The concept of Divine work in Christianity
Divine work, according to Christianity, encompasses a range of actions by God aimed at enlightenment, regeneration, and ultimately the salvation of humanity. The concept emphasizes both the gradual process of divine intent and the manifestation of God's perfect character. Different branches of Christianity, including Protestantism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and the Catholic Church, provide distinct interpretations, from God's orchestration of the universe to specific acts of creation and grace. Overall, divine work represents God's profound influence and ongoing engagement with creation for the benefit of humanity.
Synonyms: Sacred task, Spiritual duty, Religious mission, Sacred work, Holy work, Spiritual endeavor, Holy duty
In Malay: Kerja ilahi; In Spanish: Obra divina; In Dutch: Goddelijk werk; In Swedish: Gudomligt arbete; In German: Göttliches Werk; In Finnish: Jumalallinen työ; In French: Œuvre 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 work'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) This refers to the creation of God, specifically the natural form of a person, which should not be changed or corrupted.[1] (2) The divine work refers to the creation of the world and the universe, which some people believed was made by one God for the sake of men.[2] (3) The text describes the divine works and divine commands, which involve the elements and the formation of man, such as fire and water.[3] (4) This describes the actions that were performed by the individual, which were considered to be a result of their powers and authority.[4] (5) The divine works performed by the subject have a great significance, with the strength and power of which had some weight for the present and also declared something for the future.[5]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The text refers to this as the work of Jesus, which angels learn from Him, and they question Him about it to gain knowledge.[6] (2) These are the actions or creations of God, and the order of the Thrones excels the inferior orders by having an immediate knowledge of the types of these, as indicated.[7] (3) Divine works are not void, and even if man had not sinned, there would have been intercourse to which the distinction of sex is ordained.[8] (4) The text mentions that scripture says this, indicating a threefold structure of the works, which includes creation, distinction, and adornment, as a framework for understanding creation.[9] (5) These are the actions or creations of God, and angels, particularly superior ones, know more about the types of the Divine works.[10]
From: The city of God
(1) This term refers to the attachment of corporeal things to incorporeal things, which is more wonderful than earthly things being connected with heavenly.[11]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) This refers to the actions of God, and the glory that springs from the divine work is the lustre of His own perfect character, the bright sum total of all the blended brilliances that compose His name, and it is a prayer that it may.[12] (2) This describes the actions of the divine being, and is a process that is described as being done slowly and with deliberate steps, according to the provided text.[13] (3) This phrase describes actions that are considered beyond human power, such as giving life and judging the world, which are attributed to Jesus.[14] (4) The divine work is made known among men, and by making it known, the building rises course by course.[15] (5) The essential mission carried out by Christ, driven by love and necessity, directed towards the salvation of all people.[16]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) This describes the process of enlightenment, which is a work of God, in which the knowledge of Christ grows, and is an important step in regeneration.[17]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The actions orchestrated by God to achieve specific outcomes, which humans may misunderstand as their own motivations.[18]
From: The Works of Dionysius the Areopagite
(1) Others are questioning Jesus Himself, as desiring to be instructed in the science of His Divine work on our behalf, and Jesus Himself teaching them immediately, and shewing to them, at first hand, His beneficent work out of love to man.[19]