Topical Bible: Natural Life is in the Hand of God

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The concept that natural life is in the hand of God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's sovereignty and providence over all creation. This belief underscores the understanding that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of life, and that human existence is subject to His divine will and purpose.

Creation and Sustenance

The Bible begins with the affirmation of God as the Creator of all life. In Genesis 1:1, we read, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational statement sets the stage for the understanding that all life originates from God. Further, Genesis 2:7 describes the creation of man: "Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being." Here, the act of God breathing life into man illustrates His direct involvement in the giving of life.

The sustaining power of God is also highlighted in various passages. In Job 12:10, it is declared, "The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind." This verse explicitly states that both human and animal life are under God's control, reinforcing the idea that life is not autonomous but dependent on God's continual provision.

Divine Sovereignty and Human Life

The sovereignty of God over human life is a theme that runs throughout Scripture. In Psalm 139:16, the psalmist acknowledges God's intimate knowledge and control over life: "Your eyes saw my unformed body; all my days were written in Your book and ordained for me before one of them came to be." This verse suggests that God has a predetermined plan for each individual, and that human life unfolds according to His divine purpose.

Similarly, in Acts 17:25, the apostle Paul speaks of God's role as the giver of life: "Nor is He served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He Himself gives all men life and breath and everything else." This passage emphasizes that life is a gift from God, and that He is self-sufficient, needing nothing from His creation.

God's Care and Provision

The Bible also assures believers of God's care and provision for their lives. In Matthew 6:26, Jesus teaches about God's provision: "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This verse highlights God's attentive care for His creation, suggesting that if He provides for the birds, He will certainly provide for human beings, who are of greater value.

Furthermore, in Psalm 23:1, David expresses confidence in God's provision: "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." This metaphor of God as a shepherd caring for His sheep illustrates His commitment to meeting the needs of His people.

Life and Death in God's Hands

The Bible also teaches that both life and death are under God's control. In Deuteronomy 32:39, God declares, "See now that I am He; there is no god besides Me. I bring death and I give life; I wound and I heal, and there is no one who can deliver from My hand." This verse affirms God's ultimate authority over the beginning and end of life, as well as His power to heal and restore.

In the New Testament, James 4:14-15 reminds believers of the uncertainty of life and the need to submit to God's will: "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.'" This passage encourages a humble acknowledgment of God's control over the future and the brevity of human life.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching that natural life is in the hand of God provides a framework for understanding the relationship between the Creator and His creation. It calls for a recognition of God's sovereignty, a trust in His provision, and a submission to His will in all aspects of life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 12:10
In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Daniel 5:23
But have lifted up yourself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before you, and you, and your lords, your wives, and your concubines, have drunk wine in them; and you have praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, have you not glorified:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

5591. psuchikos -- natural, of the soul or mind
... properly, , ie what is natural, as it relates to () life alone (ie ... natural, sensual. ...
sensitive, ie Animate (in distinction on the one hand from pneumatikos ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5591.htm - 8k

Library

On the States of Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation
... the dead; he ascended into heaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father ...
that these last are not contrary to the good of the natural life, but to ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxxviii on the states.htm

On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... of these benefits, and, on the other hand, their service ... to the worship, itself,
which is due to God and Christ. ... called out from a state of natural life and of ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm

That Holy Indifference Extends to all Things.
... Job, in his natural life was struck with the most horrible ... by his nearest friends;
in his spiritual life he was ... the armour of justice on the right hand and on ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter v that holy indifference.htm

On the Covenant into which God Entered with Our First Parents
... required obedience, and, on the other hand, promised a ... performed to both these laws,
God would have ... would have been translated from this natural life, by the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxix on the covenant.htm

The Prolonged Life of the Ancients, the Translation of Elijah and ...
... length of their days, and participated in life as long ... he was yet] in the substance
of the [natural] form; thus ... As, therefore, the hand of God was present with ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter v the prolonged life of.htm

The Absolute Godhood of God is Seen in Administration
... Yes, even "The King's heart is in the hand of the ... The prerogative of life or death
belongs to God in a ... First of all as to natural life, we are all dependent ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the godhood of god/2 the absolute godhood of.htm

Growing up into Christ
... might be glorified." Isaiah 61:3. So from natural life, illustrations are ... meekness,
that he beheld in the daily life of the ... who is even at the right hand of God ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/steps to christ/chapter 8 growing up into.htm

The Mission of Little Children
... the decorations or conveniencies(sic) of this our natural life. ... will be to us ministers
of God, impressive and ... He made everything that was at hand perform a ...
/.../chapin/the crown of thorns/the mission of little children.htm

Letter x. --Fear of Making no Progress.
... from Him when they are the necessary, natural, and inevitable ... This interior life
may also be divided under two ... receive everything as coming from the hand of God ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/letter x fear of making no.htm

On the Creation of Man after the Image of God
... 15:46.) This state is founded in the natural union of body ... lives in the body; from
which union and life it is ... are good for it; and, on the other hand, the body ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxvi on the creation.htm