The concept of Divine intervention in Christianity
Divine intervention in Christianity encompasses God's active participation in human affairs, guiding and altering events as necessary. This includes ensuring the integrity of scripture, guiding the Israelites, and influencing pivotal moments in the New Testament, such as the spread of faith to Gentiles. Divine intervention is manifested through extraordinary actions, miracles, and God's presence within history, emphasizing His role as a Kinsman-Redeemer and the source of salvation, healing, and justice for His people, particularly in times of hardship.
Synonyms: Heavenly influence, Godly intervention, Supernatural aid, Divine assistance, Providence, Miracle, Act of god, Divine influence, Heavenly guidance, Miraculous aid, Miraculous event, Heavenly assistance
In Dutch: Goddelijke interventie; In Finnish: Jumalallinen väliintulo; In Spanish: Intervención divina; In German: Göttliche Intervention; In Malay: Campur tangan ilahi; In Swedish: Gudomligt ingripande; In French: Intervention divine
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Divine intervention'
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This is the action of God which brought the human journeying and work into play for the sake of one soul, highlighting a spiritual influence.[1] (2) The expectation of God's interference to prevent the results of one's actions, which the text suggests is a tempting but unwise thought.[2] (3) God's active involvement in the events surrounding Cornelius and Peter, facilitating the spread of the Christian faith to Gentiles.[3] (4) The action of God in the world, actively influencing events and circumstances.[4] (5) God's active involvement in the world that disrupts evil, illustrating both justice and mercy.[5]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) The plagues are seen as a form of divine intervention, as God's actions and will are manifested through these events, according to the text.[6] (2) The act of a deity influencing human affairs, often signified through dreams.[7] (3) The belief that God's will can override human plans, influencing the course of events in St. Paul's journeys.[8] (4) The concept that God acts in the world in extraordinary ways, such as through miracles, to influence human affairs.[9] (5) The belief that God acts directly within history to deliver His people from suffering, as presented in apocalyptic literature.[10]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The miraculous assistance attributed to God, which led to the self-destruction of the Ammonites during their invasion of Judah in the reign of Jehoshaphat.[11] (2) God's active role in guiding the writing process, ensuring that what is written conveys His intended messages.[12] (3) The extraordinary actions taken by God which facilitated the Israelites' survival and journey through the wilderness.[13]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The belief that God intervened in human affairs, particularly during Hezekiah's conflict with Sennacherib.[14] (2) The belief that God's active involvement influenced the preservation of true religion and morality among the Israelites.[15]
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The involvement of gods in human affairs, as seen through dreams, miracles, and punishments, which can impact individuals' lives.[16] (2) Divine intervention is believed to be the reason the philanthropic scheme of Christianity was introduced among men, and a pious man will believe in it.[17] (3) The involvement of a deity in human affairs, often to effect change or provide assistance.[18] (4) The action taken by God to influence or alter human circumstances, noted in the act of providing salvation.[19]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) God's active involvement in the world, particularly in enacting miracles or altering natural events.[20] (2) The involvement of divine beings, such as angels, in human affairs, often for guidance or communication.[21]
From: The Kebra Nagast
(1) The miraculous actions of God that influenced events, such as the transformation of the Queen’s foot.[22]