A Deep Dive into God’s Power

What is God’s power?

Building on the foundation of God’s omnipotence, Scripture defines His power as the infinite, sovereign authority that upholds all creation and accomplishes His purposes.

The Bible describes God’s power (dynamis in Greek) as more than raw strength - it is the active, transformative energy evident in Ephesians 1:19-20, where Christ’s resurrection demonstrates the same power available to believers, and in Romans 1:20, which reveals God’s "eternal power" discernible through the created order. This power is the divine will, not just physical force, and it can raise the dead and renew human hearts.

In contrast to human power, which is limited by time, circumstance, and moral ambiguity, God’s power operates eternally within His unchanging character. Human rulers may exert influence temporarily, but God’s authority "reigns forever" (Psalm 10:16), and His strength sustains "all things by the word of His power" (Hebrews 1:3). This distinction underscores that God’s power is not a resource to be wielded, but the essence of His being, harmonizing might with holiness.

For believers, this power means that God’s promises will be fulfilled (2 Timothy 1:12) and that sanctification is empowered (Philippians 2:13). Romans 1:20 invites reflection on creation as both a testament to God’s power and a call to faith, while Ephesians 1:20-23 links Christ’s exalted authority to the believer’s union with Him. Recognizing this power shapes a theology of dependence, humility, and hope, as believers participate in God’s redemptive work through the Spirit’s enabling grace.

God’s Power in Ephesians 1:19-20

Ephesians 1:19-20 reveals the incomprehensible power God demonstrated in resurrecting Christ and exalting Him above all authorities.

the apostle Paul describes this power (dynamis) as the divine energy that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at Gods right hand, a position of ultimate authority (Ephesians 1:20). This power transcends human understanding and cosmic forces, emphasizing its supernatural origin and eternal significance. By linking Christs resurrection to this divine might, Paul establishes a foundation for believers to grasp the strength available to them. The text also implies that this same power operates in the lives of those united to Christ, enabling spiritual transformation.

Believers participate in this power through union with Christ, as Philippians 2:13 affirms God works in them to will and act according to His good purpose.

The exaltation of Christ in Ephesians 1:20 demonstrates that Gods power secures believers inheritance in Christ while equipping them to live victoriously. This passage bridges the cosmic and personal dimensions of Gods power, showing how His work in Christ directly impacts the believers life. The next section will explore how this divine power manifests in practical Christian living.

God’s Power in Creation and Redemption

God’s power is clearly shown in creation and redemption, which demonstrate His authority over everything.

In Genesis 1:1-3, God’s creative power is evident as He speaks the universe into being, demonstrating sovereignty over chaos and matter. The command "Let there be light" underscores His authority to bring order from nothingness, a power that continues to sustain the cosmos. This act establishes creation as a testament to God’s "eternal power" (Romans 1:20), inviting reflection on His role as both originator and upholder of life.

Colossians 1:16-17 expands this framework by affirming Christ’s role in creation, stating that "all things were created through Him and for Him." This passage links God’s power to redemption, as the same Christ who sustains the universe becomes the agent of humanity’s reconciliation. The phrase “firstborn over all creation” (Colossians 1:15) shows that divine power does more than create; it also restores brokenness through transformative grace. By reconciling "all things to Himself" (Colossians 1:20), God’s power reveals its dual purpose: to uphold the world and to renew it through Christ.

These dual manifestations of power - creative and redemptive - shape our understanding of God as both transcendent ruler and immanent Savior. They challenge human notions of strength by prioritizing purposeful intention over brute force, as seen in the deliberate design of creation and the sacrificial love of the cross. Recognizing this duality invites believers to trust in a God whose power works "for the good of those who love Him" (Romans 8:28), bridging the cosmic and personal dimensions of His work. This foundation prepares us to explore how such power operates in the lives of individuals and the church’s mission.

Why God’s power Matters Today

Understanding Gods power is essential for modern believers as it empowers them to navigate spiritual challenges and live faithfully in a complex world.

Scripture reveals that the same resurrection power demonstrated in Ephesians 1:19-20which raised Christ above all authoritiesis available to believers, enabling them to trust in divine provision even amid uncertainty. This power, described as the incomprehensible might that sustains creation (Colossians 1:17), reassures followers that Gods strength operates beyond human limitations. When combined with Philippians 2:13s assurance that God works in us to will and to act in accordance with His good purpose, it transforms daily life by aligning human efforts with divine enablement.

Recognizing this power equips believers to overcome spiritual obstacles through faith, while the next section will explore how it practically shapes Christian living and witness.

Going Deeper

To deepen your understanding of God’s power, consider engaging with theological resources and practical devotional tools that explore its biblical and experiential dimensions.

Commentaries on Ephesians (e.g., on 1:19-20) and systematic theology texts on God’s attributes provide scholarly context, while devotional works like J.I. Packer’s *Knowing God* or A.W. Tozer’s *The Knowledge of the Holy* help believers internalize the transformative reality of His power in daily life. Reflecting on Romans 1:20’s revelation of God’s "eternal power" in creation can also anchor faith in His active presence and authority.