Topical Encyclopedia
The power of Christ, as exhibited in salvation, is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the transformative and redemptive work of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers. This power is rooted in His divine nature, His sacrificial death, and His victorious resurrection, which together accomplish the salvation of humanity.
Divine Nature and AuthorityThe power of Christ in salvation is first and foremost a reflection of His divine nature. As the Son of God, Christ possesses all authority in heaven and on earth (
Matthew 28:18). This authority is not only over creation but also over sin and death, which He conquered through His resurrection. The Gospel of John affirms His divine nature, stating, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (
John 1:1). This divine authority underpins His ability to save and transform lives.
Sacrificial DeathCentral to the power of Christ in salvation is His sacrificial death on the cross. The Apostle Paul writes, "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (
1 Corinthians 2:2). The crucifixion is the pivotal event where Christ bore the sins of humanity, offering Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice. This act of atonement is described in
Isaiah 53:5 : "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His stripes we are healed." Through His death, Christ satisfied the demands of divine justice, making reconciliation with God possible.
Victorious ResurrectionThe resurrection of Christ is the ultimate demonstration of His power over death and the grave. It is the cornerstone of Christian faith, as Paul emphasizes: "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins" (
1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection not only validates Christ's divinity but also assures believers of their own future resurrection and eternal life. As Jesus declared, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies" (
John 11:25).
Transformative Work in BelieversThe power of Christ in salvation is also evident in the transformative work He accomplishes in the lives of believers. Through faith in Christ, individuals are regenerated and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who empowers them to live godly lives. Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" (
2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation is a testament to the power of Christ to change hearts and minds, enabling believers to reflect His character and love.
Eternal Security and HopeFinally, the power of Christ in salvation provides believers with eternal security and hope. Jesus assures His followers, "My sheep hear My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand" (
John 10:27-28). This promise of eternal security is a source of profound comfort and assurance, rooted in the unchanging power and faithfulness of Christ.
In summary, the power of Christ, as exhibited in salvation, is a multifaceted demonstration of His divine authority, sacrificial love, victorious resurrection, transformative work, and eternal promise. Through these, Christ accomplishes the redemption and renewal of all who place their faith in Him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 63:1Who is this that comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, traveling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 7:25
Why he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come to God by him, seeing he ever lives to make intercession for them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
How Christ Performed the Office of Redeemer in Procuring Our ...
... that which was represented figuratively in the Mosaic sacrifices is exhibited in
Christ the archetype ... Rom.8:3), the Father having destroyed the power of sin ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 16 how christ performed.htm
The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... tribe of Levi as in the posterity of David, Christ was exhibited to the ... nothing to
God's ancient people but empty show, if the power of Christ's death and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm
Whether it was Becoming that Christ Should Lead an Austere Life in ...
... xxxvii super Matth.), "he exhibited no more than his life and ... but Christ had the
testimony also of miracles ... as by abstinence other men acquire the power of self ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was becoming that 2.htm
Three Things Briefly to be Regarded in Christ --viz. His Offices ...
... Since then he arms and equips us by his power, adorns us with splendour and ... A visible
symbol of this grace was exhibited at the baptism of Christ, when the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 15 three things briefly.htm
Cont. With Jairus Cont.
... we should suppose that effort was necessary, and His power but just ... And then, first,
was exhibited the gentle and profound regard of Christ for children. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 5 21-43 cont with jairus.htm
Christ, Though Known to the Jews under the Law, yet Only ...
... it means the promulgation of grace exhibited in the ... he did not unfold the incomparable
power and glory which shone forth in his resurrection, Christ says that ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 9 christ though known.htm
Continuation of the Foregoing Argument Proofs from the Writings of ...
... he could attain to salvation who had fallen under the power of sin ... the long-suffering,
patience, compassion, and goodness of Christ are exhibited, since He ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xviii continuation of the foregoing.htm
Christ's Message to Herod
... became the Author of eternal salvation to all ... will neither have much constraining
power in our ... Christianity has introduced, and which Christ exhibited in His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/christs message to herod.htm
The Name Jesus and Also the Name Christ were Known from the ...
... them as the truth itself which was exhibited by our ... farther on, after the divine
and royal power, it represents ... our Saviour and Lord Jesus, the Christ, has but ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter iii the name jesus and.htm
The Scripture Way of Salvation
... of God; a kind of spiritual light exhibited to the ... of Gods giving sometimes light,
sometimes a power of discerning it ... glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 43 the scripture way.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we rely on the power of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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