Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Epistles of Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Epistles of Christ" is a metaphorical title used to describe believers, particularly in the context of their role as living letters or messages of Christ to the world. This concept is primarily derived from the Apostle Paul's writings, specifically in his second letter to the Corinthians. In 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 , Paul writes, "You yourselves are our letter, inscribed on our hearts, known and read by everyone. It is clear that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts."

Biblical Context and Meaning

The imagery of believers as "Epistles of Christ" emphasizes the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was inscribed on stone tablets, the New Covenant is written on the hearts of believers, signifying an internal and spiritual transformation. This transformation is not merely for personal edification but serves as a testimony to the world of the power and reality of Christ's work.

The Role of Believers as Epistles

As "Epistles of Christ," believers are called to embody and communicate the message of the Gospel through their lives. This involves living in a manner that reflects the teachings and character of Jesus Christ. The authenticity of this message is not dependent on human effort alone but is empowered by the Holy Spirit, who inscribes the truths of God on the hearts of believers.

The Ministry of the Spirit

The concept of believers as living letters highlights the ministry of the Spirit in the New Covenant. The Spirit's role is to transform believers into the image of Christ, enabling them to reflect His glory. In 2 Corinthians 3:18 , Paul elaborates, "And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

Implications for the Church

The metaphor of believers as "Epistles of Christ" has profound implications for the Church. It underscores the responsibility of Christians to live out their faith authentically and visibly. The Church, as a collective body of believers, serves as a corporate letter to the world, demonstrating the unity, love, and holiness that characterize the Kingdom of God.

Conclusion

The title "Epistles of Christ" serves as a powerful reminder of the identity and mission of believers. It calls Christians to a life of integrity and witness, empowered by the Spirit, to reveal the reality of Christ to a watching world.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 3:3
For as much as you are manifestly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

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

Acts XI
... special reference to character, they were called saints. ... of mystic Babylon, and the
swelling titles by which ... the obligations implied in the names disciple and ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

Wisdom and Revelation.
... that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory
of His inheritance in the saints, and what ... The names and titles of God ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/vii wisdom and revelation.htm

The Struggler;
... any such Christians and doctrines; their names and doctrines ... And the effect was,
the saints were strengthened ... not charge the following running-titles upon our ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the struggler.htm

The People on the Earth: Chapters 2-3
... Note how the titles of Christ in verse 8 ("I am ... Some of the names are "blotted out."
The others are confessed ... 12 " "Here is the patience of the saints." It is ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the people on the earth .htm

Introduction
... of thousands, of the loose-living members whose names are now ... is why sinners
(Rom.3:19) and saints (Jas.2:12 ... Now the Divine titles are not used loosely, nor are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the law and the saint/introduction.htm

The Old and New Testaments have Many Things in Common -- Far More ...
... Lie." That this is one of the many names of the ... the doctrine of the absolute security
of the saints, but in ... fuller notes on the force of these titles we again ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/the old and new testaments.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

To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ... idols the divine name, while the
saints have received ... the Church, however, constantly used the names of the ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus.
... design of the ministry is "to perfect the saints, and to ... sinecures in the Christian
Church, and that the names of office are not empty titles of honour. ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture xxiv the last interview.htm