Topical Encyclopedia
The power and majesty of God are central themes throughout the Bible, reflecting His supreme authority, sovereignty, and glory. These attributes are evident in His creation, His governance of the universe, and His redemptive acts in history.
Creation and SovereigntyGod's power is first revealed in the act of creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational verse underscores God's omnipotence, as He spoke the universe into existence.
Psalm 33:6-9 further emphasizes this, declaring, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth... For He spoke, and it came to be; He commanded, and it stood firm."
The majesty of God is also displayed in His sovereignty over creation.
Psalm 93:1 proclaims, "The LORD reigns, He is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and armed with strength." This imagery of God as a majestic king highlights His ultimate authority and control over all things.
Revelation and TheophanyThroughout Scripture, God's majesty is often revealed through theophanies, where His presence is made manifest in awe-inspiring ways. In
Exodus 19:16-19, God descends upon Mount Sinai in fire, with smoke, thunder, and the sound of a trumpet, demonstrating His majestic presence to the Israelites. Similarly,
Isaiah 6:1-4 describes the prophet's vision of the Lord seated on a high and exalted throne, with seraphim calling out, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth."
Redemption and SalvationGod's power is also evident in His redemptive work. The deliverance of Israel from Egypt is a prime example, where God demonstrates His might through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea (
Exodus 14:21-31). In the New Testament, the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate display of God's power over sin and death.
Romans 1:4 affirms that Jesus "was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead."
Sustaining and GoverningGod's power is not only creative and redemptive but also sustaining.
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." This verse highlights the continuous exercise of God's power in maintaining the universe.
Worship and ResponseThe appropriate response to God's power and majesty is worship and reverence.
Psalm 29:2 calls believers to "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness." The recognition of God's majesty leads to a life of obedience and awe, as seen in the doxologies of the New Testament, such as
Jude 1:25: "to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time, and now, and for all eternity. Amen."
ConclusionThe power and majesty of God are foundational to understanding His nature and His relationship with creation. These attributes inspire worship, trust, and obedience, as believers recognize the greatness of the God they serve.