The concept of the power of Christ resting upon the saints is a profound theme within Christian theology, emphasizing the transformative and sustaining presence of Jesus Christ in the lives of believers. This power is not merely an abstract force but is intimately connected with the person and work of Christ, manifesting in the lives of those who are united with Him through faith.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a foundational understanding of this concept in his second letter to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 , Paul recounts the Lord's response to his plea for relief from a "thorn in the flesh": "But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." Here, the power of Christ is depicted as being made perfect in human weakness, suggesting that it is in the acknowledgment of one's own limitations that the strength of Christ is most fully realized.

Union with Christ

The power of Christ resting upon the saints is intrinsically linked to the believer's union with Christ. This union is a central tenet of Christian doctrine, wherein believers are spiritually joined to Christ through faith. In Galatians 2:20 , Paul articulates this union: "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." This passage underscores the transformative nature of this union, where the life of the believer is empowered and sustained by the indwelling presence of Christ.

Empowerment for Ministry and Witness

The power of Christ is also evident in the empowerment of believers for ministry and witness. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." This empowerment is not for personal gain but for the fulfillment of the Great Commission, enabling believers to bear witness to the gospel with boldness and effectiveness.

Sustaining Presence in Trials

The power of Christ resting upon the saints is particularly significant in times of trial and suffering. As seen in Paul's experience, this power provides strength and endurance, allowing believers to persevere through difficulties. In Philippians 4:13 , Paul declares, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This assurance of Christ's empowering presence offers comfort and hope, affirming that believers are never alone in their struggles.

Sanctification and Holiness

The power of Christ is also operative in the process of sanctification, whereby believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ. In Ephesians 3:16-17 , Paul prays that believers "may be strengthened with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith." This indwelling presence of Christ empowers believers to live lives of holiness and obedience, reflecting the character of Christ in their daily conduct.

Conclusion

The power of Christ resting upon the saints is a dynamic and multifaceted reality, encompassing empowerment for ministry, sustenance in trials, and the ongoing work of sanctification. Through faith and union with Christ, believers experience His transformative power, enabling them to live victoriously and to fulfill their calling as His witnesses in the world.2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Work of Christ.
... sleeps nor slumbers, that all-seeing eye rests upon us. ... it to the life of the Lord
Jesus Christ before His ... life, that perfect life, had any saving power in it ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/ii the work of christ.htm

The Cause and the Effect
... century had not as clear a knowledge of the great facts upon which our salvation
rests, nor of ... To be as dead and gone, by the power of the death of Christ. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxiv the cause and.htm

The Message and Its Practical Results
... But the sad experience of 'saints' is that they are not yet wholly delivered from
its power. ... and lapses, because it rests upon Christ's finished work of ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/the message and its practical.htm

Faith in God and Christ
... stereoscope; and that the faith which flows to Jesus Christ rests upon God ... The God
whom men know outside of Jesus Christ is a poor ... It has little power to restrain ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/faith in god and christ.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... the Lord" for it: "Our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath ... shall see, by-and-by, where absolving
power comes from ... but the full vigor of mystic influence rests not upon ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

From the Supplement to the Summa --Question Lxxii of the Prayers ...
... and even prayers"for us; just as the Blood of Christ, shed for ... is given to it as
its reward; but the impetratory power of prayer rests upon the generosity ...
/.../aquinas/on prayer and the contemplative life/from the supplement to the.htm

Introduction
... at His second He shall come in power and glory. ... present bondage, when the Curse which
now rests upon all Nature ... all, then it shall be that Christ Himself shall ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/introduction.htm

Psalm LXXXVII.
... city rest, could stand by their own power, he adds ... disciples enter by the door, does
not Christ enter by ... as the support of bodily fabrics rests upon the ground ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvii.htm

"It is Finished"
... His authority rests upon goodness, mercy, and love; and the ... This is not an act of
arbitrary power on the ... is "alienated from the life of God." Christ says, "All ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 79 it is finished.htm

A Consecrated Ministry
... from generations, but now is made manifest to His saints: to whom ... love unfeigned,
by the word of truth, by the power of God ... The Spirit of Christ rests upon him. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 34 a consecrated ministry.htm

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