Topical Bible: The Power of God: The Faith of Saints Stands In

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting in creation, redemption, and the sustaining of all things. It is this divine power that undergirds the faith of the saints, enabling them to stand firm in the face of trials and tribulations. The power of God is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic force that actively works in the lives of believers, empowering them to live out their faith with boldness and conviction.

Creation and Sovereignty

The power of God is first revealed in the act of creation. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God's supreme authority and power over all creation. The psalmist echoes this in Psalm 33:6, "By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and all the stars by the breath of His mouth." God's creative power is a testament to His sovereignty, as He spoke the universe into existence and continues to uphold it by His will.

Redemption and Salvation

The power of God is most profoundly demonstrated in the work of redemption through Jesus Christ. Romans 1:16 declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The gospel is the ultimate expression of God's power, as it transforms sinners into saints and reconciles humanity to God. The resurrection of Jesus is the pinnacle of this redemptive power, as Paul writes in Ephesians 1:19-20, "and the surpassing greatness of His power to us who believe. These are in accordance with the working of His mighty strength, which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead."

Empowerment for Living

The power of God is not only for salvation but also for the daily life of the believer. The apostle Paul emphasizes this in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This divine empowerment enables believers to endure hardships, resist temptation, and fulfill their God-given purposes. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a continual source of strength, as Acts 1:8 promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Faith and Perseverance

The faith of the saints is deeply rooted in the power of God. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Hall of Faith," recounts the accounts of those who, by faith, accomplished great feats and endured severe trials. Their faith was not in their own abilities but in the power of God to fulfill His promises. Hebrews 11:33-34 highlights this, "who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and obtained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength, and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies."

Hope and Assurance

The power of God provides hope and assurance to believers, knowing that He is able to accomplish all that He has promised. Romans 8:38-39 offers this assurance, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This unshakeable confidence in God's power sustains the faith of the saints, enabling them to stand firm in the midst of life's uncertainties.

In summary, the power of God is the foundation upon which the faith of the saints stands. It is a power that creates, redeems, sustains, and empowers, providing believers with the strength and assurance needed to live out their faith in a fallen world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 2:5
That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Prayer of Faith is the Only Power in the Universe to which the ...
... us. The power is only wanting to be used. Prayer is but the expression of
faith. Time ... life. Prayer honours God; it dishonours self. It ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter v the prayer of.htm

Prayer and Faith (Continued)
... Too much authority cannot be attributed to faith; but prayer is the sceptre
by which it signalizes its power. ... Ask of God more faith. ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ii prayer and faith continued.htm

The Being of God
... places at once, not only in regard to the simplicity and purity of his nature, but
in regard to his power, which being ... To walk with God is to walk by faith. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the being of god.htm

Praying Without Doubting
... we can avail ourselves of a power sufficient to ... the victories achieved by the saints
of God who were ... history by their dauntless courage and unwavering faith. ...
/.../anderson/prayer availeth much/chapter 5 praying without doubting.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... To one living in an obscure hamlet faith in the ... possessed of an eternal principle,
had the power to bloom forever, that then all God's saints would come ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

Perseverance of Saints.
... or any one else, would persevere in holiness in our best estate, even for one day
or hoar, if not kept by the power of God through faith, than I ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture li perseverance of saints.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... have one and the same spirit to work it; have' one and the same power to draw ... good
as the greatest of the same metal; so it is with the faith of God's elect ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm

The Unchangeable Christ
... By grace are ye saved, through faith, and that ... prayers of His people to go with the
proclamation of his gospel if it is to be the power of God unto salvation ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 40 1894/the unchangeable christ.htm

Of Creation
... When a soul by faith understands the world was made by God ... The God that made the
heaven and the earth can speak ... Almighty power works in saints, and for saints. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture xviii of creation.htm

Perseverance
... O engage God's power to help you to persevere. We engage his power by prayer. ... Acts
21:13. How persevering in the faith were Ignatius, Polycarp, and Athanasius! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/10 perseverance.htm