The title "Friends of Christ" is a profound designation attributed to the saints, reflecting a deep and intimate relationship between believers and Jesus Christ. This title is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Himself, who emphasized the personal and relational aspect of faith.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus explicitly refers to His disciples as friends. He states, "No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you" (John 15:15). This passage highlights the transition from a relationship based on servitude to one characterized by mutual understanding and shared knowledge. The saints, as friends of Christ, are privy to the divine mysteries and purposes revealed by Jesus.

The concept of friendship with Christ is further underscored by the sacrificial love He demonstrated. In the preceding verse, Jesus declares, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends" (John 15:13). This ultimate act of love and sacrifice is the foundation of the friendship between Christ and His followers. It signifies a bond that is not only spiritual but also deeply personal and sacrificial.

The friendship with Christ also implies a call to obedience and alignment with His will. Jesus continues, "You are My friends if you do what I command you" (John 15:14). This obedience is not a burdensome duty but a joyful response to the love and grace received from Christ. The saints, as friends of Christ, are called to live in accordance with His teachings, reflecting His love and truth in their lives.

The Apostle James also touches upon the notion of friendship with God, contrasting it with friendship with the world. He writes, "Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God" (James 4:4). This stark contrast emphasizes the exclusivity and commitment required in the friendship with Christ. The saints are called to forsake worldly values and align themselves wholly with the purposes of God.

The title "Friends of Christ" thus encapsulates a relationship that is intimate, sacrificial, obedient, and exclusive. It is a profound privilege and responsibility bestowed upon the saints, inviting them into a deeper communion with their Savior. Through this friendship, believers are transformed and empowered to live out their faith in a manner that honors and glorifies Christ.John 15:15
From now on I call you not servants; for the servant knows not what his lord does: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known to you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... But when for works of peace he comes,. What winning titles he assumes! ... And well
fulfils the names he wears. ... And saints in full fruition prove. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 147 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... What gentle characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in
vain. Immense compassion reigns. ... Then shall the saints completely prove. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm

The Names and Titles of Christ, from Several Scriptures.
... works of peace he comes, What winning titles he assumes! ... brother he appears, And
well fulfils the names he wears ... the rebels from his friends, And saints in full ...
/.../watts/hymns and spiritual songs/hymn 0 14375 the names and.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... glory in heaven, he is not unmindful of
his saints on earth ... Our high priest has all the names and wants of his people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.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
... to prove that fellowship he calls them by endearing names, by the highest titles
which they ... is in this sense that Paul calls these Roman saints "beloved of ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.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 ... such works were formed,
and to whose names they were ... of the virgin Mary and the saints; (Thesis 16 ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 23 on idolatry.htm

The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... To plead the efficacy of our old titles to our inheritance, if questionable because
of new sins-Saints do not ... for want of a distinct knowledge of Christ in all ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm

Concerning Persecution
... shall they be thought worthy, who clip the names of God's ... It is one of the titles
given to the church ... so the Holy Ghost shows us the blood of saints and martyrs ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

What are the names of Satan? | GotQuestions.org

What is a spiritual father? | GotQuestions.org

Is God male or female? | GotQuestions.org

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