Topical Encyclopedia
ProvisionGod's provision is a central theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His care and sustenance for His creation. From the very beginning, God is depicted as the ultimate provider. In Genesis, God creates the world and provides everything necessary for life, including food, water, and companionship (
Genesis 1:29-30). This foundational act of provision sets the stage for understanding God's ongoing care for humanity.
In the Old Testament, God's provision is evident in His relationship with the Israelites. During their exodus from Egypt, God provides manna from heaven and water from a rock to sustain them in the wilderness (
Exodus 16:4, 17:6). These acts demonstrate God's ability to provide in miraculous ways, even in the most challenging circumstances. The psalmist reflects on God's provision, stating, "The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want" (
Psalm 23:1), emphasizing trust in God's continual care.
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about God's provision in the Sermon on the Mount. He encourages His followers not to worry about their needs, saying, "Look at the birds of the air: They do not sow or reap or gather into barns—and yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (
Matthew 6:26). This teaching underscores the belief that God knows and meets the needs of His people.
The apostle Paul also speaks of God's provision, assuring believers that "my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (
Philippians 4:19). This promise highlights the sufficiency of God's provision through Christ, who is the ultimate gift to humanity.
JusticeGod's justice is another fundamental attribute revealed in Scripture. It is rooted in His holy and righteous nature, ensuring that He acts with fairness and equity. The Bible consistently portrays God as a just judge who upholds righteousness and punishes wickedness.
In the Old Testament, God's justice is evident in His laws given to Israel. The Mosaic Law reflects God's standards of justice, emphasizing fairness, protection for the vulnerable, and retribution for wrongdoing (Exodus 21-23). The prophets frequently call Israel back to justice, reminding them of God's requirement to "act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God" (
Micah 6:8).
God's justice is also demonstrated in His dealings with nations. He judges the wickedness of nations like Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and uses other nations as instruments of judgment against Israel when they stray from His commands (
Isaiah 10:5-6). These actions affirm that God's justice extends beyond individual actions to encompass entire communities and nations.
In the New Testament, Jesus embodies God's justice. He confronts religious hypocrisy and defends the oppressed, exemplifying God's concern for justice. Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's justice, as it satisfies the penalty for sin while offering mercy to sinners (
Romans 3:25-26).
The final judgment, as described in Revelation, further underscores God's justice. The righteous are rewarded, and the wicked are punished, affirming that God's justice will ultimately prevail (
Revelation 20:12-15). This eschatological vision assures believers that God's justice is not only a present reality but also a future certainty.
In summary, God's provision and justice are integral aspects of His character, consistently revealed throughout Scripture. They assure believers of His care and fairness, encouraging trust and obedience in His sovereign plan.