Topical Encyclopedia The term "heathen" traditionally refers to those who do not acknowledge the God of the Bible, often encompassing various pagan nations and peoples. Despite their lack of direct revelation, the Bible indicates that the heathen have evidence of the power of God through creation, historical events, and divine intervention.Creation as Evidence The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, asserts that the natural world provides clear evidence of God's power and divine nature. Romans 1:20 states, "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse." This passage suggests that the very existence and order of the universe testify to the power of God, leaving the heathen without excuse for unbelief. Historical Events and Divine Intervention Throughout the Old Testament, God demonstrates His power to the heathen through miraculous events and judgments. One notable example is the plagues of Egypt, where God displayed His supremacy over the Egyptian gods and Pharaoh. In Exodus 9:16 , God declares, "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." The plagues served as a testament to God's power, not only to the Israelites but also to the surrounding nations. Similarly, the fall of Jericho is another instance where God's power was evident to the heathen. Joshua 6 recounts how the walls of Jericho fell after the Israelites marched around the city for seven days, a clear demonstration of divine intervention that would have been recognized by the Canaanite nations. Prophetic Witness The prophets of Israel often spoke of God's power in terms that would be understood by the heathen nations. Isaiah 45:22-23 proclaims, "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess allegiance." This passage highlights the universal scope of God's power and His call to all nations to recognize His sovereignty. Moral Conscience The Bible also suggests that the heathen have an innate sense of God's moral law, which is another evidence of His power. Romans 2:14-15 explains, "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them." This internal moral compass points to the power of God in instilling a sense of right and wrong within all humanity. Conclusion The evidence of God's power is manifest to the heathen through creation, historical events, prophetic witness, and the moral conscience. These elements collectively testify to the reality and sovereignty of God, providing a witness to His power even among those who do not have direct access to the special revelation of Scripture. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 1:19,20Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it to them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 17:27 Library In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ... Heathen Plots The Resurrection of the Flesh is not Impossible. The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagate the Gospel. Book iii. The Words of the Lord, I in the Father... Ephesus "Peace, be Still" Sanctification. The Marcionites Depreciate the Creation, Which, However, is a ... The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians an Absurd Erasure of ... Resources What is the Gathering of Christ Church? | GotQuestions.orgCults and Religions Basics ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org How can I learn to distinguish right from wrong? | GotQuestions.org Heathen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Abimelech Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Balaam Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Belshazzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cornelius Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Cyrus Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Nebuchadnezzar Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to Pharaoh Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: Divine Revelations Given to The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Excluded from the Temple Heathen: Nebuchadnezzar, After his Restoration Heathen: The Centurion at Caesarea Heathen: The Centurion at Capernaum Heathen: The Magi (The Wise Men from the East) Heathen: Their Land Given to Israel The Heathen are Without God and Christ The Heathen: Baptism to be Administered To The Heathen: Cautions Against Imitating The Heathen: Conversion of, Acceptable to God The Heathen: Danger of Intercourse With The Heathen: Employed to Chastise the Church The Heathen: Evil of Imitating The Heathen: God: Brings to Nought the Counsels of The Heathen: God: Will be Exalted Among The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Goodness of God The Heathen: Have: Evidence of the Power of God The Heathen: Have: The Testimony of Conscience The Heathen: Necessity for Preaching To The Heathen: Praise God for Success of the Gospel Among The Heathen: Salvation of, Foretold The Heathen: Salvation Provided For The Heathen: Scoffing at Saints The Heathen: Strangers to the Covenant of Promise The Heathen: The Church Shall be Avenged of The Heathen: The Glory of God to be Declared Among The Heathen: The Gospel Received By The Heathen: The Gospel to be Preached To The Heathen: The Holy Spirit Poured out Upon The Heathen: Worshippers of the Devil Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |