Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview:The concept of God's establishment refers to the divine act of setting up, ordaining, or instituting something according to His sovereign will and purpose. This encompasses the creation of the world, the establishment of covenants, the founding of the nation of Israel, the establishment of the Church, and the ultimate establishment of God's eternal kingdom. God's establishment is a demonstration of His authority, power, and faithfulness throughout biblical history.
Creation:The Bible begins with the establishment of the universe by God's command.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational act of creation is a testament to God's sovereign power and His ability to bring order out of chaos. The establishment of the natural order, including the separation of light from darkness and the creation of living beings, reflects God's intentional design and purpose.
Covenants:Throughout Scripture, God establishes covenants with His people as a means of relationship and promise. The Noahic Covenant (
Genesis 9:8-17) establishes God's promise never to destroy the earth by flood again, symbolized by the rainbow. The Abrahamic Covenant (
Genesis 12:1-3) establishes God's promise to make Abraham a great nation and to bless all nations through him. The Mosaic Covenant (Exodus 19-24) establishes the law and the nation of Israel as God's chosen people. The Davidic Covenant (
2 Samuel 7:12-16) establishes the promise of an everlasting kingdom through David's lineage, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
The Nation of Israel:God's establishment of Israel as a nation is a central theme in the Old Testament. In
Exodus 19:5-6, God declares, "Now if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, you will be My treasured possession out of all the nations—for the whole earth is Mine. And unto Me you shall be a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." Israel's establishment as a nation set apart for God's purposes is a testament to His faithfulness and His plan for redemption.
The Church:In the New Testament, God's establishment of the Church marks a new phase in His redemptive plan. Jesus declares in
Matthew 16:18, "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it." The Church is established as the body of Christ, a community of believers called to spread the Gospel and live out God's kingdom values on earth.
The Kingdom of God:The ultimate establishment of God's kingdom is a future hope and reality. The prophetic writings and teachings of Jesus point to a time when God's rule will be fully realized.
Revelation 21:1-3 describes the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth, where God will dwell with His people: "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying: 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.'"
Conclusion:The theme of God's establishment runs throughout the Bible, revealing His sovereign will and purpose in creation, covenant, nationhood, the Church, and the coming kingdom. Each act of establishment is a testament to God's authority, faithfulness, and redemptive plan for humanity.