In the realm of eschatology, the study of end times and ultimate realities, the phrase "now unto him who is able" carries immense significance. This phrase serves as a poignant reminder of the sovereignty and omnipotence of God, particularly in relation to His ultimate plan for creation and the ultimate destiny of His people.
As we navigate the complexities of life, often characterized by uncertainty, trials, and tribulations, the assurance encapsulated in these words serves as a beacon of hope and unwavering trust in the divine. This opening section delves into the profound meaning and implications of this phrase, exploring its biblical context, theological underpinnings, and practical applications for our daily lives.
From its biblical origins in the book of Jude, where it appears as a doxology—a hymn of praise to God—we will trace the theological significance of this phrase. We will delve into the attributes of God that it highlights, particularly His omnipotence, omniscience, and faithfulness. Moreover, we will explore how Christians throughout history have found solace and encouragement in these words, drawing strength from them in times of adversity and uncertainty.
now unto him who is able
A phrase of praise and trust in God's sovereignty.
- Biblical source: Jude 1:24-25
- Highlights God's omnipotence
- Affirms His omniscience
- Assurance of His faithfulness
- Comfort in times of uncertainty
- Strength in adversity
- Inspiration for daily living
- Basis for Christian hope
As we surrender our lives to God's sovereignty, trusting in His ability to work all things for our good, we find peace, hope, and unwavering faith, even in the midst of life's challenges.
Biblical source: Jude 1:24-25
The phrase "now unto him who is able" finds its origin in the book of Jude, a letter written by Jude, the brother of James and a servant of Jesus Christ, to encourage and exhort fellow believers to contend earnestly for the faith. In verses 24-25, Jude offers a doxology, a hymn of praise to God, expressing his utmost confidence in God's ability to keep His people and present them blameless before His glorious presence.
Jude begins this doxology with the words "now unto him who is able." This phrase serves as a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty and omnipotence. The word "now" emphasizes the immediacy and urgency of God's ability to act on behalf of His people. It conveys a sense of unwavering trust in God's willingness and readiness to intervene in their lives.
The phrase "him who is able" is a direct reference to God's omnipotence, His unlimited power and authority over all creation. Jude's choice of words highlights God's ability to accomplish anything and everything He desires, according to His perfect will and purpose. This declaration of God's omnipotence provides immense comfort and assurance to believers, particularly in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
Jude continues his doxology by describing the specific ways in which God is able to keep His people and present them blameless before His glorious presence. He writes, "to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy." These words emphasize God's faithfulness, His commitment to preserving and protecting His children, and His ultimate goal of bringing them into His presence, free from sin and blemish.
Jude's doxology concludes with an expression of praise and glory to God, acknowledging His eternal power and dominion. He writes, "To the only God our Savior, be glory, majesty, power, and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all time, and now, and forevermore. Amen." This final declaration serves as a fitting end to Jude's letter, reminding believers of the surpassing greatness and worthiness of God, who alone is worthy of all honor and praise.
Highlights God's omnipotence
The phrase "now unto him who is able" is a powerful declaration of God's omnipotence, His unlimited power and authority over all creation. This attribute of God is essential to our faith, providing a firm foundation for our trust and confidence in Him.
God's omnipotence is evident in His creative works. He spoke the universe into existence out of nothing, demonstrating His limitless power. He sustains and governs all things, upholding the intricate order and harmony of creation. His omnipotence is also seen in His miraculous interventions throughout history, such as the parting of the Red Sea, the provision of manna in the wilderness, and the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The omnipotence of God is a source of great comfort and assurance to believers. We can trust that He is able to accomplish anything and everything He desires, according to His perfect will and purpose. No matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, we can rest assured that God is in control and that He is working all things together for our good and His glory.
Moreover, God's omnipotence is a reminder of His sovereignty over all things. He is not a distant, disinterested deity, but an active and engaged God who rules over every aspect of our lives. His omnipotence assures us that He is able to protect and deliver us from all harm, to provide for our every need, and to guide us safely through the storms of life.
As we meditate on God's omnipotence, we are filled with awe and wonder. We recognize that He is a God who is infinitely greater than we can ever comprehend, a God who is worthy of our utmost praise, adoration, and worship.
Affirms His omniscience
The phrase "now unto him who is able" not only highlights God's omnipotence but also affirms His omniscience, His perfect knowledge and understanding of all things. This attribute of God is essential for His sovereignty and His ability to accomplish His purposes.
God's omniscience extends to all things, past, present, and future. He knows everything about His creation, from the vast expanse of the universe to the innermost thoughts and intentions of every human heart. Nothing is hidden from His sight, and He has a complete and comprehensive understanding of all things.
The omniscience of God is a source of great comfort and assurance to believers. We can trust that God knows us perfectly, understands our needs, and sees all that we are going through. He is aware of our struggles, our fears, and our deepest longings. We can come to Him with confidence, knowing that He will listen to our prayers and guide us in the way we should go.
