Efficacy
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Efficacy, in a biblical context, refers to the power or capacity to produce a desired effect or result, particularly in relation to God's will, His Word, and the work of the Holy Spirit. The concept of efficacy is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's sovereignty and the effectiveness of His actions and promises.

Divine Efficacy

The efficacy of God's will is a central theme in Scripture. Isaiah 55:11 states, "so My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty, but it will accomplish what I please, and it will prosper where I send it." This verse underscores the certainty and effectiveness of God's Word in achieving His purposes. God's plans are not thwarted by human actions or circumstances, as His will is ultimately accomplished.

Efficacy of Prayer

Prayer is another area where efficacy is emphasized. James 5:16 declares, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This highlights the belief that prayer, when offered in faith and righteousness, is effective and can lead to significant outcomes. The efficacy of prayer is not based on human merit but on God's faithfulness and His willingness to respond to the petitions of His people.

Efficacy of Faith

Faith is portrayed as a powerful and effective force in the life of a believer. In Matthew 17:20 , Jesus tells His disciples, "Truly I tell you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you." This metaphor illustrates the potential and efficacy of even a small amount of genuine faith in God.

Efficacy of the Holy Spirit

The work of the Holy Spirit is efficacious in transforming lives and empowering believers. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus 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." The Holy Spirit's presence and power enable believers to fulfill their mission and live according to God's purposes.

Efficacy of the Gospel

The Gospel message is inherently efficacious, as it is the power of God for salvation. Romans 1:16 affirms, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." The Gospel's efficacy lies in its ability to bring about spiritual transformation and redemption for those who accept it by faith.

Efficacy of God's Promises

The promises of God are reliable and effective. Hebrews 10:23 encourages believers to "hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." The efficacy of God's promises is grounded in His unchanging nature and faithfulness, assuring believers that what He has promised will come to pass.

In summary, the concept of efficacy in the Bible is closely tied to the power and reliability of God's actions, His Word, and His Spirit. It assures believers of the effectiveness of their faith, prayers, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(n.) Power to produce; production of the effect intended, as, the efficacy of medicine; the efficacy of prayer.
Greek
1411. dunamis -- (miraculous) power, might, strength
... Spelling: (doo'-nam-is) Short Definition: might, power, marvelous works Definition:
(a) physical power, force, might, ability, efficacy, energy, meaning (b ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1411.htm - 8k
Library

On the Efficacy of the Scriptures
... DISPUTATION X ON THE EFFICACY OF THE SCRIPTURES. When we treat on the force
and efficacy of the word of God, whether spoken or written ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation x on the efficacy.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ...
... DISPUTATION 9 ON THE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND EFFICACY OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD
CONCERNING EVIL. RESPONDENT: RALPH DE ZYLL I. Among the ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 9 on the righteousness.htm

Efficacy of the Gospel.
... TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY. 293. " Efficacy of the Gospel. 293. HM Doddridge. Efficacy
of the Gospel. 1 Mark the soft-falling snow, And the descending rain! ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/293 efficacy of the.htm

On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God
... DISPUTATION 10 ON THE RIGHTEOUSNESS AND EFFICACY OF THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD.
CONCERNING EVIL RESPONDENT: GERARD ADRIANS. I. The consideration ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 10 on the righteousness.htm

Efficacy of United and Faithful Prayer.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CXIV. Efficacy of united and faithful Prayer. 8.6.8.6
James Montgomery. Efficacy of united and faithful Prayer. ...
/.../montgomery/sacred poems and hymns/hymn cxiv efficacy of united.htm

The Answer on the Efficacy of Understanding, which is Gained by ...
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter IX. The answer on the efficacy
of understanding, which is gained by experience. Isaac ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter ix the answer on 2.htm

Doctor Martin Luther on the Power and Efficacy of Indulgences
... DISPUTATION OF DOCTOR MARTIN LUTHER ON THE POWER AND EFFICACY OF INDULGENCES.
OCTOBER 31, 1517 Out of love for the truth and the ...
/.../luther/martin luthers 95 theses/disputation of doctor martin luther.htm

Of the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace
... THE THIRD BOOK. ON INWARD CONSOLATION CHAPTER LV Of the corruption of Nature
and the efficacy of Divine Grace. O Lord my God, who ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter lv of the corruption.htm

The Fifty-Fifth Chapter: the Corruption of Nature and the Efficacy ...
... BOOK THREE. INTERNAL CONSOLATION The Fifty-Fifth Chapter: The Corruption
of Nature and the Efficacy of Divine Grace. The Disciple ...
/.../kempis/the imitation of christ/the fifty-fifth chapter the corruption.htm

It is Divine Instruction Only which Bestows Wisdom; and of what ...
... Of the False Wisdom of Philosophers. Chap. XXVI."It is Divine Instruction Only
Which Bestows Wisdom; And of What Efficacy the Law of God is. ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xxvi it is divine instruction.htm

Thesaurus
Efficacy (3 Occurrences)
... (n.) Power to produce; production of the effect intended, as, the efficacy
of medicine; the efficacy of prayer. ...Efficacy (3 Occurrences). ...
/e/efficacy.htm - 7k

Avail (15 Occurrences)
... 3. (vi) To be of use or advantage; to answer the purpose; to have strength, force,
or efficacy sufficient to accomplish the object; as, the plea in bar must ...
/a/avail.htm - 11k

Virtue (21 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) Active quality or power; capacity or power adequate to the production of
a given effect; energy; strength; potency; efficacy; as, the virtue of a ...
/v/virtue.htm - 16k

Sacraments
... character of the Lord's Supper. 4. Efficacy: In the New Testament the sacraments
are presented as means of grace. Forgiveness (Acts 2:38 ...
/s/sacraments.htm - 19k

Charm (5 Occurrences)
... alluring quality. 4. (n.) Anything worn for its supposed efficacy to the
wearer in averting ill or securing good fortune. 5. (n.) Any ...
/c/charm.htm - 14k

Effort (16 Occurrences)

/e/effort.htm - 11k

Subapostolic
... chapter i, xxxvi); (3) to the atonement: Clement ascribes to Christ's death not
merely subjective moral influence, but objective vicarious efficacy in securing ...
/s/subapostolic.htm - 38k

Sub-apostolic
... chapter i, xxxvi); (3) to the atonement: Clement ascribes to Christ's death not
merely subjective moral influence, but objective vicarious efficacy in securing ...
/s/sub-apostolic.htm - 38k

Virtuous (5 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Exhibiting manly courage and strength; valorous; valiant; brave. 3. (a.)
Having power or efficacy; powerfully operative; efficacious; potent. ...
/v/virtuous.htm - 8k

Vain (141 Occurrences)
... unsatisfying. 2. (superl.) Destitute of forge or efficacy; effecting no purpose;
fruitless; ineffectual; as, vain toil; a vain attempt. 3 ...
/v/vain.htm - 36k

Resources
Is there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about how to get baptized / how to baptize? | GotQuestions.org

What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org

Efficacy: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Efficacy (3 Occurrences)

Hebrews 9:10
For their efficacy depends only on meats and drinks and various washings, ceremonies pertaining to the body and imposed until a time of reformation.
(WEY)

Hebrews 10:12
this Priest, on the contrary, after offering for sins a single sacrifice of perpetual efficacy, took His seat at God's right hand,
(WEY)

Revelation 8:3
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he might give efficacy to the prayers of all saints at the golden altar which was before the throne.
(DBY)

Subtopics

Efficacy

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Efficacious
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