Are “All Things” Statements Literal?
This statement in Hebrews describes God’s providence: “And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power.” (Hebrews 1:3a). This verse is often cited in connection with providence because it follows a statement about Christ as creator. He creates the universe and then sustains it. The context indicates that “all things” (Greek ta panta “the all”) is literal. The doctrine of the continued upholding of all things assures us that God remains in control of His own universe. It also refutes false ideas like deism (that God, like a clockmaker, merely wound up the universe and allows it to run on its own). Since God in Christ created the world (Hebrews 1:2), it follows that “all things” upheld includes everything created. Another passage that states this is found here: “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities al
