over nature and the false gods of Egypt. The parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22) further illustrates His ability to control the elements for the deliverance of His people.
In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the incarnate Word, performs numerous miracles that attest to His divine authority. In
Matthew 8:26-27, Jesus calms a storm, prompting His disciples to marvel, "What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!" The miracles of Jesus, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and feeding the multitudes, reveal the power of God at work through His Son.
ProvidenceGod's power is also evident in His providential care and governance of the world. The doctrine of providence asserts that God sustains and directs all things according to His will. In
Colossians 1:17, Paul writes, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse highlights God's ongoing involvement in creation, ensuring that the universe operates according to His divine purpose.
The book of Daniel provides a vivid illustration of God's providential power. In
Daniel 4:35, Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges, "All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, 'What have You done?'" This acknowledgment underscores God's sovereignty over human affairs and His ability to accomplish His will despite human opposition.
SalvationThe power of God's works is supremely demonstrated in the plan of salvation.
Romans 1:16 declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The gospel reveals God's power to redeem and transform lives through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:19-20 speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe," which is the same power that raised Christ from the dead.
JudgmentFinally, God's power is revealed in His righteous judgment. The Bible affirms that God will execute justice and bring all things to account.
Revelation 20:12-13 describes the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds. This ultimate demonstration of God's power ensures that His justice prevails and that evil is ultimately vanquished.
In summary, the power of God's works is a testament to His omnipotence and authority over all creation. From the act of creation to the miracles of Jesus, from providential care to the plan of salvation, and finally in His righteous judgment, God's power is evident throughout the biblical narrative, affirming His role as the sovereign Lord of all.