Topical Encyclopedia
The power and strength of God are central themes throughout the Bible, reflecting His omnipotence, sovereignty, and ability to accomplish His divine will. God's power is evident in creation, His acts in history, His deliverance of His people, and His ultimate plan for redemption.
Creation and Sustaining PowerThe Bible begins with a profound demonstration of God's power in creation.
Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This act of creation ex nihilo (out of nothing) underscores God's unparalleled power.
Psalm 33:6-9 further emphasizes this, "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."
God's sustaining power is also highlighted in Scripture.
Colossians 1:17 affirms, "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together." This verse reveals that not only did God create the universe, but He also maintains its existence through His power.
Deliverance and Miraculous ActsThroughout the Old Testament, God's power is displayed in His deliverance of Israel. The Exodus from Egypt is a paramount example. In
Exodus 14:21-22, God parts the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army: "Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land."
The power of God is also evident in the miracles performed by the prophets. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (
1 Kings 18:20-39) showcases God's power to consume the sacrifice with fire from heaven, proving His supremacy over false gods.
Strength in Human WeaknessGod's strength is often made perfect in human weakness. In
2 Corinthians 12:9, the Apostle Paul recounts God's words to him: "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This principle is a recurring theme, as seen in the account of Gideon (Judges 6-7), where God uses a small, unlikely army to defeat the Midianites, demonstrating that victory comes through His strength, not human might.
Redemption and ResurrectionThe ultimate display of God's power is found in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:4 declares, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." The resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith, affirming God's power over sin and death and His ability to grant eternal life to believers.
God's Power in the Believer's LifeBelievers are encouraged to rely on God's power in their daily lives.
Ephesians 3:20-21 speaks to this: "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." This passage assures Christians that God's power is active and available to them, enabling them to live out their faith and fulfill His purposes.
Eschatological PowerThe Bible also speaks of God's power in the context of the end times.
Revelation 19:6 proclaims, "Then I heard a sound like the roar of a great multitude, like the rushing of many waters, and like a mighty rumbling of thunder, crying out: 'Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns.'" This vision of God's ultimate victory and reign underscores His sovereign power over all creation and history.
In summary, the power and strength of God are foundational to understanding His nature and His interactions with the world. From creation to redemption, and in the lives of believers, God's power is a source of awe, comfort, and hope.