Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Beloved of God

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Topical Encyclopedia

The title "Beloved of God" is a profound designation found within the Holy Scriptures, reflecting the deep and abiding love that God has for His saints. This title underscores the intimate relationship between God and those who are called according to His purpose, highlighting the special status and affection bestowed upon them by the Creator.

Biblical References:

1. Romans 1:7 : "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." In this greeting, the Apostle Paul addresses the believers in Rome as those who are "loved by God," indicating their cherished position in His eyes. This love is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign choice and grace.

2. Colossians 3:12 : "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience." Here, Paul exhorts the Colossian believers, reminding them of their identity as "holy and beloved." This identity calls them to live in a manner that reflects their status as God's cherished ones.

3. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 : "Brothers who are beloved by God, we know that He has chosen you." The Thessalonian believers are reassured of their beloved status, which is intrinsically linked to their election by God. This assurance provides comfort and encouragement, affirming their place in God's redemptive plan.

Theological Significance:

The title "Beloved of God" carries significant theological weight, emphasizing the doctrine of divine love and election. It reflects the unconditional and sacrificial love that God extends to His people, a love that is most fully demonstrated in the person and work of Jesus Christ. This love is transformative, calling the saints to live in holiness and to embody the virtues that reflect their beloved status.

Practical Implications:

For the saints, being "Beloved of God" is both a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege to be recipients of God's love, which provides assurance of salvation and eternal security. It is also a responsibility to live in a way that honors this love, manifesting it through acts of compassion, kindness, and humility towards others.

Historical Context:

Throughout church history, the understanding of believers as the "Beloved of God" has been a source of comfort and strength, especially during times of persecution and trial. Early church fathers and theologians have expounded on this theme, encouraging the faithful to remain steadfast in their identity as God's beloved, regardless of external circumstances.

Conclusion:

The title "Beloved of God" is a testament to the profound and unchanging love that God has for His saints. It is a reminder of the intimate relationship between the Creator and His people, a relationship that is rooted in grace and expressed through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As the beloved, the saints are called to live in a manner worthy of this divine love, reflecting it in their interactions with the world around them.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

That Worthy Name.
... of that worthy Name are known to God's Saints; but there ... of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... and to prove that fellowship he calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles
which they could have, "beloved of God, called to be saints;" and then he ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

The Wicked Raised, and Satan Loosed
... Their names, "Gog and Magog,""those applied to the ... of Israel, (Ezek.38:38),"are
appropriate titles to designate ... are permitted to harm the saints, fire from ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the wicked raised and satan.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/

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
... and elect, will consider how to sustain his honors and titles, how to ... then, that
in a mysterious way Christ is in his saints, and beware ... So Paul names no work. ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol ii/fifth sunday after epiphany.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/

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour. ... He hath accepted us in the beloved, (Ephesians
1:6 ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his breast, so they bear his ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... 2:137; and Moses, 1:49, 1:118; names and titles ... 2:43, 2:81, 2:83, 2:84; 3:10; his
titles and kingdom ... by the creation, 1:62; Christian, see Saints, Spiritual, etc ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm

Indexes and Tables
... communion with him, i. [1375]66, [1376]71; and saints, i. [1377]67, [1378]76; iii.
[1379]2; ... names and titles, i. [1455]147, [1456]148, [1457]149; ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/indexes and tables.htm