Topical Encyclopedia
Majesty of GodThe majesty of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His supreme power, authority, and grandeur. The term "majesty" conveys the idea of greatness and splendor, attributes that are consistently ascribed to God in Scripture. In the Old Testament, the majesty of God is often depicted through His creation and His mighty acts.
Psalm 93:1 declares, "The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved." This verse emphasizes God's sovereign rule and the stability of His creation, underscoring His majestic nature.
The prophet Isaiah also speaks of God's majesty, particularly in
Isaiah 6:1-3 , where he describes a vision of the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, with the train of His robe filling the temple. The seraphim call out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth." This passage highlights the overwhelming presence and holiness of God, aspects of His majestic character.
In the New Testament, the majesty of God is revealed through the person and work of Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 1:3 states, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word." Here, Christ is portrayed as the embodiment of God's majesty, reflecting His glory and sustaining the universe by His command.
Mystery of GodThe mystery of God refers to the aspects of His nature and plan that are beyond human comprehension. While God has revealed Himself through Scripture and creation, there remain elements of His being and purposes that are inscrutable.
Deuteronomy 29:29 affirms this, stating, "The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may follow all the words of this law." This verse acknowledges that while God has disclosed certain truths, there are divine mysteries that remain hidden.
The Apostle Paul frequently addresses the mystery of God in his epistles, particularly in relation to the gospel and the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. In
Ephesians 3:4-6 , Paul writes, "In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus." Here, the mystery pertains to the unfolding of God's salvation plan, which was previously concealed but is now revealed in Christ.
The mystery of God also encompasses the depth of His wisdom and knowledge.
Romans 11:33 exclaims, "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable His judgments, and untraceable His ways!" This passage reflects the awe and wonder that believers experience when contemplating the infinite and unfathomable nature of God.
Interplay of Majesty and MysteryThe majesty and mystery of God are intertwined, as His majestic attributes often lead to a recognition of His mysterious nature. The grandeur of God evokes reverence and worship, while His inscrutable ways inspire humility and trust. Together, these aspects of God's character invite believers to a deeper relationship with Him, grounded in awe and faith.