Topical Encyclopedia The concept of God's infinite power, often referred to as "omnipotence," is a central tenet in Christian theology, underscoring the belief that God possesses unlimited authority and ability. This attribute of God is foundational to understanding His nature and His interactions with creation.Biblical Foundation The Bible is replete with references to God's infinite power. In the Old Testament, the power of God is vividly displayed in the act of creation. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This verse sets the stage for understanding God's power as the Creator of all things, ex nihilo (out of nothing). The psalmist echoes this sentiment in Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." God's power is also demonstrated through His sovereignty over nature and history. In Job 26:14, Job reflects on God's power, saying, "Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?" This passage highlights the incomprehensible magnitude of God's power, which is only partially revealed to humanity. In the New Testament, God's power is manifested through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:16-17 affirms, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This passage underscores the belief that Christ is the agent of creation and sustainer of the universe, reflecting the divine power inherent in Him. Miracles as Expressions of Divine Power Throughout the Bible, miracles serve as tangible expressions of God's infinite power. The parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14:21-22), the provision of manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4-5), and the numerous healings and exorcisms performed by Jesus (e.g., Matthew 8:16) are all demonstrations of God's ability to intervene supernaturally in the natural order. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the pinnacle of divine power, as it signifies victory over sin and death. Romans 1:4 declares, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." This event is central to Christian faith, affirming God's power to grant eternal life to believers. God's Power in Salvation and Sanctification God's infinite power is not only evident in creation and miracles but also in the work of salvation and sanctification. Ephesians 1:19-20 speaks of "the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. He displayed this power in the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms." This passage highlights the transformative power of God in the lives of believers, enabling them to live in accordance with His will. The apostle Paul further emphasizes this in Philippians 2:13, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." Here, God's power is seen as active in the believer's life, guiding and empowering them to fulfill His purposes. Theological Implications The doctrine of God's infinite power has profound theological implications. It assures believers of God's ability to fulfill His promises, as stated in Isaiah 55:11, "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 assurance provides a foundation for faith and trust in God's providence and plan. Moreover, God's omnipotence is a source of comfort and hope, particularly in times of trial and uncertainty. Psalm 46:1 proclaims, "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble." Believers are encouraged to rely on God's power, knowing that He is both willing and able to sustain and deliver them. In summary, the infinite power of God is a central and defining attribute that permeates the biblical narrative, revealing His majesty, authority, and love for His creation. Through His power, God creates, sustains, redeems, and sanctifies, inviting believers to trust in His sovereign and benevolent will. Subtopics God for Other Anthropomorphic Scriptures by Israel God for Other Anthropomorphic Scriptures: Saul God in the Banishment of John to Patmos God in Turning the Heart of the King of Assyria to Favor the Jews God is Declared to Be: A Consuming Fire God is Declared to Be: Compassionate God is Declared to Be: Eternal God is Declared to Be: Faithful God is Declared to Be: Glorious God is Declared to Be: Gracious God is Declared to Be: Immortal God is Declared to Be: Immutable God is Declared to Be: Incorruptible God is Declared to Be: Invisible God is Declared to Be: Jealous God is Declared to Be: Long-Suffering God is Declared to Be: Merciful God is Declared to Be: Most High God is Declared to Be: Omnipotent God is Declared to Be: Omnipresent God is Declared to Be: Omniscient God is Declared to Be: Only-Wise God is Declared to Be: Perfect God is Declared to Be: Righteous God is Declared to Be: Unsearchable God is Declared to Be: Upright God Loving all of his Children God: Appearances of To Abraham God: Appearances of To Ezekiel God: Appearances of To Jacob, at Beth-El God: Appearances of To Moses and Joshua God: Appearances of To Moses, at Sinai God: Appearances of To Moses, in the Flaming Bush God: Appearances of To Solomon God: Delaying and Destroying Pharaoh God: Delivering the Israelites God: Feeding Elijah and the Widow God: Fighting the Battles of Israel God: Preserver in Delivering from the Oppressions of the King of Syria God: Preserver in Exempting the Land of Goshen from the Plague of Darkness God: Preserver in Exempting the Land of Goshen from the Plague of Flies God: Preserver in Giving Peace With Other Nations God: Preserver in Preserving Their Cattle from the Plague of Murrain, God: Preserver in Saving the Firstborn, when the Plague of Death Destroyed the Firstborn of Egypt, God: Preserver in the Wilderness God: Preserver: As he Journeyed in the Land of Canaan God: Preserver: Daniel and the Three Hebrew Captives God: Preserver: Deliverance from Egypt, God: Preserver: Delivering Israel by Jeroboam Ii God: Preserver: Delivering the Kingdom of Israel from Syria God: Preserver: Delivering Them from the Army of the Assyrians God: Preserver: Jeremah and Baruch God: Preserver: Jesus and his Parents God: Preserver: On Account of Samuel's Intercession God: Preserver: Paul and Silas God: Preserver: The Ethiopian Host God: Preserver: The Wise Men of the East God: Preserver: To Abraham and Sarah, in Egypt God: Preserver: To Hagar, when Abraham Cast Her Out God: Preserver: To Jacob, when he Fled from Laban, his Father-In-Law God: Preserver: To Joseph, in Egypt God: Preserver: To Lot, when Sodom Was Destroyed God: Preserver: To Moses, in his Infancy God: Preserver: To Noah and his Family, at the Time of the Flood God: Preserver: To the Israelites, in Bringing About Their Deliverance from Bondage God: Preserver: To the Kingdom of Judah: in Delivering from Egypt God: Preserver: Under Jephthah God: Preserver: Victories Over the Canaanites Under Joshua God: Preserver: when he Met Esau God: Protecting Abraham, Sarah, and Abimelech God: Protection of Homes While at Feasts God: Providence of, Mysterious and Misinterpreted God: Providence of, Overruling Interpositions of The God: Purifying the Waters of Marah God: Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem God: Restoring Manasseh After his Conversion God: should be Worshipped in Spirit and in Truth God: Special Grace: To Abraham God: Special Grace: To Solomon God: Supplying Manna and Quail God: Supplying Water at Meribah God: Symbolized by the Darkness of the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle God: Symbolized by the General Structure of the Most Holy Place, See God: Symbolized by the Pillar of Fire God: The Revolt of the Ten Tribes God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To God: Warning Pharaoh About the Famine God: Warning the Wise Men from the East Sarcasm: God Reproaching Israel Related Terms |