Moreover, God's omniscience assures us that He is always in control, even when circumstances seem chaotic and unpredictable. He knows the end from the beginning, and He is working all things together according to His perfect plan. We can trust that He will lead us safely through the storms of life and bring us to our desired destination.
As we meditate on God's omniscience, we are filled with awe and wonder. We recognize that He is a God who is infinitely wise and all-knowing, a God who is worthy of our utmost reverence and adoration.
Assurance of His faithfulness
The phrase "now unto him who is able" also provides believers with the assurance of God's faithfulness. This attribute of God is essential for our trust and confidence in Him, especially in times of difficulty and uncertainty.
God's faithfulness is rooted in His unchanging nature. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His promises are sure, and His love for His people is unwavering. He will never abandon or forsake those who have placed their trust in Him.
God's faithfulness is evident throughout Scripture. He kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and led them safely to the Promised Land. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins, demonstrating His ultimate act of love and faithfulness.
The faithfulness of God is a source of great comfort and encouragement to believers. We can trust that He will always be with us, no matter what challenges we face. He will never leave us alone or allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear. He will provide for our every need and see us through to the end.
As we meditate on God's faithfulness, we are filled with hope and confidence. We know that we can rely on Him to keep His promises and to fulfill His purposes in our lives. We can face the future with assurance, knowing that we are in the hands of a faithful and loving God.
Comfort in times of uncertainty
In a world marked by constant change and uncertainty, the phrase "now unto him who is able" offers believers a profound sense of comfort and assurance. This comfort is rooted in several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people.
- God's sovereignty:
The knowledge that God is in control of all things, even in the midst of uncertainty, provides believers with a sense of peace and security. We can trust that God is working all things together for our good and His glory, even when we cannot see the immediate outcome.
- God's faithfulness:
God's faithfulness means that He will never abandon or forsake His people. He will always be with us, no matter what challenges we face. This assurance gives us the strength and courage to face uncertainty, knowing that we are not alone.
- God's love:
God's love for His people is unconditional and everlasting. He loves us not because of anything we have done, but simply because He is love. This love provides us with a deep sense of comfort and security, knowing that we are loved and accepted by God, regardless of our circumstances.
- God's promises:
God's promises are sure and steadfast. He has promised to never leave us or forsake us, to provide for our every need, and to work all things together for our good. These promises give us hope and confidence in the midst of uncertainty, knowing that we can rely on God to keep His word.
As we meditate on these aspects of God's character and His relationship with us, we find comfort and assurance in the midst of uncertainty. We can trust that God is in control, that He will never abandon us, that He loves us unconditionally, and that He will always keep His promises. These truths provide us with a solid foundation on which to stand, even when the storms of life are raging around us.
Strength in adversity
When faced with adversity, believers can find strength and resilience in the phrase "now unto him who is able." This strength comes from several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people.
- God's power:
God is all-powerful and able to do anything He desires. This means that He can provide us with the strength we need to overcome any challenge we face. He can also use adversity to mold and shape us into the people He wants us to be.
- God's presence:
God has promised to never leave or forsake His people. This means that He is always with us, even in the midst of adversity. His presence gives us strength and courage to face our challenges head-on.
- God's love:
God's love for His people is unconditional and everlasting. This love gives us the assurance that we are not alone and that God is working for our good, even when things are difficult.
- God's promises:
God has promised to provide for our every need and to work all things together for our good. These promises give us hope and confidence in the midst of adversity, knowing that God is in control and that He will ultimately bring about good from our suffering.
As we meditate on these aspects of God's character and His relationship with us, we can find strength and resilience in the midst of adversity. We can trust that God is with us, that He loves us, and that He will ultimately bring about good from our suffering. These truths give us the power to overcome any challenge we face and to emerge from adversity stronger than before.
Inspiration for daily living
The phrase "now unto him who is able" serves as a powerful source of inspiration for daily living. By focusing on God's omnipotence, omniscience, faithfulness, and love, believers can find the strength and guidance they need to navigate the challenges and opportunities of life.
Knowing that God is omnipotent, believers can approach each day with confidence, trusting that He is able to accomplish anything they need Him to do. This knowledge can help them to overcome fear, doubt, and anxiety, and to embrace new challenges with a sense of hope and optimism.
The omniscience of God provides believers with a sense of comfort and direction. Knowing that God knows everything, including their innermost thoughts and feelings, can help them to feel seen, understood, and loved. This knowledge can also guide them in their decision-making, as they seek to align their lives with God's perfect will and purpose.
The faithfulness of God is a source of great encouragement for believers. Knowing that God will never abandon or forsake them, no matter what they face, can give them the strength to persevere through difficult times. It can also motivate them to be faithful to God in all things, knowing that He will always be faithful to them.
Finally, the love of God is the ultimate inspiration for daily living. Knowing that God loves them unconditionally, regardless of their failures or shortcomings, can help believers to accept themselves and others with love and compassion. It can also motivate them to love God and others in return, making a positive impact on the world around them.
Basis for Christian hope
The phrase "now unto him who is able" provides a solid basis for Christian hope. This hope is rooted in several key aspects of God's character and His relationship with His people.
