Topical Bible: The Power of God: Exhibited in Creation

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, and one of the most profound demonstrations of this power is found in the act of creation. The Scriptures consistently affirm that the universe and everything within it were brought into existence by the sovereign will and mighty power of God. This entry explores the biblical portrayal of God's power as exhibited in creation, drawing from various passages that highlight His omnipotence and creative authority.

Genesis and the Act of Creation

The opening chapters of Genesis provide the foundational account of creation, where God's power is vividly displayed. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This simple yet profound declaration sets the stage for the unfolding of God's creative work. The chapter continues to describe how God spoke the universe into existence, emphasizing the power of His word: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). Each act of creation, from the separation of the waters to the formation of living creatures, is accomplished through God's authoritative command.

The Heavens Declare His Glory

The psalmists frequently reflect on the power of God as revealed in creation. Psalm 19:1 proclaims, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands." The vastness and beauty of the heavens serve as a testament to God's creative power and majesty. Similarly, Psalm 33:6-9 emphasizes the power of God's word in creation: "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth... For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm."

God's Sovereignty Over Creation

The power of God in creation is not limited to the initial act of bringing the universe into existence; it also encompasses His ongoing sovereignty and sustenance of all things. Colossians 1:16-17 affirms that "in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This passage underscores the continuous exercise of God's power in maintaining the order and existence of creation.

Creation as a Witness to God's Power

The natural world serves as a witness to 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 what has been made, so that people are without excuse." The intricacy and complexity of creation reveal the power and wisdom of the Creator, leaving humanity without excuse for unbelief.

Job and the Majesty of Creation

The book of Job provides a profound meditation on the power of God as seen in creation. In Job 38-41, God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, highlighting His power and wisdom in the natural world. God questions Job, asking, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" (Job 38:4). This passage emphasizes the vastness of God's power and the limitations of human understanding in the face of His creative work.

Conclusion

The power of God, as exhibited in creation, is a theme that permeates the biblical narrative. From the initial act of creation in Genesis to the ongoing sustenance of the universe, the Scriptures consistently affirm God's omnipotence and authority over all things. The natural world stands as a testament to His power, inviting humanity to recognize and worship the Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 102:25
Of old have you laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens are the work of your hands.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 10:12
He has made the earth by his power, he has established the world by his wisdom, and has stretched out the heavens by his discretion.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Knowledge of God Conspicuous in the Creation, and Continual ...
... consider how it is that the Lord there manifests his wisdom, power, and energy ... of
the ungodly in not pondering the deep counsels of God, as exhibited in the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 5 the knowledge of.htm

In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ...
... knowledge of God, which, in other respects, is not obscurely exhibited in the ... New
Testament (proofs being there given both of the power of God the Creator ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 in scripture the.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
... immense treasures of wisdom and goodness exhibited in the ... to overlook the glorious
perfections which God displays in ... when we attend to his power in sustaining ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

That to have Power Over all Things (Ver. 26) is to Judge ...
... in which the Fish [1388] Itself is exhibited, which, being ... things in which he has
also the power of correction. ... 11:7) with certitude anything as to God and His ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xxiii that to have power.htm

The Object of Theology
... infinite in his essence, his wisdom, power, and goodness ... offending man to be reconciled
to God and reinstated ... Other actions were to be exhibited: "Anew creation ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm

God's Providence
... of all orders in creation on God's Providence for ... all things by the Word of His power,
and from ... nowhere so variously, winningly, and admirably exhibited as in ...
/.../chapter vi gods providence.htm

The Wisdom of God in the Means Used to Propagating the Gospel.
... persons, who gave witness for him"exhibited sketches of his ... of God is manifest in
them; for God hath shewed ... that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon ii the wisdom of.htm

The Philanthropy of the Instructor.
... creation of man; and what hidden power in willing ... to be loveable; consequently man
is loved by God. ... also, having openly become flesh, [1047] exhibited the same ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter iii the philanthropy of the.htm

The Epistle to the Laodiceans the Proper Designation is to the ...
... to be called the prince of the power of the ... suppose that) the Christ of the other
god has brought ... you have (as I have said elsewhere) exhibited the stupidity ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvii the epistle to the.htm

The Devil is Well Practised in Falsehood, by which Adam Having ...
... fruit they did also fall under the power of death ... of the feast, which the Lord also
exhibited when He ... that, in regard to all these significations, God is indeed ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxiii the devil is well.htm