Topical Encyclopedia
God's dominion refers to His supreme authority and control over all creation. This concept is foundational in Scripture, emphasizing God's sovereignty, power, and governance over the universe. The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate ruler, whose will is executed throughout heaven and earth.
In
Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with the declaration, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This establishes God's dominion from the outset, as the Creator of all things. His authority is further affirmed in
Psalm 103:19, which states, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all."
The dominion of God is not limited to the physical realm but extends to the spiritual as well. In
Daniel 4:34-35, King Nebuchadnezzar acknowledges God's eternal dominion after his period of humbling: "His dominion is an everlasting dominion, and His kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth."
God's dominion is also evident in His control over nations and history.
Proverbs 21:1 illustrates this by stating, "The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases." This highlights God's ability to guide the course of human events according to His divine purpose.
The New Testament reaffirms God's dominion through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In
Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is a testament to God's dominion being exercised through Christ, who is seated at the right hand of God, reigning over all (
Ephesians 1:20-22).
Fear of GodThe fear of God is a profound reverence and awe for the Almighty, recognizing His holiness, power, and justice. It is a central theme in Scripture, serving as the foundation for wisdom, obedience, and worship.
Proverbs 9:10 states, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This verse underscores the importance of fearing God as the starting point for true knowledge and discernment. The fear of God leads to a life aligned with His will, as seen in
Proverbs 8:13: "To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate arrogant pride, evil conduct, and perverse speech."
The fear of God is not merely an emotional response but a guiding principle for righteous living. In
Ecclesiastes 12:13, the conclusion of the matter is presented: "Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." This encapsulates the essence of a life devoted to God, where fear leads to obedience and devotion.
In the New Testament, the fear of God continues to be a vital aspect of the believer's life.
Acts 9:31 describes the early church as "walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit." This balance of fear and comfort reflects a mature relationship with God, characterized by reverence and trust.
The fear of God also serves as a deterrent against sin. In
2 Corinthians 7:1, Paul exhorts believers to "cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." This call to holiness is motivated by a reverent fear that acknowledges God's righteous standards and the consequences of disobedience.
Ultimately, the fear of God is a recognition of His majesty and an acknowledgment of our dependence on Him. It is a fear that draws us closer to God, fostering a deeper relationship with the Creator and Sustainer of all things.