- God's promises:
God has made many promises to His people throughout Scripture. These promises include the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and the ultimate victory over death and evil. Believers can have hope because they know that God is faithful and will always keep His promises.
- God's character:
God is love, mercy, and grace. He is also just and righteous. Because of His character, believers can have hope that He will always do what is best for them, even when they don't understand His ways.
- God's plan:
God has a plan for each believer's life. This plan is perfect and good, even though it may not always be easy to understand. Believers can have hope because they know that God is working all things together for their good and His glory.
- God's power:
God is all-powerful. He is able to do anything He desires. This means that believers can have hope that God can overcome any obstacle and bring about His perfect plan for their lives.
Because of these truths, believers can have a sure and steadfast hope that is not dependent on their circumstances. This hope gives them the strength to face the challenges of life with courage and confidence, knowing that God is in control and that He will ultimately bring about good from all things.
FAQ
Do you have questions about the phrase "now unto him who is able" and its significance in the Christian faith? Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Question 1: Who is "him who is able"?
Answer: "Him who is able" refers to God Almighty, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. He is the all-powerful, all-knowing, and ever-faithful God who is able to do anything and everything He desires.
Question 2: What does it mean to say "now unto him who is able"?
Answer: This phrase is an expression of praise, trust, and reliance on God's ability to accomplish His perfect will and purpose in our lives. It acknowledges His sovereignty and omnipotence, and it expresses our confidence in His faithfulness to keep His promises.
Question 3: Why is it important to focus on God's ability?
Answer: Focusing on God's ability helps us to trust in Him, even when circumstances seem impossible. It reminds us that He is greater than any challenge we face and that He is able to work all things together for our good.
Question 4: How can the phrase "now unto him who is able" help us in our daily lives?
Answer: This phrase can inspire us to live with hope, joy, and confidence. It reminds us that we are not alone and that we can rely on God's strength and guidance in every situation.
Question 5: What are some practical ways to apply this phrase to our lives?
Answer: We can apply this phrase to our lives by praising God for His ability, trusting in Him to accomplish His purposes, and seeking His guidance and strength in all that we do.
Question 6: How can this phrase help us in times of difficulty?
Answer: In times of difficulty, this phrase can remind us that God is still in control and that He is able to bring about good from even the most challenging circumstances.
As we meditate on the phrase "now unto him who is able," we are filled with a sense of awe and wonder at God's greatness and power. We are reminded of His faithfulness and love, and we are encouraged to trust in Him in all things.
The following tips can help you to meditate on this phrase and apply it to your daily life:
Tips
Here are four practical tips for meditating on the phrase "now unto him who is able" and applying it to your daily life:
Tip 1: Make it a daily practice:
Set aside some time each day to meditate on this phrase. You can do this in the morning, during your lunch break, or before you go to bed. Find a quiet place where you can focus your thoughts and reflect on God's greatness and power.
Tip 2: Use it as a prayer:
When you are facing a challenge or feeling overwhelmed, turn to God in prayer and say, "Now unto him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). This prayer will remind you of God's ability to intervene in your situation and bring about a good outcome.
Tip 3: Share it with others:
Share the phrase "now unto him who is able" with your friends, family, and church community. Encourage them to meditate on this phrase and to apply it to their own lives. When we share our faith with others, we are not only blessing them, but we are also strengthening our own faith.
Tip 4: Keep it in mind throughout the day:
As you go about your day, keep the phrase "now unto him who is able" in the back of your mind. When you are tempted to worry or doubt, remind yourself of God's ability to work all things together for your good. This will help you to stay focused on God and to trust in His perfect plan for your life.
As you meditate on the phrase "now unto him who is able" and apply it to your daily life, you will grow in your faith and trust in God. You will also experience a greater sense of peace, joy, and hope, knowing that you are in the hands of a loving and capable God.
The phrase "now unto him who is able" is a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty, omnipotence, and faithfulness. By meditating on this phrase and applying it to our lives, we can grow in our faith and trust in God, and we can experience a greater sense of peace, joy, and hope.
Conclusion
The phrase "now unto him who is able" is a powerful expression of praise, trust, and reliance on God's sovereignty, omnipotence, and faithfulness. Throughout this article, we have explored the biblical source of this phrase, its significance in the Christian faith, and its practical applications for our daily lives.
We have seen that this phrase is rooted in the book of Jude, where it is used as a doxology, a hymn of praise to God. We have also explored how this phrase highlights God's omnipotence, His omniscience, His faithfulness, and His love. We have seen how these attributes of God provide us with comfort in times of uncertainty, strength in adversity, inspiration for daily living, and a basis for Christian hope.
As we meditate on the phrase "now unto him who is able," we are filled with a sense of awe and wonder at God's greatness and power. We are reminded of His faithfulness and love, and we are encouraged to trust in Him in all things. We are also inspired to live with hope, joy, and confidence, knowing that we are not alone and that we can rely on God's strength and guidance in every situation.
As we conclude this article, let us remember the words of the apostle Paul in Ephesians 3:20-21: "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 glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."