Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of the power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His omnipotence, sovereignty, and authority over all creation. The power of God is not only a testament to His ability to create and sustain the universe but also a demonstration of His active involvement in the lives of His people. This entry explores the multifaceted nature of God's power as revealed in Scripture.
Creation and SustenanceThe power of God is first and foremost evident in the act of creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse underscores God's supreme power to bring the universe into existence ex nihilo, or out of nothing. The psalmist echoes this sentiment in
Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." God's creative power is not limited to the initial act of creation but extends to His ongoing sustenance of the world.
Hebrews 1:3 affirms, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word."
Miraculous WorksThroughout the biblical narrative, God's power is displayed through miraculous works that defy natural laws. In the Old Testament, the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12), the parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22), and the provision of manna in the wilderness (
Exodus 16:4) are all manifestations of His mighty power. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, performs numerous miracles, including healing the sick, raising the dead, and calming storms, as recorded in the Gospels. These acts serve as signs of God's kingdom and His authority over creation.
Salvation and RedemptionThe power of God is most profoundly demonstrated in the work of salvation and redemption.
Romans 1:16 declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of God's redemptive power, as it conquers sin and death.
Ephesians 1:19-20 speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. He displayed this power in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead."
Judgment and JusticeGod's power is also evident in His role as the righteous judge. Throughout Scripture, God exercises His power to execute justice and judgment upon nations and individuals. The prophetic books often highlight God's power in bringing about His purposes through judgment.
Isaiah 40:10 proclaims, "Behold, the Lord GOD comes with power, and His arm establishes His rule. His reward is with Him, and His recompense accompanies Him." The book of Revelation further reveals God's ultimate power in the final judgment and the establishment of a new heaven and earth.
Empowerment of BelieversThe power of God is not only an external force but also an empowering presence within believers.
Acts 1:8 promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This empowerment enables believers to live out their faith, perform acts of service, and bear witness to the gospel.
Ephesians 3:20-21 reminds believers of the power at work within them: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."
ConclusionThe power of God is a profound and pervasive theme in the Bible, revealing His ability to create, sustain, redeem, judge, and empower. It is a testament to His divine nature and His active involvement in the world and the lives of His people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 79:11Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you; according to the greatness of your power preserve you those that are appointed to die;
Torrey's Topical TextbookNahum 1:3
The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD has his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Strong's Hebrew
410. el -- God, in pl. gods... strong (1).
God, goodly,
great, idol, mighty one,
power, strong. Shortened
from 'ayil; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially
... /hebrew/410.htm - 6kLibrary
The Great Power of God
... CHAPTER XIV THE GREAT POWER OF GOD. WHEN the Master had finished his sermon,
he went down from the pulpit, and read the service. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xiv the great power.htm
Conclusion, the Romans Owe not their Imperial Power to their Gods ...
... Chapter XVII. "Conclusion, the Romans Owe Not Their Imperial Power to Their Gods
The Great God Alone Dispenses Kingdoms, He is the God of the Christians. ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter xvii conclusion the romans.htm
The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... in abeyance for the advance of any great movement"it ... possibilities"they are limited
only by the omnipotence of God. ... but a vague idea of the power of prayer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm
Christ, the Great Teacher
... He proclaimed not only the power, but the Fatherhood of God. When He taught His
disciples how to pray He began His immortal prayer not with "Great God of the ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study i christ the great.htm
Witnessing in Power.
... and that is why, I believe, that the Spirit of God don't work with power in our ... and
thousands are sitting in darkness, knowing not of this great Light, but ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/witnessing in power.htm
The Necessity for Praying Men
... leaders in carrying forward the work of God's kingdom in ... by the preached Word, delivered
in the power of the ... Men are demanded for the great work of soul saving ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/iii the necessity for praying.htm
Power "In" and "Upon. "
... though Christian men and women have the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, yet He is
not dwelling within them in power; in other words, God has a great many sons ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/secret power/chapter ii power in and.htm
In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... Praying women and children are invaluable to God, but if their praying is not
supplemented by praying men, there will be a great loss in the power of prayer ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm
Prayer and God's Work
... Shall life and power impart; Give me the faith that casts out sin,. And purifies
the heart.". In carrying on His great work in the world, God works through human ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/vii prayer and gods work.htm
Modern Examples of Prayer
... life, a life whose days are spent in communion with God, in trying to reach the
source of power, is the ... The great world may take no account of them. ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xi modern examples of prayer.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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