Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Children of Promise

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Children of Promise" is a significant biblical designation that refers to those who are recipients of God's covenantal promises, particularly through faith. This title is deeply rooted in the narrative of God's redemptive plan as revealed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the "Children of Promise" is primarily drawn from the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Galatians. In Galatians 4:28 , Paul writes, "Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise." This passage highlights the spiritual lineage of believers, likening them to Isaac, the child born to Abraham and Sarah as a result of God's promise. Isaac's birth was not according to the natural order but was a fulfillment of God's supernatural promise, symbolizing the birth of believers through the promise of the Spirit.

Old Testament Context

The origin of this title can be traced back to the Abrahamic covenant. In Genesis 15:4-5 , God promises Abraham that his offspring will be as numerous as the stars. This promise is reiterated in Genesis 17:19 , where God specifies that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant will be established. Isaac, therefore, becomes the prototype of the "Children of Promise," as his birth was the result of divine intervention and promise rather than human effort.

New Testament Application

In the New Testament, the "Children of Promise" are those who are born not of the flesh but of the Spirit. Paul elaborates on this in Romans 9:8 , stating, "So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring." This distinction emphasizes that true membership in God's family is not based on ethnic descent or human effort but on God's gracious promise and election.

Spiritual Significance

The title "Children of Promise" underscores the spiritual heritage and identity of believers. It affirms that their relationship with God is grounded in His promises, fulfilled in Christ. As children of promise, believers are heirs to the blessings of the covenant, including salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life. This identity calls believers to live in the freedom and assurance that comes from being part of God's covenant family.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of the "Children of Promise" highlights the sovereignty and faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. It also underscores the doctrine of justification by faith, as believers are counted as children of promise not by works but through faith in Jesus Christ. This title serves as a reminder of the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in the person and work of Christ.

In summary, the "Children of Promise" are those who, like Isaac, are born through the promise of God, signifying a spiritual birth and inheritance that transcends natural lineage. This title encapsulates the essence of the gospel message, where faith in God's promises, rather than human effort, defines one's identity and relationship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 9:8
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Galatians 4:28
Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... It was enough of old with the saints, "It is the Lord, let him do ... word Jehovah holds
forth more to angels than all the inculcated names and titles of God ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour ... The wicked have them by providence; the saints
by promise ... He blesses them in their souls, bodies, names, estate, posterity ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God, or
His saints, who know ... For by such names are most suitably figured the enemies ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm

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

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

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 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

An Index to Find any Hymn by the Title or Contents of It.
... 2:137; and Moses, 1:49, 1:118; names and titles ... 43, 2:81, 2:83, 2:84; 3:10; his titles
and kingdom ... Communion With Christ and saints, 3:2; between Christ and the ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.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/

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... the fine linen is the righteousness of the saints," 19:8 ... dwell on the earth shall
wonder, whose names were not ... mention of the Saviour by those titles, which are ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm