Topical Bible: Power of God in the Destruction of the Wicked

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The power of God in the destruction of the wicked is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, illustrating His sovereignty, justice, and holiness. This divine power is manifested in various ways, from direct intervention to the orchestration of events that lead to the downfall of those who oppose His will.

Old Testament Examples

In the Old Testament, the power of God is vividly displayed in the destruction of the wicked. One of the most notable examples is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Genesis 19:24-25 states, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground." This event underscores God's ability to execute judgment swiftly and decisively.

Another significant instance is the plagues of Egypt, where God demonstrated His power over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. In Exodus 9:15-16 , God declares, "For by now I could have stretched out My hand and struck you and your people with a plague to wipe you off the earth. But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." The plagues culminated in the death of the firstborn, leading to the liberation of the Israelites.

New Testament Insights

The New Testament continues to affirm God's power in the destruction of the wicked, often with an eschatological focus. In 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 , Paul writes, "After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels in blazing fire. He will inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might."

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid portrayal of God's ultimate judgment against the wicked. Revelation 19:11-16 describes Christ as a warrior king, executing judgment: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war. His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that only He Himself knows. He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is The Word of God."

Theological Implications

The power of God in the destruction of the wicked serves as a reminder of His holiness and justice. It underscores the reality that God cannot tolerate sin and will ultimately hold the wicked accountable. This theme also serves as a warning to those who persist in rebellion against God, emphasizing the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

Throughout Scripture, the destruction of the wicked is not only a demonstration of God's power but also a vindication of His righteousness. It assures believers that evil will not prevail and that God's kingdom will be established in righteousness and peace.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 9:16
And in very deed for this cause have I raised you up, for to show in you my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.
Nave's Topical Index

Romans 9:22
What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction.
... Daniel, in vision, saw the same persecuting power symbolized by ... coming,"
2:Thess.2:3-8. The destruction of that ... and of the establishment of the kingdom of ...
/.../a brief commentary on the apocalypse/rejoicing over babylons destruction.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... and human friends in its familiarity, mutual confidence, and power. ... the fact that
the impending destruction was to ... zeal for the honour of God's government was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Further Exposure of the Wicked and Blasphemous Doctrines of the ...
... been mentioned, they will [of necessity] pass into the destruction of fire. ... creation,
and [3280] did all things truly through the power of God, according to ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxxii further exposure of the.htm

Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ...
... his immutable decree had once for all doomed them to destruction. ... the wicked hear
these things, they complain that God abuses his inordinate power; to make ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 24 election confirmed by.htm

Elijah the Tishbite
... be shown the folly of trusting to the power of Baal ... And jealous for the honor of
God's cause, he did ... though to obey seemed to invite swift destruction at the ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 9 elijah the tishbite.htm

Of the Eternal Election, by which God Has Predestinated Some to ...
... should be predestinated to salvation, and others to destruction. ... that on those with
whom God makes the ... Spirit of regeneration, by whose power they persevere in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 21 of the eternal.htm

Desolation of the Earth.
... once crowned them with laurels, will be raised for their destruction. ... has been in
progress; the Son of God and His ... have been in conflict with the power of the ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /41 desolation of the earth.htm

Agency of Evil Spirits.
... shelter and deliverance in the superior power of our ... Their only delight is in misery
and destruction. ... and yield to Satan's temptations, until God gives them up ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /31 agency of evil spirits.htm

The Destruction of Jerusalem.
... as in the time of Jerusalem's destruction, God's people will ... in the clouds of heaven
with power and great ... 51) Like Israel of old, the wicked destroy themselves ...
/.../1 the destruction of jerusalem.htm

Desolation of the Earth
... once crowned them with laurels will be raised for their destruction. ... has been in
progress; the Son of God and His ... have been in conflict with the power of the ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 41 desolation of the.htm