Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Dear Children

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Dear Children" is a tender and affectionate title used in the New Testament to describe believers, particularly in the writings of the Apostle John. This designation emphasizes the intimate and familial relationship between God and His followers, as well as the pastoral care and guidance provided by church leaders to their congregations.

Biblical Usage

The phrase "Dear Children" is prominently featured in the Johannine epistles, where the Apostle John addresses his readers with a tone of deep affection and concern. In 1 John 2:1 , John writes, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." Here, John uses the term to express his pastoral heart and his desire for the spiritual well-being of his audience.

Similarly, in 1 John 2:12-14 , John continues to address his readers as "children," "fathers," and "young men," recognizing the different stages of spiritual maturity within the community. The repeated use of "children" underscores the nurturing relationship between the apostle and the believers, as well as the believers' dependence on God as their heavenly Father.

Theological Significance

The title "Dear Children" reflects the concept of spiritual adoption, a key theme in the New Testament. Believers are considered children of God, having been adopted into His family through faith in Jesus Christ. This adoption grants them the rights and privileges of being God's heirs, as articulated in Romans 8:16-17 : "The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him."

Furthermore, the use of "Dear Children" highlights the responsibility of church leaders to care for and instruct their congregations with love and patience. It serves as a reminder of the nurturing role that spiritual leaders play in guiding believers toward maturity in Christ.

Practical Implications

For contemporary believers, being addressed as "Dear Children" serves as a reminder of their identity in Christ and their place within the family of God. It calls them to live in a manner worthy of their calling, striving for holiness and obedience to God's commands. Additionally, it encourages believers to cultivate a childlike faith, characterized by trust, humility, and dependence on their Heavenly Father.

In the context of the church, this title underscores the importance of fostering a loving and supportive community where believers can grow in their faith. It challenges church leaders to emulate the Apostle John's example by shepherding their congregations with compassion and dedication, always pointing them toward the truth of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:1
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... Positively: They have titles of honour. ... gives forth its influence; so though God's
dear adopted ones ... As Christ bears the saints' names upon his breast, so they ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.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

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Mark, Luke, and John,
by their right names, but must ... and they were called by him to be saints. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

Hymns and Spiritual Songs
... Hymn 1:147. The names and titles of Christ, from several scriptures. Hymn 1:148. ...
Hymn 3:2. Communion with Christ, and with saints, 1 Cor. 10. 16 17. ...
//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

Heavenly Contemplation Exemplified, and the Whole Work Concluded.
... is love in his looks; the titles of Redeemer ... are now our different judgments,
reproachful names, divided spirits ... soul have the inheritance of the saints in light ...
/.../the saints everlasting rest/chapter xvi heavenly contemplation exemplified.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 ... Christ, 2:126; 3:10; the avenger
of his saints, 2:115 ... Kingdom And titles of Christ, 1:13; of Christ among men, 1 ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/watts/hymns and spiritual songs/an index to find any.htm

The Psalms and Hymns of Isaac Watts
... From several scriptures. HYMN 148 The names and titles of Christ. From several
scriptures. ... 11:23ff. HYMN 2 Communion with Christ, and with saints. 1 Cor. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/

The Fifth Theological Oration.
... from ourselves, for God resteth nowhere as He doth upon the Saints. ... I tremble when
I think of the abundance of the titles, and how many Names they outrage ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/the fifth theological oration.htm

Indexes and Tables
... and Moses, i. [1453]49, [1454]118; names and titles, i. [1455]147, [1456]148,
[1457]149; ... his titles and kingdom, i. [1516]13; ... the avenger of his saints, ii. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/indexes and tables.htm