General Revelation Demonstrating God's Existence and Power
The concept of general revelation posits that God's existence and power are evident through the created order and human experience, accessible to all people. While the Bible does not explicitly argue for God's existence, it takes it for granted [3]. Instead, it frequently highlights how God's attributes are displayed through His works.
One primary way God's power and glory are exhibited is through creation itself. Psalm 19:1 states, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork" [2]. This suggests that the natural world serves as a testament to its Creator's majesty and power. The "glory of God" is described in various biblical texts as encompassing His majesty, power, and works [2]. For instance, the majesty of God is seen in passages like Job 37:22 and Psalm 93:1, while His power is evident in Exodus 15:1,6 and Romans 6:4 [2]. The sheer scale and intricate design of the universe point to a powerful and intelligent designer, a concept that has been explored by theologians throughout history.
Beyond the natural world, God's power is also demonstrated through His actions in history and His interaction with humanity. The book of Revelation, for example, is an "unveiling of those things which had been veiled," a "manifesto of the kingdom of Christ" [4]. It portrays God's ultimate authority and power over all creation and history [5, 6, 8]. The visions within Revelation, such as God enthroned in His heavenly court, emphasize His unequaled power and splendor compared to any earthly ruler [5]. The Lamb, Jesus Christ, is presented as God's chosen agent for accomplishing His purposes, with a scroll detailing God's complete plans for the world, sealed by His gracious authority and power [6].
Furthermore, God bears witness to Himself through miracles, wonders, and various works of power, including the distribution of the Holy Spirit, according to His will [1]. Jesus's miracles, such as healing the paralytic, served to reveal His authority and identity as God's Messiah [7]. These acts serve as specific instances where God intervenes in the natural order, further demonstrating His omnipotence. The faithful are called to acknowledge God's sovereign rule as the Almighty [8].
Sources
- Hebrews “Hebrews 2:4 (LITV) — God bearing witness with them by both miracles and wonders, and by various works of power, even by distribution of the Holy Spirit, according to His will.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Glory of God, The — Exhibited in Christ -- Joh 1:14; 2Co 4:6; Heb 1:3. Exhibited in His name. -- De 28:58; Ne 9:5. His majesty. -- Job 37:22; Ps 93:1; 104:1; 145:5,12; Isa 2:10. His power. -- Ex 15:1,6; Ro 6:4. His works. -- Ps 19:1; 111:3. His holiness. -- Ex 15:11. Described as Great. -- Ps 138:5. Eternal. -- Ps 104:31. Rich. -- Eph 3:16. Highly exalted. -- Ps 8:1; 113:4. Exhibited to Moses. -- Ex 34:5-7; 33:18-23. Stephen. -- Ac 7:55. His Church. -- De 5:24; Ps 102:16. Enlightens the Church -- Isa 60:1,2; Re 21:11,23. Saints desire to behold -- Ps 63:2; 90:16. God”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: God — (A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew 'El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of 'Eloah_, plural _'Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by "LORD," printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argume”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1 (introduction): 1TITLE: SOURCE AND OBJECT OF THIS REVELATION: BLESSING ON THE READER AND KEEPER OF IT, AS THE TIME IS NEAR: INSCRIPTION TO THE SEVEN CHURCHES: APOSTOLIC GREETING: KEYNOTE, "BEHOLD HE COMETH" (Compare at the close, Rev 22:20, "Surely I come quickly"): INTRODUCTORY VISION OF THE SON OF MAN IN GLORY, AMIDST THE SEVEN CANDLESTICKS, WITH SEVEN STARS IN HIS RIGHT HAND. (Rev. 1:1-20) Revelation--an apocalypse or unveiling of those things which had been veiled. A manifesto of the kingdom of Christ. The travelling manual of the Church for the G”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 4:1: 4:1–5:14 This section introduces the visions and judgments to come. John presents God in his heavenly court—the scene of the drama of Revelation (4:1-11)—and the Lamb, who has a central role (5:1-14). John contrasts the majesty of God with the so-called majesty of Caesar. God’s power and splendor is unequaled by the ceremonial court of any earthly ruler. 4:1-11 The description of God’s throne room stretches the imagination. It builds on the visions of Isa 6:1-4, Ezek 1:4-28, and Dan 7:9-10, where God is seen enthroned in power and majesty. God’s throne dominate”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 5:1: 5:1-14 John introduces the Lamb, Jesus Christ, the central figure of Revelation and God’s chosen agent for accomplishing his purposes. 5:1 The scroll, like a dramatic script, details God’s plan for the world (Ps 139:16). • The right hand represents God’s gracious authority and power (see Rev 1:17, 20). • The writing on the inside and the outside means that God’s plans for history are full and complete. • sealed with seven seals: God has put his purposes for history in an impermeable safe (Isa 29:11-12; Dan 8:26). His purposes will be completed only when the sea”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 9:6: 9:6 So I will prove: Jesus performed the miracle to reveal his authority and identity as God’s Messiah (see 11:2-6; 12:28).”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 11:16: 11:16-18 The twenty-four elders, representing the people of God, confirm God’s victorious enthronement (see study note on 4:4). Their worship acknowledges God’s sovereign rule as the Almighty (see 4:10-11; 5:8-10).”