Topical Encyclopedia
The term "Faithful" as a title or name for saints is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition, reflecting the steadfastness and loyalty of believers to God and His commandments. This designation underscores the virtue of faithfulness, which is a hallmark of the Christian life and a fruit of the Spirit (
Galatians 5:22).
In the Old Testament, the concept of faithfulness is often associated with God's covenant relationship with His people. The Hebrew word "emunah" conveys a sense of steadfastness and reliability, qualities that God Himself embodies and expects from His followers. The faithful are those who adhere to God's laws and remain loyal to Him despite trials and tribulations.
In the New Testament, the term "faithful" is frequently used to describe those who have committed their lives to Christ and continue to live in accordance with His teachings. The Apostle Paul often addresses believers as "faithful" in his epistles, highlighting their dedication to the Gospel. For instance, in
Ephesians 1:1, Paul writes, "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus" . Here, "faithful" denotes those who are steadfast in their faith and active in their Christian walk.
The Book of Revelation also uses the term "faithful" to describe those who persevere in their faith amidst persecution.
Revelation 2:10 encourages believers with the words, "Be faithful, even unto death, and I will give you the crown of life" . This passage emphasizes the ultimate reward for those who remain loyal to Christ, even in the face of martyrdom.
The title "Faithful" is not only a recognition of past or present loyalty but also a call to future perseverance. It serves as a reminder of the believer's commitment to live a life that reflects the faithfulness of God. In
1 Corinthians 4:2, Paul states, "Now it is required of stewards that they be found faithful" , underscoring the expectation that believers manage their lives and responsibilities in a manner that honors God.
Throughout church history, the saints have been celebrated for their faithfulness, often enduring great hardships for the sake of the Gospel. Their lives serve as examples and inspirations for contemporary believers to remain steadfast in their own faith journeys.
In summary, the title "Faithful" as applied to the saints is a profound acknowledgment of their unwavering commitment to God. It is a testament to their enduring trust in His promises and their dedication to living out their faith in every aspect of life.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 12:1Help, LORD; for the godly man ceases; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.
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
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
Psalm LXXXIII.
... the congregation of God's people in the titles of many ... nation or people of God, or
His saints, who know ... enemies of Christ, under certain proper names of nations ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxiii.htm
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
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 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
The Tournament at Constantinople.
... aloft four banners, on each of which were inscribed his names and titles, and those ...
have ever since retained him among their most honoured saints and heroes ...
/.../the seven champions of christendom/chapter twelve the tournament at.htm
Impiety of Attributing a visible Form to God. --The Setting up of ...
... are the pictures or statues to which they append the names of saints, but exhibitions ...
of statues to himself, but also the consecration of titles and stones ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 impiety of attributing.htm
Vanity of Human Glory.
... has been the happiness of many saints who have ... and skill, and perseverance, with
its proud titles of honour ... Your names will be written in Heaven, with those of ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xii vanity of human.htm
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
Resources
What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.orgIs it biblical to call the wife of a pastor, elder, or bishop the First Lady of the church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of “Everlasting Father” in Isaiah 9:6? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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