The title "Beloved" as applied to Jesus Christ holds profound theological significance, reflecting His unique relationship with God the Father and His central role in the divine plan of salvation. This appellation underscores the deep love and approval that Jesus receives from the Father, as well as His intrinsic worthiness and the affection He inspires in believers.

1. Beloved Son of God: The title "Beloved" is prominently used in the context of Jesus' baptism and transfiguration, where God the Father audibly expresses His love and approval of His Son. In Matthew 3:17 , during Jesus' baptism, a voice from heaven declares, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." Similarly, at the transfiguration, Matthew 17:5 records, "While Peter was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!'"

2. The Beloved in the Epistles: The apostolic writings further affirm Jesus as the Beloved. In Ephesians 1:6 , Paul writes, "to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved." Here, "the Beloved" refers to Jesus, emphasizing the grace bestowed upon believers through Him. This title highlights the special status of Jesus as the object of divine love and the channel through which God's grace is dispensed.

3. Beloved by the Church: The early church recognized Jesus as the Beloved, a term that conveys both reverence and affection. The Song of Solomon, while primarily a poetic book about human love, has been traditionally interpreted by Christians as an allegory of Christ's love for the Church. In this context, Jesus is seen as the Beloved, the one who loves and is loved by His bride, the Church.

4. Theological Implications: The designation of Jesus as the Beloved carries deep theological implications. It affirms His divine sonship and the perfect love that exists within the Trinity. This title also assures believers of their acceptance in Christ, as they are loved by God through their union with the Beloved Son. The love that the Father has for the Son is extended to those who are in Christ, making them beloved children of God.

In summary, the title "Beloved" as applied to Jesus Christ encapsulates His unique and cherished position in the divine economy, His role as the mediator of God's grace, and the profound love that He both embodies and imparts to His followers.Ephesians 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he has made us accepted in the beloved.
Nave's Topical Index

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... Saviour; lest, therefore, His manifold appellations should make ... Christ: for though
the titles are many ... is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus, because He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ...
... define doctrine in both directions devise appellations for the ... the great God and
our Saviour Jesus Christ." [2228] And ... another place he uses both names at once ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cli letter or address of.htm

Answer to Eunomius' Second Book .
... There are also many other things which Jesus did, the ... itself could not contain the
fulness of Christ's teaching about ... seek to glory in it by the names we employ ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/answer to eunomius second book.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... calling things by their most forcible and popular appellations. ... As for those whose
names I mention, their crimes or ... to know and love; for Jesus Christ's sake. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Questions about Jesus Christ (All) | GotQuestions.org

How many prophecies did Jesus fulfill? | GotQuestions.org

Is the rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar biblical? | GotQuestions.org

Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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