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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

  1. 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.”
  2. 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”
  3. 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.”
  4. Psalms “Psalms 62:11 (BBE) — Once has God said, twice has it come to my ears, that power is God's:”
  5. I Peter “I Peter 5:11 (BBE) — His is the power for ever. So be it.”
  6. 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.”
  7. 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.”
  8. 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;”
  9. 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”
  10. 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).”
  11. 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.”
  12. 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).”
  13. 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).”
  14. 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.”
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