Topical Encyclopedia
In the Christian tradition, the term "saints" is often used to refer to all believers, those who have been set apart by God and are sanctified through faith in Jesus Christ. The Bible provides various titles and names for believers, each reflecting different aspects of their identity and relationship with God. These titles emphasize the spiritual status, responsibilities, and privileges of those who follow Christ.
1.
Saints: The term "saints" is derived from the Greek word "hagios," meaning "holy" or "set apart." In the New Testament, believers are frequently referred to as saints, indicating their consecration to God. For example, Paul addresses the believers in Rome as "called to be saints" (
Romans 1:7).
2.
Children of God: Believers are often called "children of God," highlighting their adoption into God's family through faith in Christ. This title underscores the intimate relationship between God and His followers. As stated in
John 1:12, "But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God" .
3.
Brethren: The term "brethren" or "brothers and sisters" is used to describe the familial bond among believers. This title reflects the unity and fellowship within the body of Christ. In
Hebrews 2:11, it is written, "Both the One who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers" .
4.
Disciples: Believers are also known as disciples, indicating their role as learners and followers of Jesus. This title emphasizes the commitment to live according to Christ's teachings. In
Acts 11:26, it is noted, "The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch" .
5.
Believers: The term "believers" is used to describe those who have faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work. This title highlights the foundational aspect of faith in the Christian life. In
Acts 5:14, it is recorded, "Yet more and more believers were brought to the Lord—large numbers of both men and women" .
6.
The Elect: Believers are sometimes referred to as "the elect," signifying those chosen by God for salvation. This title reflects the doctrine of divine election and God's sovereign grace. In
Colossians 3:12, Paul writes, "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" .
7.
The Faithful: This title is used to describe believers who remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to God. It underscores the importance of perseverance and loyalty. In
Ephesians 1:1, Paul addresses his letter "to the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus" .
8.
The Redeemed: Believers are called "the redeemed," highlighting their deliverance from sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. This title emphasizes the transformative power of redemption. In
Revelation 5:9, the redeemed sing a new song, proclaiming, "You are worthy to take the scroll and open its seals, because You were slain, and by Your blood You purchased for God those from every tribe and tongue and people and nation" .
9.
The Body of Christ: The collective group of believers is often referred to as "the body of Christ," illustrating the unity and diversity within the church. Each believer is a vital part of this spiritual body, contributing to its growth and function. In
1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul states, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each of you is a member of it" .
These titles and names for believers in the Bible provide a rich tapestry of identity, purpose, and relationship with God. They serve as reminders of the high calling and profound transformation experienced by those who follow Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 5:14And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)
Torrey's Topical Textbook1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Christ the Mediator of the Covenant
... Christ is the sum and quintessence of the gospel; the wonder of angels; the joy
and triumph of saints. ... There are several names and titles in Scripture ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 christ the mediator of.htm
Wisdom and Revelation.
... 2. THE APPEAL. The names and titles of God are ... Adopting, then, the second of these
interpretations, the saints belong to God and are precious in His sight. ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm
Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of
his saints on earth ... Our high priest has all the names and wants of his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm
The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... prove that fellowship he calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles which
they ... These believers in Rome were "called saints." They were not called ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm
The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm
Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... 1. 9 10. Hymn 1:138. Saints in the hands of Christ, John 10. 28 29. ... Hymn 1:147. The
names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. Hymn 1:148. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/
On Idolatry
... manifest from the Scriptures, in which these titles are read ... festivals, fasts and
pilgrimages, [to angels or saints,] and to swear by their names, and not ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm
The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... 2 Tim. 1:9,10. HYMN 138 Saints in the hands of Christ Jn. 10:28,29. ... HYMN 147
The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/
The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this ... yet is there great force in these
titles when appropriately ... Other names may have small significance, but in the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm
Paul in Ephesus.
... All the saints and martyrs did not possess the power of performing miracles ... their
incantations, the heathens made use of some of the names and titles of the ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxii paul in ephesus.htm
Resources
What are the different names and titles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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