Topical Encyclopedia The call to honor Jesus is a central theme throughout the New Testament, reflecting the recognition of His divine nature, His redemptive work, and His lordship over all creation. This call is not merely an invitation but a command that resonates with the core of Christian faith and practice.Biblical Foundation The call to honor Jesus is rooted in the acknowledgment of His identity as the Son of God and the Savior of the world. In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself declares, "That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him" (John 5:23). This statement underscores the intrinsic link between honoring Jesus and honoring God the Father, establishing the theological basis for the call to honor Him. Expressions of Honor 1. Worship and Adoration: Worship is a primary expression of honoring Jesus. The New Testament records numerous instances where individuals and groups worship Jesus, recognizing His divine authority and majesty. In Revelation, the heavenly hosts proclaim, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!" (Revelation 5:12). This celestial worship sets a pattern for believers on earth to emulate. 2. Obedience to His Commands: Honoring Jesus is also demonstrated through obedience to His teachings. Jesus emphasizes this connection in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments" . Obedience is a tangible expression of reverence and respect for His authority and wisdom. 3. Proclamation of His Name: The call to honor Jesus extends to the proclamation of His name and the message of the Gospel. The Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:9-10). This passage highlights the universal scope of honoring Jesus, which includes evangelism and the spread of His teachings. 4. Living a Christ-Centered Life: A life that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus is a powerful testament to honoring Him. Believers are called to embody the virtues of Christ, such as love, humility, and service. Colossians 3:17 instructs, "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him" . This holistic approach to life ensures that every action and decision honors Jesus. Theological Implications The call to honor Jesus carries significant theological implications. It affirms His divinity, as only God is worthy of such honor and worship. It also acknowledges His role as the mediator between God and humanity, as seen in 1 Timothy 2:5, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" . Furthermore, honoring Jesus is integral to the believer's relationship with God, as it aligns with the divine will and purpose. Practical Application For believers, the call to honor Jesus is a daily commitment that influences every aspect of life. It involves prioritizing His teachings, seeking His guidance through prayer, and participating in communal worship. Additionally, it requires a willingness to stand for His truth in a world that often opposes His message. By honoring Jesus, believers fulfill their purpose and reflect His glory to the world. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |