Topical Encyclopedia
The concept of "speaking things into existence" is often associated with the power of words and faith in the Christian tradition. This idea suggests that believers, through faith and the spoken word, can bring about change or manifest certain realities. While this concept is not explicitly outlined in Scripture, it is derived from various biblical principles and narratives.
Biblical Foundation1.
Creation by the Word of God: The most direct biblical reference to the power of the spoken word is found in the creation narrative.
Genesis 1:3 states, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." Here, God's spoken word brings creation into existence, demonstrating divine authority and power. This passage is foundational for understanding the concept of speaking things into existence, as it illustrates the ultimate example of creative power through speech.
2.
Faith and the Spoken Word: In the New Testament, Jesus emphasizes the power of faith and words. In
Mark 11:23, Jesus teaches, "Truly I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and has no doubt in his heart but believes that it will happen, it will be done for him." This passage highlights the importance of faith in conjunction with spoken words, suggesting that belief is a critical component in the realization of spoken declarations.
3.
The Power of the Tongue: The Bible frequently addresses the significance of words and the tongue.
Proverbs 18:21 states, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." This proverb underscores the potential impact of words, both positive and negative, on one's life and circumstances.
4.
Prophetic Declarations: Throughout the Bible, prophets often speak words that bring about change or predict future events. For example, in
Ezekiel 37:4-5, God commands Ezekiel to prophesy to the dry bones: "Prophesy over these bones and tell them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! This is what the Lord GOD says to these bones: I will cause breath to enter you, and you will come to life.’" The prophetic word, spoken in obedience to God, results in the miraculous revival of the bones.
5.
Jesus' Miracles and Commands: Jesus frequently used spoken commands to perform miracles. In
John 11:43, Jesus calls out to Lazarus, "Lazarus, come out!" and Lazarus is raised from the dead. This demonstrates the authority of Jesus' words and their power to effect change in the physical realm.
Theological ConsiderationsThe idea of speaking things into existence is often linked to the broader theological concept of the believer's authority in Christ.
Ephesians 2:6 states, "And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus." This position of authority is sometimes interpreted as granting believers the ability to speak with power and effect change through faith.
However, it is crucial to recognize that the power to speak things into existence is not inherent in human beings but is derived from God. Believers are encouraged to align their words with God's will and purposes, as seen in 1
John 5:14: "This is the confidence that we have in Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us."
Practical ApplicationIn practice, the concept of speaking things into existence is often applied in prayer, declarations of faith, and positive confession. Believers are encouraged to speak words that reflect God's promises and truth, trusting in His power to bring about His will. This practice is rooted in a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and the transformative power of His Word.
Topical Bible Verses
Genesis 1:1-31In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.
Topicalbible.orgRevelation 3:11
Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.
Topicalbible.org
Library
Chapter iii.
... in reality, every kind of muchspeaking comes from... knows allthings, to whom all
things which exist... themselves as having been broughtinto existence; and those...
Deviations of Heretics from the Truth.
... allthings, and commands allthings into existence,"He who... they change [this truth
into error], even... despise the workmanship of God,speaking against their...
Jehovah --Jesus.
... man knew about, the worlds cameinto existence, it was... This Jesus is Godspeaking
out His innermost heart... It was He who spokethings into being, that creative...
Concerning "Great," "Small," "Same," "Different," "Like," "Unlike...
... and with much greater reason) must we, whenspeaking of Him... in Him through that Power,
exceeding allthings, which brings all Equalityinto existence....
Book V Here She Made an End and was for Turning the Course of Her...
... for turning the course of herspeaking to the... Without doubt, then, allthings that
God foreknows do... and though they result by cominginto existence, yet they...
The Word in Eternity, in the World, and in the Flesh
... Him'; literally 'became,' where the emergenceinto existence of created... is the highest
of these 'allthings,' and verse... So far, John has beenspeaking as from...
That one God Formed allThings in the World, by Means of the Word...
... of death and of hell." And after thesethings, seeing the... the seven spirits of God,
sent forthinto all the earth." [4104] And again, he says,speaking of this...
On the Feast of St Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist
... I am notspeaking to you; ye need not take this... Our Lord says everywhere: "Follow
Me, go through allthings.... when a new form is to comeinto existence, the old...
Maximus, Bishop of Jerusalem.
... For should we say as in air,' we should perforce bespeaking of God... "And does it
seem to you thatthings evil are... "And do actions comeinto existence only when...
Concerning the Holy Trinity.
... word had been used by Gnostics inspeaking of the... in the sense in which all created
things are in... ought rather religiously to adore than curiously to pryinto....
Resources
What is the gift of speaking in tongues? | GotQuestions.orgIs speaking in tongues evidence for having the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is praying in tongues? Is praying in tongues a prayer language between a believer and God? | GotQuestions.orgSpeaking: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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