Divine Life

The concept of Divine Life in the Bible refers to the eternal and abundant life that originates from God and is imparted to believers through faith in Jesus Christ. This life is not merely biological existence but a spiritual vitality that transcends physical death. In John 10:10, Jesus declares, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness." This fullness of life is characterized by a relationship with God, marked by peace, joy, and righteousness through the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

Divine Life is also eternal, as seen in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This eternal life is a present possession for believers, as well as a future hope, as Jesus promises in John 11:25-26, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die."

The source of Divine Life is God Himself, who is described as the "living God" (1 Timothy 4:10) and the "fountain of life" (Psalm 36:9). Believers partake in this life through union with Christ, as expressed in Galatians 2:20, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Divine Authority

Divine Authority refers to the supreme power and right of God to govern all creation according to His will and purpose. This authority is inherent in God's nature as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with the assertion of God's authority: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." God's authority is absolute and unchallenged, as He declares in Isaiah 46:10, "My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please."

The authority of God is also manifested in His Word. The Scriptures are regarded as divinely inspired and authoritative for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus affirmed the authority of Scripture in His ministry, often quoting it as the final word on matters of faith and practice (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10).

Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, possesses divine authority. In Matthew 28:18, He states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His resurrection from the dead. Jesus exercises His authority to forgive sins (Mark 2:10), command nature (Mark 4:39), and judge the living and the dead (John 5:27).

Believers are called to submit to divine authority, recognizing God's sovereignty and lordship over their lives. This submission is expressed through obedience to God's commands and alignment with His will, as seen in James 4:7, "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." The acknowledgment of divine authority brings order, purpose, and blessing to the life of the believer, as they live under the rule of a just and loving God.