Topical Bible: The Power of God: Exhibited in The Destruction of the Wicked

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting in various forms, including the righteous judgment and destruction of the wicked. This aspect of divine power underscores God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty over creation. The destruction of the wicked serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Flood (Genesis 6-9): The narrative of Noah's Ark illustrates God's power in the destruction of the wicked through a global flood. Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'" This passage highlights God's decisive action against pervasive wickedness, sparing only Noah and his family.

2. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19): The destruction of these cities is another powerful demonstration of God's judgment. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This event serves as a testament to God's intolerance of sin and His ability to execute judgment swiftly and completely.

3. The Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12): The ten plagues that God inflicted upon Egypt reveal His power to bring about the downfall of a nation that opposes His will. Exodus 9:16 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 culminate in the death of the firstborn, compelling Pharaoh to release the Israelites, demonstrating God's power to deliver His people while punishing the oppressors.

New Testament Examples

1. The Fate of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira's deceit regarding their offering led to their immediate deaths. Acts 5:5 states, "On hearing these words, Ananias fell down and died. And great fear came over all who heard what had happened." This incident underscores the seriousness of sin within the community of believers and God's power to enforce His standards of holiness.

2. The Destruction of Jerusalem (Matthew 24, Luke 21): Jesus prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem as a consequence of the nation's rejection of Him. Luke 21:20-22 warns, "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, you will know that her desolation is near. Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. For these are the days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written." The subsequent destruction in AD 70 by the Romans is seen as a fulfillment of this prophecy, illustrating God's power in historical judgment.

Eschatological Judgment

The ultimate exhibition of God's power in the destruction of the wicked is prophesied in the eschatological events described in Revelation. Revelation 20:11-15 depicts the final judgment, where the wicked are cast into the lake of fire. This passage emphasizes the finality and totality of God's judgment against sin, affirming His power to bring about the consummation of His divine justice.

Throughout Scripture, the destruction of the wicked serves as a profound demonstration of God's power, reinforcing His attributes of justice, holiness, and sovereignty. These biblical accounts call believers to a reverent fear of the Lord and a commitment to righteousness, while also offering hope in God's ultimate victory over evil.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Exodus 9:16
And in very deed for this cause have I raised you up, for to show in you my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:22
What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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In Scripture, the True God Opposed, Exclusively, to all the Gods ...
... which, in other respects, is not obscurely exhibited in the ... amply furnished with
the means of glorying in God. ... any omission of his truth, or power, or holiness ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 in scripture the.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
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/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

God's Controversy with Man. Rev. Charles Prest.
... Mount Sinai exhibited proofs of God's love, and ... Then comes Christ, and peace, and
joy; a participation in the divine nature; and a power to contribute ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/gods controversy with man rev.htm

Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... came to think that God exerted his power in images ... be presented to the eye; the majesty
of God, which is ... only kind which have hitherto been exhibited in churches ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
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/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits
... like a chained lion and defiantly exhibited his power ... shelter and deliverance in
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/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 31 agency of evil.htm

The Resemblance Between the Old Testament and the New.
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/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 10 the resemblance between.htm

In the Creation of the World, and all Things in It, the True God ...
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God, in the ... the immense treasures of wisdom and goodness exhibited in the ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 14 in the creation.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... The whole book exhibited many marks of antiquity in its construction, and much ... the
administration of angels, and translated by the gift and power of God.". ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

Against Heresies
... could not have been separated from herself, or exhibited special tendencies of ... King,
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