The Order of the Universe Declares God's Power
The order and structure of the universe are understood in biblical thought as a declaration of God's power and wisdom [10, 11]. This concept is rooted in the understanding that God is the ultimate source of all power, which is described as one of His attributes [3, 4].
The Bible consistently presents God's power as supreme, unlimited, and everlasting [3, 5]. It is exhibited in the act of creation itself, where the universe was formed by God's command [2, 7]. The regularity of natural phenomena, such as the "river of God" and other rivers, demonstrates God's power and goodness through the order in nature and the predictability of harvests [10]. The very structure of the world, established by God's wisdom, testifies to His greatness [11].
God's power is not only evident in the creation of the cosmos but also in its ongoing sustenance. He upholds all things [2]. This divine power is described as glorious, mighty, and irresistible [3]. The phrase "God of gods" emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty over all other powers, whether in heaven or on earth, including angels or other powerful beings [13]. God's absolute power means "He does as he pleases" [14].
Furthermore, the concept extends to the ordering of human society. The apostle Paul states that "there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God" [1]. Those who resist established authority are, in this view, resisting God's ordinance [6]. This perspective underscores a belief in God's comprehensive sovereignty, where even the structures of governance reflect His ultimate authority. The "armies of heaven" also reveal God’s sovereign power and authority [12].
The unity of God is also exhibited in His works of creation and providence, further highlighting His unique power and greatness [9]. Miracles, too, are seen as manifestations of God's power, demonstrating His glory and serving as evidence of divine commission [8].
Sources
- Romans “Romans 13:1 (BBE) — Let everyone put himself under the authority of the higher powers, because there is no power which is not of God, and all powers are ordered by God.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Power of Christ, The — As the Son of God, is the power of God -- Joh 5:17-19; 10:28-30. As man, is from the Father -- Ac 10:38. Described as Supreme. -- Eph 1:20,21; 1Pe 3:22. Unlimited. -- Mt 28:18. Over all flesh. -- Joh 17:2. Over all things. -- Joh 3:35; Eph 1:22. Glorious. -- 2Th 1:9. Everlasting. -- 1Ti 6:16. Is able to subdue all things -- Php 3:21. Exhibited in Creation. -- Joh 1:3,10; Col 1:16. Upholding all things. -- Col 1:17; Heb 1:3. Salvation. -- Isa 63:1; Heb 7:25. His teaching. -- Mt 7:28,29; Lu 4:32. Working miracles. -- Mt 8:27; Lu 5:17. Enabling ot”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Power of God, The — Is one of his attributes -- Ps 62:11. Expressed by the Voice of God. -- Ps 29:3,5; 68:33. Finger of God. -- Ex 8:19; Ps 8:3. Hand of God. -- Ex 9:3,15; Isa 48:13. Arm of God. -- Job 40:9; Isa 52:10. Thunder of his power. -- Job 26:14. Described as Great. -- Ps 79:11; Na 1:3. Strong. -- Ps 89:13; 136:12. Glorious. -- Ex 15:6; Isa 63:12. Mighty. -- Job 9:4; Ps 89:13. Everlasting. -- Isa 26:4; Ro 1:20. Sovereign. -- Ro 9:21. Effectual. -- Isa 43:13; Eph 3:7. Irresistible. -- De 32:39; Da 4:35. Incomparable. -- Ex 15:11,12; De 3:24; Job 40:9; Ps 89:8.”
- Psalms “Psalms 62:11 (BBE) — Once has God said, twice has it come to my ears, that power is God's:”
- I Peter “I Peter 5:11 (BBE) — His is the power for ever. So be it.”
- Romans “Romans 13:2 (Tyndale) — The powers that be are ordeyned of God. Whosoever therfore resysteth power resisteth the ordinaunce of God. And they that resist shall receave to the selfe damnacio.”
- Hebrews “Hebrews 11:3 (BSB) — By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Miracles — Power of God necessary to -- Joh 3:2. Described as Marvellous things. -- Ps 78:12. Marvellous works. -- Isa 29:14; Ps 105:5. Signs and wonders. -- Jer 32:21; Joh 4:48; 2Co 12:12. Manifest The glory of God. -- Joh 11:4. The glory of Christ. -- Joh 2:11; 11:4. The works of God. -- Joh 9:3. Were evidences of a divine commission -- Ex 4:1-5; Mr 16:20. The Messiah was expected to perform -- Mt 11:2,3; Joh 7:31. Jesus was proved to be the Messiah by -- Mt 11:4-6; Lu 7:20-22; Joh 5:36; Ac 2:22. Jesus was followed on account of -- Mt 4:23-25; 14:35,36; Joh 6:2,26;”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Unity of God — A ground for obeying him exclusively -- De 4:39,40. A ground for loving him supremely -- De 6:4,5; Mr 12:29,30. Asserted by God himself. -- Isa 44:6,8; 45:18,21. Christ. -- Mr 12:29; Joh 17:3. Moses. -- De 4:39; 6:4. Apostles. -- 1Co 8:4,6; Eph 4:6; 1Ti 2:5. Consistent with the deity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit -- Joh 10:30; 1Jo 5:7; Joh 14:9-11. Exhibited in His greatness and wonderful works. -- 2Sa 7:22; Ps 86:10. His works of creation and providence. -- Isa 44:24; 45:5-8. His being alone possessed of fore-knowledge. -- Isa 46:9-11. His exercise”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 65:9: 65:9-13 The created order provides clear evidence of God’s power (65:6-8). He shows his love by maintaining nature. Everything praises the Lord as all the parts fit together harmoniously. 65:9 The river of God and all rivers demonstrate God’s victorious power and goodness through the order in nature and the regularity of the harvests (see 1:3; 36:8; 46:4; Ezek 47:6-12; Zech 14:8; Rev 22:1).”
- Proverbs (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Proverbs 8:27: 8:27-29 God used his wisdom to establish the created order, so wisdom can tell us how the world works and testifies to God’s greatness.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 2:13: 2:13 The armies of heaven reveal God’s sovereign power and authority (2 Kgs 6:17; Ps 148:2). “Lord of Heaven’s Armies” is a common Old Testament name for God (e.g., 1 Sam 1:11; 17:45; 2 Sam 7:8; Isa 5:16; Rom 9:29; Jas 5:4).”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 10:17: 10:17 The phrase God of gods does not affirm the existence of other gods; rather, it affirms God’s absolute sovereignty over all powers in heaven and earth. The Hebrew ’elohim, translated gods, can also refer to angels or other powerful beings (see Ps 82:1). • shows no partiality: God is not impressed with people who hold power and influence, and therefore he offers them no privileged consideration (see Deut 1:17).”
- Daniel (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Daniel 4:35: 4:35 He does as he pleases: God has absolute power in heaven and on earth.”