Topical Encyclopedia
Faithfulness of GodThe faithfulness of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, underscoring His unwavering commitment to His promises and His people. God's faithfulness is an intrinsic part of His character, assuring believers that He is reliable and trustworthy in all His ways. In
Deuteronomy 7:9, it is written, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." This verse highlights God's enduring commitment to His covenant, emphasizing His steadfast love and loyalty.
The Psalms frequently celebrate God's faithfulness.
Psalm 36:5 declares, "Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds." Here, the psalmist poetically illustrates the vastness and boundlessness of God's faithfulness, suggesting that it is as expansive as the heavens themselves. Similarly,
Lamentations 3:22-23 offers a profound reflection on God's faithfulness amidst adversity: "Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!"
In the New Testament, God's faithfulness is affirmed in the context of His promises and the assurance of salvation.
1 Corinthians 1:9 states, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This passage reassures believers that God's call to fellowship with Christ is grounded in His unchanging faithfulness. Furthermore,
2 Timothy 2:13 reminds us, "If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself." This verse underscores the constancy of God's faithfulness, independent of human frailty.
Power of GodThe power of God is another fundamental attribute that is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture. God's power is evident in creation, His sovereignty over history, and His ability to accomplish His purposes.
Genesis 1:1-3 introduces God's creative power: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." This account of creation demonstrates God's omnipotence, as He speaks the universe into existence.
The power of God is also manifest in His deliverance and protection of His people. In
Exodus 15:6, following the crossing of the Red Sea, Moses and the Israelites sing, "Your right hand, O LORD, is majestic in power; Your right hand, O LORD, has shattered the enemy." This song of praise acknowledges God's mighty power in delivering Israel from Egyptian bondage.
In the New Testament, God's power is supremely revealed in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:4 declares, "and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord." The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over sin and death, affirming the divinity of Christ and the hope of eternal life for believers.
Furthermore, God's power is at work in the lives of believers through the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:20-21 proclaims, "Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." This passage encourages believers to trust in God's limitless power, which is active in their lives, enabling them to fulfill His purposes.
In summary, the faithfulness and power of God are foundational truths that provide assurance and hope to believers. God's faithfulness guarantees that He will fulfill His promises, while His power ensures that He is able to accomplish all that He wills. These attributes of God invite believers to trust in Him fully, knowing that He is both willing and able to sustain and deliver them.