Topical Bible: The Power of God: Effectual

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◄ The Power of God: Effectual ►

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The concept of the power of God as effectual is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating God's ability to accomplish His will and purpose in creation, redemption, and the lives of individuals. This power is not merely potential but is actively working to bring about God's sovereign plans.

Creation and Sustenance

The effectual power of God is first demonstrated in the act of creation. Genesis 1:3 states, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This passage highlights the immediate and effective nature of God's word in bringing the universe into existence. Psalm 33:9 further affirms, "For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm." God's power is not only creative but also sustaining, as Hebrews 1:3 declares, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word."

Redemption and Salvation

The effectual power of God is profoundly evident in the work of redemption. Romans 1:16 proclaims, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." This power is effectual in transforming lives, bringing individuals from spiritual death to life. Ephesians 1:19-20 speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe," which is "like the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead." The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's effectual power over sin and death.

Sanctification and Transformation

God's power is also effectual in the sanctification and transformation of believers. Philippians 2:13 states, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose." This verse underscores the active role of God's power in enabling believers to live according to His will. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is a testament to the effectual power of God at work within the believer.

Divine Sovereignty and Providence

The effectual power of God is also evident in His sovereignty and providence over all creation. Isaiah 46:10 reveals, "I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.'" God's power ensures that His purposes are fulfilled, as seen in the unfolding of history and the fulfillment of prophecy. Romans 8:28 assures believers that "in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose."

Prayer and Intercession

The effectual power of God is also manifested through prayer. James 5:16 encourages believers, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This power is not inherent in the individual but is a reflection of God's ability to act in response to the prayers of His people. Ephesians 3:20 praises God, "Now to Him who is able to do infinitely more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us."

Conclusion

The effectual power of God is a dynamic force that accomplishes His will in every aspect of existence. From creation to redemption, from sanctification to the fulfillment of His divine purposes, God's power is actively at work, ensuring that His plans are realized and His glory is revealed.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 43:13
Yes, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 3:7
Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effectual working of his power.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Effectual Calling
... sin. And shall not God's power in converting be greater than Satan's power
in seducing? The effectual call is mighty and powerful. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm

The Secret of Effectual Prayer
... CHAPTER IX The Secret of Effectual Prayer. ... Do let us believe this: Christ, the living
Word of God, gives in His words a Divine quickening power which brings ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter ix the secret of.htm

Prayer and the Word of God
... gifts are to be holy, not only by God's creative power, but, also ... Doing God's will,
and having His Word abiding in us, is an imperative of effectual praying. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/xii prayer and the word.htm

Keeping and Kept
... If, then, we are to exercise an effectual guard over ... When it turns to God, as a mirror
to the ... bright illumination into dark corners, but its power depends on ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/keeping and kept.htm

My God Will Hear Me
... In speaking of lack of the Spirit's power, and the condition for ... look, and the deep
dependence, and the strong crying to God, and the effectual prayer of ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xii my god will.htm

Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service.
... Put yourself into the power of God; let His holy will live in ... in obedience to it,
as one who has no power to dispose ... Holiness is essential to effectual service ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-seventh day holiness and service.htm

The Ministry of the New Covenant
... and ruling in the lives of God's saints ... Spirit in the heart, maintaining, in Divine
power, an unceasing ... makes the ministry of the Spirit possible and effectual. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/murray/the two covenants/chapter xvi the ministry of.htm

Preface.
... power to pray in faith, to pray the effectual prayer that ... pray, to be Himself the
life and the power of our ... May God open our eyes to see what the holy ministry ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/with christ in the school of prayer/preface.htm

The Revelation to which the Scripture of the Old Testament Owes ...
... Therefore to make the miracle effectual, the Holy Spirit must also open the
eyes of them that witness it to see the power of God therein. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiv the revelation to which.htm

Effectual Calling
... people of Israel, wander up and down to gather straw, but do not mind the evidences
of their effectual calling. Take notice what a mighty power God puts forth ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm