Topical Encyclopedia
The power of God in establishing and governing all things is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting His sovereignty, omnipotence, and divine authority over creation. This power is evident from the very beginning of Scripture and is consistently affirmed through the narratives, prophecies, and teachings found within the biblical text.
Creation and EstablishmentThe Bible begins with a profound declaration of God's creative power: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth" (
Genesis 1:1). This foundational statement sets the stage for understanding God's authority over all creation. The subsequent verses in
Genesis 1 describe how God spoke the universe into existence, demonstrating His power to establish the natural order by His word alone.
Psalm 33:6-9 further emphasizes this creative authority: "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."
Sovereignty and GovernanceGod's power is not limited to the act of creation but extends to His ongoing governance of the world. The Scriptures affirm that God actively sustains and directs all things according to His will.
Colossians 1:16-17 states, "For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible... all things were created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This passage highlights Christ's role in the divine governance of creation, underscoring the belief that nothing exists outside of God's sovereign control.
The book of Daniel provides a vivid illustration of God's governing power over human kingdoms. In
Daniel 2:21 , it is declared, "He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them." This verse reflects the biblical view that God is the ultimate authority over earthly rulers and nations, orchestrating history according to His divine purposes.
Providence and SustenanceGod's power in governing all things is also evident in His providential care for creation. The Bible teaches that God provides for the needs of His creatures, ensuring the continuity and flourishing of life. In
Matthew 6:26 , Jesus reassures His followers of God's provision: "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?" This passage illustrates God's attentive care and sustaining power over the natural world.
Divine Authority and JudgmentThe power of God in governance is further manifested in His authority to judge and execute justice. Throughout the Bible, God is portrayed as the righteous judge who holds individuals and nations accountable for their actions. In
Revelation 20:11-12 , the final judgment is depicted: "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it... And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened." This scene underscores God's ultimate authority to govern the moral order and bring about justice.
ConclusionThe power of God in establishing and governing all things is a testament to His unmatched authority and sovereignty. From creation to providence, and from governance to judgment, the Bible consistently affirms that God is the supreme ruler over all. His power is both a source of awe and a foundation for faith, inviting believers to trust in His perfect will and divine plan.
Nave's Topical Index
Psalm 65:6Which by his strength sets fast the mountains; being girded with power:
Nave's Topical IndexPsalm 66:7
He rules by his power for ever; his eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Rom. I. 8
... For he that had overcome the governing city, could easily go on to the ... seems to me
that more is here meant than the establishing and encouragement ... God's power. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily ii rom i 8.htm
The Preface.
... their proper and due effects in establishing men's happiness ... itself; yet to fancy
that God originally created a ... whether it be immediately the power and action ...
/.../clarke/a discourse concerning the being and attributes of god/the preface 2.htm
Allegation 3 "The Predestination of the Stoics, and the Fatalism ...
... something shall be done, and that of establishing an order in ... unless it be prevented
by that which has greater power. ... the act, if it wishes to obey God, and to ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 3/allegation 3 the predestination of.htm
Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ...
... And how the power of the heathen gods ceased after the ... of the son of God, and by
establishing with them ... of iniquity, and makes them likeLuke, xiii.7. unto God. ...
/.../xiii proposition xiii fourthly all.htm
The Object of Theology
... our preceding observations; (ii.) and in establishing the necessity of ... necessary
to obtain salvation from God, and to ... notion of the wisdom, power, goodness and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration i the object of.htm
Ephesians vi. 14-17
... which is after the Laver, has the power also to ... himself declares, is the word of
God, the gospel ... used by Romanists and Tractarians for establishing their views ...
/.../homily xxiv ephesians vi 14-17.htm
Proposition Though the Necessity and Indispensableness of all the ...
... things that are made, even his eternal power and godhead ... and by the same just judgment
of God, both their ... use and necessity there is, of establishing an order ...
/.../v proposition v though the.htm
The Kingdom of God: Its Tasks
... This great task of establishing a righteous social life ... give evidence of audacity
and high power energy ... 4. Does the Kingdom of God necessarily involve elements ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter v the kingdom of.htm
The Church and Her Mission, or the Three Constitutional Synods ...
... of every kind for the purpose of establishing a Sinking ... since the fall he has no
power whatever left ... by willing obedience to the commandments of God, from love ...
/.../hutton/history of the moravian church/chapter i the church and.htm
On the Sufficiency and Perfection of the Holy Scriptures In
... of governing, commanding and forbidding, of establishing and abrogating ... they may
reserve to themselves the power of producing ... Peter 1:19-21.) What God said and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 3 on the sufficiency.htm
Resources
What does the Bible say about how much power Christians possess? | GotQuestions.orgHow can we rely on the power of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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