The concept of Power of God in Christianity
The Power of God in Christianity encapsulates the divine ability to perform miracles, sustain the universe, and facilitate salvation. It highlights God's supreme authority over all creation, with manifestations through Christ's actions and sacrifice, particularly during His crucifixion. The Power of God operates within believers, guiding them towards salvation while enabling them to overcome challenges and sin. This concept signifies the divine influence ensuring believers' safety against spiritual threats and underscores the transformative potential of faith within the Christian tradition.
Synonyms: Divine power, God's strength, Heavenly authority, Spiritual force, Divine strength, Sovereign power, Divine authority, Divine energy, Supernatural force, Divine influence, Almighty, Divine might, Omnipotence, Supremacy, Sovereignty
In Dutch: Kracht van God; In Finnish: Jumalan voima; In Spanish: Poder de Dios; In German: Kraft Gottes; In Malay: Kuasa Tuhan; In Swedish: Guds kraft; In French: Puissance de Dieu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Power of God'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) Distrusting the power of God leads to judgment, as demonstrated by the example of Lot’s wife and the overall message of the text.[1] (2) The text describes the Power of God, as well as the Spirit of God, as well as the Word, the Reason, the Wisdom, and the Son of God.[2] (3) The power of God is a term that is used to describe the Son of God, along with the wisdom of God, according to Paul.[3] (4) How great is the power of God! His bare volition was the creation of the universe, showing that creation was instantaneous and complete.[4] (5) The text mentions that the power of God has sometimes recalled men’s souls to their bodies, as a proof of His own transcendent rights, but this should not be confused with sorcery.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The phrase is associated with the Gospel, which is considered the force for salvation, and represents the divine influence that can transform individuals and society, and is not against other agencies.[6] (2) In the neighboring Judaea, Jesus was being spoken of as this, God manifest in the flesh, indicating divine authority.[7] (3) The divine ability and authority that operates within believers, enabling them to achieve the purposes of God in their lives.[8] (4) The divine force that enables Christians to overcome fear, act with love, and exhibit self-control in their lives.[9] (5) The divine strength and authority that brings about salvation and transformation in the lives of believers.[10]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The power of God is associated with Simon Magus, who initially claimed to be an incarnation of the demiurgic power, but later the Apostles were able to manifest this power, as described in the text.[11] (2) The divine tendency of the wonders related in Daniel was to impress degenerate and callous Israel with the full conviction, that the power of God was still the same as it was of old in Egypt.[12] (3) The supreme authority that limits the agency and influence of Satan.[13] (4) The divine strength illustrated through the victory of Gideon's men.[14]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The power of God was what the people of Samaria believed Simon Magus to be, referring to him as 'that power of God which is called Great' because of his sorcery.[15] (2) Refers to the supreme authority and strength possessed by God, often denoted in scripture as a basis for doxologies and divine activity.[16] (3) The theological perspective that God's authority surpasses even the strong power of the sun.[17]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) This is mentioned as the agent that brought in the S.W. wind, which was extraordinary and part of the events surrounding the quails.[18] (2) Born at the Samaritan village, Simeon was converted nominally and baptized through Philip at Sichem or Sychar, where Christ's ministry had already prepared the way.[19]
From: The Complete Sayings of Jesus
(1) A concept emphasized by Jesus indicating that understanding divine scripture requires recognition of God's omnipotence.[20]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) This phrase refers to the ability of God to make things happen, such as the conception of Christ in a virgin, and it is related to the concept of being born again as sons of God.[21] (2) This is one of the causes of rapture, which happens when a man is uplifted by the spirit of God to things supernatural, and the text explores the different causes that can lead to the experience of rapture.[22] (3) This describes the strength and ability of God, often linked to omnipotence, which is contrasted with the capabilities of Christ's soul.[23] (4) This describes the divine capacity, which is not subject to weakness, but rather utilizes intermediate agents to maintain order and bestow upon beings the ability to initiate change.[24] (5) The power of God is responsible for certain actions at the resurrection, happening immediately, specifically at the end of the period during which the angels are working.[25]
From: Works of St. Anselm
(1) The omnipotence of God, which is questioned in the context of why God needed to come down from heaven to vanquish the devil, as He is everywhere.[26] (2) The strength and authority possessed by God, which the Divine person is always full of.[27]
From: The city of God
(1) This phrase refers to the divine's ability to act and influence events, and is often associated with Christ, and is a central concept in faith.[28]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) Refers to the supreme strength and authority of God, particularly highlighted in the context of His self-restraint and patience.[29] (2) The omnipotent ability of God to effectuate His will without change or limitation.[30] (3) The unlimited ability of God to effect change, showing His supreme authority over all creation and His capability to redeem souls.[31] (4) The display of God's strength and authority in creation and throughout the universe.[32] (5) The divine strength and authority exhibited by God in creation and providence, evident in all His works.[33]
From: The Book of the Bee
(1) The divine force that Jacob perceived on the top of the ladder, signifying a manifestation of God.[34]
From: The Book of the Cave of Treasures
(1) The divine strength represented at the top of the ladder, indicating the authority and presence of God.[35]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) The divine strength that belongs to God, through which He rewards and judges His creations.[36]