Topical Encyclopedia
The power of Christ is a central theme in Christian theology, emphasizing His divine authority and ability to sustain the universe. This power is not only a testament to His divinity but also a source of comfort and assurance for believers, affirming that all creation is under His sovereign control.
Scriptural FoundationThe New Testament provides several key passages that highlight Christ's power in upholding all things. In the book of Hebrews, it is written, "The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word" (
Hebrews 1:3). This verse underscores the belief that Christ, as the Son of God, possesses the divine authority to maintain the order and existence of the universe through His word.
Similarly, the Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, affirms Christ's preeminence and sustaining power: "He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together" (
Colossians 1:17). This passage emphasizes that Christ is not only the agent of creation but also the one who continuously sustains it, ensuring its coherence and stability.
Christ's Authority Over CreationThe Gospels provide numerous accounts of Christ's authority over the natural world, further illustrating His power. In the calming of the storm, Jesus demonstrates His command over the elements: "Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm" (
Matthew 8:26). This miracle reveals His dominion over nature, reinforcing the belief that He upholds all things.
Moreover, Christ's power is evident in His ability to heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform other miracles, showcasing His authority over life and death. These acts are not merely demonstrations of compassion but also affirmations of His divine power to sustain and restore creation.
Theological ImplicationsThe power of Christ in upholding all things has profound theological implications. It affirms His divinity, as only God possesses the authority to sustain the universe. This belief is rooted in the doctrine of the Trinity, where Christ is recognized as fully God, sharing in the divine nature and attributes.
Furthermore, Christ's sustaining power provides believers with assurance and hope. In a world marked by uncertainty and change, the knowledge that Christ upholds all things offers comfort and stability. It assures believers that their lives and the world are not subject to random forces but are under the sovereign care of a loving and powerful Savior.
Christ's Role in Redemption and SustenanceThe power of Christ is not limited to the physical realm but extends to the spiritual. Through His death and resurrection, He has secured redemption for humanity, offering eternal life to those who believe. This redemptive work is a testament to His power to uphold not only the physical universe but also the spiritual well-being of His followers.
In the book of Revelation, Christ is depicted as the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, signifying His eternal presence and authority over all creation (
Revelation 1:8). This portrayal reinforces the belief that Christ's power is comprehensive, encompassing all aspects of existence.
ConclusionThe power of Christ, as exhibited in upholding all things, is a foundational aspect of Christian faith. It affirms His divinity, authority, and role as the sustainer of the universe, providing believers with assurance and hope in His sovereign care. Through His word, miracles, and redemptive work, Christ demonstrates His unparalleled power, inviting all to trust in His eternal and unchanging nature.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Colossians 1:17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Torrey's Topical TextbookHebrews 1:3
Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high:
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Jesus Life-Giver and Judge.
... the incurable on the Sabbath resulted from and exhibited His perfect ... Christ quickens
"whom He will;" that is to say ... is no limit to His life-giving power; but He ...
/.../xiii jesus life-giver and judge.htm
The Gospel of John
... He has displayed His power: He has manifested His wisdom: He has exhibited His holiness ...
In Christ, and nowhere else, is God fully and finally revealed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/why four gospels/the gospel of john.htm
Letter ix. Meditation.
... (3.) The wisdom of God, as exhibited in his Word ... 1.) By reason: First, his will the
greatest good; Second, he has power to accomplish ... (8.) How Christ regards us ...
/.../a practical directory for young christian females/letter ix meditation.htm
Introductory Essays
... of the Reformer's life and work, as exhibited in the ... was in Luther's mind the sole
creative power of the ... by a visible sign, instituted by Christ Himself, as a ...
/.../luther/first principles of the reformation/introductory essays.htm
Nature of Covenanting.
... cases, that promise in all its extent is exhibited. ... expostulations of the servants
of Christ, because of ... lawful, their husbands and fathers had supreme power. ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter i nature of covenanting.htm
Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... was the passion and the enthusiasm she exhibited for each ... leads to Gaza, that is
to the power' or wealth ... by her own exertions; only the mercy of Christ can free ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm
The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ...
... has deliberately suppressed it, knowing its fatal power,"he is ... same Almighty One,
I repeat, is exhibited to us ... Ought not Christ to have suffered these things ...
/.../burgon/inspiration and interpretation/vii the essay which brings.htm
Justinian.
... of ambassador from the Gothic king Theodatus, exhibited that belief ... It was that the
Body of Christ was from the ... in God, and if the imperial power rightly and ...
/.../allies/the formation of christendom volume vi/chapter iv justinian.htm
Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... but they may more largely be exhibited in these ... for fighting; neither did any of
Christ's disciples, save ... the emperor, (as being furnished with power to confer ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm
On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity.
... which miracles were contemplated as they are exhibited to us ... you ought to be, and
love Christ as you ... and everything referred to the sovereign power of divine ...
/.../temple/essays and reviews the education of the world/on the study of the.htm
Resources
What is the power of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Satan is prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2)? | GotQuestions.orgIs there any power in positive thinking? | GotQuestions.orgPower: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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