Topical Encyclopedia
Introduction: The deeds of God, as recorded in the Bible, encompass His acts of creation, providence, judgment, redemption, and ongoing involvement in the world. These deeds reveal His character, power, and purpose, and they serve as a testament to His sovereignty and faithfulness.
Creation: The Bible begins with the account of God's creative work. In
Genesis 1:1, it is written, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational act demonstrates God's omnipotence and His role as the originator of all things. The creation narrative continues to describe how God spoke the universe into existence, culminating in the creation of humanity in His own image (
Genesis 1:27).
Providence: God's providential care is evident throughout Scripture. He sustains and governs all things, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. In
Matthew 6:26, Jesus teaches, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" This passage highlights God's ongoing provision and care for His creation.
Judgment: God's deeds also include acts of judgment, which serve to uphold His holiness and justice. The flood in
Genesis 6-9 is a prime example, where God judged the wickedness of humanity but preserved Noah and his family. Similarly, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in
Genesis 19 demonstrates God's judgment against sin. In the New Testament, the final judgment is described in
Revelation 20:12, where the dead are judged according to their deeds.
Redemption: Central to God's deeds is His work of redemption. The deliverance of the Israelites from Egypt, as recounted in Exodus, is a foreshadowing of the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, God's redemptive deed is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
John 3:16 declares, "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 act of love and sacrifice is the cornerstone of Christian faith.
Miracles: Throughout the Bible, God performs miracles that reveal His power and authority. In the Old Testament, miracles such as the parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-22) and the provision of manna (
Exodus 16:14-15) demonstrate God's ability to intervene in the natural order. In the New Testament, Jesus' miracles, including healing the sick and raising the dead, affirm His divine nature and mission (
Matthew 11:4-5).
Covenants: God's deeds also include the establishment of covenants with His people. These covenants, such as those with Noah (
Genesis 9:8-17), Abraham (
Genesis 12:1-3), and David (
2 Samuel 7:12-16), reveal His commitment to His promises and His plan for salvation. The New Covenant, established through Jesus' sacrifice, is described in
Hebrews 8:10: "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord. I will put My laws in their minds and inscribe them on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they will be My people."
Guidance and Revelation: God's deeds include guiding and revealing His will to His people. He led the Israelites through the wilderness with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night (
Exodus 13:21). Through the prophets, God communicated His messages and intentions, as seen in
Amos 3:7: "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets."
Conclusion: The deeds of God, as recorded in the Bible, are a testament to His character and His relationship with humanity. They reveal His power, justice, mercy, and love, and they invite believers to trust in His sovereign plan.